DOT's FAA Awards $8.18M for Aeronautical Information Management to Concept Solutions LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,176,026 ($8.2M)

Contractor: Concept Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2020-03-18

End Date: 2026-03-19

Contract Duration: 2,192 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.7K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: EFAST PA 20-037-CS AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT - SPECIAL ACTIVITY AIRSPACE (AIM-SAA)

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20191

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $8.2 million to CONCEPT SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: EFAST PA 20-037-CS AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT - SPECIAL ACTIVITY AIRSPACE (AIM-SAA) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Concept Solutions LLC for specialized airspace management services. 2. Competition method was 'Competed under SAP', suggesting a potentially limited but documented process. 3. Risk is moderate due to the specialized nature of the service and a 6-year duration. 4. The sector is Information Technology, specifically custom computer programming services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's Time and Materials pricing structure for custom programming can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed. Benchmarking against similar custom programming contracts is difficult without more detailed scope information.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was 'Competed under SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating competition occurred but likely among a smaller pool of pre-qualified vendors. This method can impact price discovery compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are impacted by the $8.18M expenditure for specialized IT services, with the ultimate value dependent on efficient service delivery and cost control.

Public Impact

Ensures critical aeronautical information is managed, impacting flight safety and efficiency. Supports the FAA's mission to maintain a safe and efficient airspace system. Funds a specific IT service provider, potentially impacting other vendors in the custom programming market.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials pricing can inflate costs.
Limited competition may reduce price competitiveness.
Long contract duration (6 years) increases long-term cost risk.

Positive Signals

Supports critical FAA operations.
Awarded to a specific company for specialized services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT sector, specifically custom computer programming services. Spending in this area is substantial across government, with benchmarks varying widely based on complexity and duration.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business set-asides were considered or if opportunities were missed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is crucial given the Time and Materials pricing and the 6-year duration. The FAA must ensure diligent monitoring of performance and costs to ensure value for taxpayer money.

Related Government Programs

Custom Computer Programming Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
Limited competition may not yield the best possible price.
Long contract duration increases exposure to changing technological needs and market conditions.
Lack of small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $8.2 million to CONCEPT SOLUTIONS LLC. EFAST PA 20-037-CS AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT - SPECIAL ACTIVITY AIRSPACE (AIM-SAA)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CONCEPT SOLUTIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $8.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-03-18. End: 2026-03-19.

What is the specific scope of 'Special Activity Airspace' and how does this contract ensure efficient management?

Special Activity Airspace (SAA) refers to specific blocks of airspace where normal flight operations are temporarily suspended or restricted for various reasons, such as military exercises or testing. This contract aims to ensure efficient management by providing the necessary custom computer programming services for the Aeronautical Information Management system. The effectiveness hinges on the software's ability to accurately and timely disseminate SAA information to pilots and air traffic control, thereby maintaining safety and operational efficiency within the national airspace system.

How does the 'Competed under SAP' method impact the overall cost-effectiveness compared to full and open competition?

Competing under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) typically involves a smaller pool of vendors and less stringent documentation requirements than full and open competition. While it can expedite the procurement process, it may limit the number of potential bidders, potentially leading to less aggressive pricing. The cost-effectiveness is therefore dependent on the specific market for these specialized services and the diligence of the FAA in soliciting adequate proposals within the SAP framework.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success and value of this contract for the FAA?

Key performance indicators for this contract would likely focus on the accuracy, timeliness, and availability of aeronautical information related to Special Activity Airspace. This includes metrics such as data update frequency, system uptime, reduction in airspace-related incidents or delays, and user satisfaction from pilots and air traffic controllers. Measuring these KPIs will be crucial for assessing the contractor's performance and the overall value delivered to the FAA and the flying public.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11600 SUNRISE VALLEY DR STE 300, RESTON, VA, 20191

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,844,048

Exercised Options: $8,176,026

Current Obligation: $8,176,026

Actual Outlays: $8,053,077

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DTFAWA10A00084

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline