DOT awards $27.4M for Aeronautical Mission Systems Ops & Maint Support to Concept Solutions LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,375,559 ($27.4M)

Contractor: Concept Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2023-08-04

End Date: 2026-08-06

Contract Duration: 1,098 days

Daily Burn Rate: $24.9K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: AERONAUTICAL MISSION SYSTEMS OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20191

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $27.4 million to CONCEPT SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: AERONAUTICAL MISSION SYSTEMS OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Concept Solutions LLC for $27.4M. 2. Services fall under Custom Computer Programming (NAICS 541511). 3. Competition was conducted under SAP, indicating potential for limited competition. 4. The contract duration is 1098 days, ending August 6, 2026.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is Time and Materials, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed closely. Benchmarking against similar custom programming contracts is difficult without more specific service details.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting it was likely awarded to a small number of pre-qualified vendors or through a limited solicitation. This method may not achieve the best possible price discovery compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential operational support. The effectiveness of the competition method in securing the best value will impact the overall taxpayer benefit.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation and maintenance of critical aeronautical systems. Supports the Federal Aviation Administration's mission. Potential for cost efficiencies through competitive bidding, though SAP limits scope. Impacts vendors in the custom computer programming services sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost uncertainty.
SAP competition may limit price competition.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment difficult.

Positive Signals

Supports critical FAA mission functions.
Contract awarded to a specific company for a defined period.
Clear end date for service provision.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically custom computer programming. Spending benchmarks for this category vary widely based on complexity and scope, but $27.4M over nearly three years for operational support is a significant investment.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under SAP, which often favors small businesses. However, the data does not explicitly state if Concept Solutions LLC is a small business, nor does it indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses in this procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically involve the FAA monitoring contract performance, adherence to T&M billing, and ensuring services meet requirements. The use of SAP may imply less rigorous initial oversight compared to larger, full-and-open procurements.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type.
Limited competition under SAP.
Lack of detailed service scope.
Potential for cost overruns.
No explicit small business set-aside mentioned.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $27.4 million to CONCEPT SOLUTIONS LLC. AERONAUTICAL MISSION SYSTEMS OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE SUPPORT

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 $27.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-04. End: 2026-08-06.

What specific aeronautical mission systems are covered by this contract, and how critical are they to overall FAA operations?

The contract covers 'Aeronautical Mission Systems Operations and Maintenance Support.' While the specific systems are not detailed, they are likely integral to air traffic control, navigation, communication, or surveillance systems managed by the FAA. Their criticality is high, as disruptions could impact flight safety and efficiency across the national airspace.

What are the potential risks associated with a Time and Materials contract for this type of service, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risk is cost escalation due to undefined labor hours or material needs. Mitigation strategies include strict monitoring of hours, defined labor categories with rates, and clear task orders. The FAA must actively manage the scope and effort to prevent uncontrolled spending and ensure value.

How does the use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) impact the overall effectiveness and value for money achieved in this contract?

SAP allows for faster procurement but typically involves less competition than full-and-open processes. This can lead to potentially higher prices or less innovative solutions if not managed carefully. Effectiveness is maintained if the chosen vendor delivers required services, but optimal value for money might be compromised compared to broader competition.

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: 4

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: $39,980,115

Exercised Options: $27,375,559

Current Obligation: $27,375,559

Actual Outlays: $18,633,210

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DTFAWA10A00084

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline