FAA Task Order for ATEPS II RIO Management Support Awarded to Aurora Innovations for $95,099

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $95,099 ($95.1K)

Contractor: Aurora Innovations, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2025-03-17

End Date: 2025-04-21

Contract Duration: 35 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: TASK ORDER FOR ATEPS II RIO MANAGEMENT SUPPORT FOR AJM-2 PMO. THIS AIR TRAFFIC ENGINEERING AND PROGRAM SUPPORT (ATEPS) II CONTRACT PROVIDES RISK, ISSUE, AND OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT SUPPORT TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION'S (FAA) AIR TRAFFI

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20591

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $95,099.47 to AURORA INNOVATIONS, LLC for work described as: TASK ORDER FOR ATEPS II RIO MANAGEMENT SUPPORT FOR AJM-2 PMO. THIS AIR TRAFFIC ENGINEERING AND PROGRAM SUPPORT (ATEPS) II CONTRACT PROVIDES RISK, ISSUE, AND OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT SUPPORT TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION'S (FAA) AIR TRAFFI Key points: 1. This task order focuses on risk, issue, and opportunity management for the FAA's air traffic engineering programs. 2. Aurora Innovations, LLC, a small business, secured this contract. 3. The contract duration is short (35 days), suggesting a specific, time-bound need. 4. The sector is Engineering Services, supporting critical air traffic infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a Time and Materials (T&M) type, which can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed. The price of $95,099 for a 35-day duration needs careful scrutiny against the scope of work.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a deviation from standard full and open competition. This method may limit price discovery and potentially increase costs.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is relatively small for this specific task order, but the precedent of limited competition for such services warrants attention.

Public Impact

Ensures effective management of risks and issues within critical air traffic programs. Supports the FAA's mission to maintain safe and efficient air travel. Provides specialized engineering and program support services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition method
Time and Materials pricing structure

Positive Signals

Supports critical FAA mission
Awarded to a small business

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), which is crucial for infrastructure development and maintenance. Spending in this sector is generally high due to the complexity and importance of engineering projects.

Small Business Impact

Aurora Innovations, LLC, is listed as a small business. While this award supports a small business, the contract type and competition method should be reviewed to ensure fair opportunity and value.

Oversight & Accountability

The limited competition and T&M pricing structure necessitate robust oversight to ensure the contractor delivers value and stays within budget. The short duration may simplify oversight, but the scope's complexity is key.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition raises concerns about best value.
Time and Materials pricing can lead to cost overruns.
Short duration may indicate a reactive need rather than strategic planning.
Need for clear deliverables and performance metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $95,099.47 to AURORA INNOVATIONS, LLC. TASK ORDER FOR ATEPS II RIO MANAGEMENT SUPPORT FOR AJM-2 PMO. THIS AIR TRAFFIC ENGINEERING AND PROGRAM SUPPORT (ATEPS) II CONTRACT PROVIDES RISK, ISSUE, AND OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT SUPPORT TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION'S (FAA) AIR TRAFFI

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AURORA INNOVATIONS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $95,099.47.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-03-17. End: 2025-04-21.

What specific risks and issues does this task order aim to manage, and how does Aurora Innovations' expertise align with these needs?

This task order focuses on risk, issue, and opportunity management for the FAA's Air Traffic Engineering and Program Support (ATEPS) II contract. Aurora Innovations, LLC, is expected to provide specialized support in identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential problems and capitalizing on opportunities within the FAA's air traffic programs. The effectiveness will depend on the clarity of the SOW and the contractor's demonstrated capabilities in program management and risk analysis.

How does the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' method impact the overall cost-effectiveness compared to a standard full and open competition?

This procurement method, while allowing for some competition, excludes certain potential bidders, which can limit the range of proposals and potentially reduce competitive pressure on pricing. This could lead to higher costs than a truly full and open competition where all qualified sources could bid. The FAA's justification for excluding sources would be critical to understanding the necessity and impact on value.

Given the short 35-day duration and T&M pricing, what mechanisms are in place to prevent scope creep and ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds?

The short duration suggests a focused effort, but the T&M structure requires vigilant oversight. Mechanisms likely include a detailed Statement of Work (SOW), strict monitoring of labor hours and rates, regular progress reports, and defined deliverables. The FAA contracting officer must actively manage the contract to ensure that only necessary work is performed and that costs remain aligned with the anticipated value.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1226 DARTMOUTH RD, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $95,099

Exercised Options: $95,099

Current Obligation: $95,099

Actual Outlays: $95,099

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693KA925D00005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline