DOT awards $3.69M for CAS Project Support to Ascent Consulting, highlighting IT services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,685,879 ($3.7M)

Contractor: Ascent Consulting CO

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2021-09-21

End Date: 2026-09-08

Contract Duration: 1,813 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: CAS PROJECT SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: CHANTILLY, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20152

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $3.7 million to ASCENT CONSULTING CO for work described as: CAS PROJECT SUPPORT Key points: 1. The contract value is $3.69 million, awarded for IT-related services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is 1813 days, ending in September 2026. 4. The NAICS code 541519 indicates 'Other Computer Related Services'.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a Time and Materials (T&M) award, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking T&M contracts requires detailed labor category rates and hours, which are not provided here.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best value through market forces.

Public Impact

Supports Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations through IT services. Contract duration extends over several years, indicating a long-term need. Awarded to Ascent Consulting Co., a specific vendor for these services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost uncertainty.
Lack of specific performance metrics or deliverables in provided data.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Long contract duration suggests sustained operational need.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under 'Other Computer Related Services' (NAICS 541519), a broad category within the IT sector. Spending in this area is significant across federal agencies for system maintenance, development, and support.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further investigation would be needed to assess small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically involve the FAA monitoring contract performance, adherence to T&M limitations, and ensuring the services provided meet requirements. The 'st' field 'VA' might indicate a specific oversight program or status.

Related Government Programs

Other Computer Related Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type.
Lack of detailed service description.
Potential for cost overruns without strict oversight.
No indication of small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $3.7 million to ASCENT CONSULTING CO. CAS PROJECT SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ASCENT CONSULTING CO.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-21. End: 2026-09-08.

What specific IT services are covered under 'CAS Project Support' and how do they align with FAA's mission objectives?

The provided data lacks specifics on 'CAS Project Support.' Typically, 'Other Computer Related Services' can encompass a wide range of activities like IT consulting, system integration, data processing, and IT project management. Understanding the exact nature of these services is crucial to assess their alignment with the FAA's operational needs and strategic goals, ensuring taxpayer funds are used effectively for critical aviation functions.

What are the potential cost risks associated with this Time and Materials contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts carry inherent cost risks due to the potential for unmonitored labor hours and material expenses. Without defined ceilings or strict oversight, costs can escalate beyond initial estimates. Mitigation strategies typically include establishing clear labor rate caps, setting firm not-to-exceed (NTE) limits for the contract, requiring detailed timesheets and justifications for hours worked, and implementing robust performance monitoring by the contracting officer's representative (COR).

How does the awarded price of $3.69 million compare to benchmarks for similar IT support contracts within the federal government?

Benchmarking this $3.69 million contract requires detailed comparison with similar 'Other Computer Related Services' contracts awarded by the FAA or other agencies, considering factors like contract duration, labor categories, and specific service scopes. Without access to detailed pricing data (labor rates, hours, specific deliverables), a precise benchmark is difficult. However, the full and open competition suggests an attempt to achieve competitive pricing, but the T&M structure warrants scrutiny for potential cost efficiencies compared to fixed-price contracts for comparable services.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 27228 BRIDLE PL, CHANTILLY, VA, 20152

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,770,760

Exercised Options: $3,685,879

Current Obligation: $3,685,879

Actual Outlays: $3,039,600

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693KA921D00009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline