DOT awards $1.545M for ASSETS IN SUPPORT OF THE NAS, a short-term purchase order

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,450 ($15.4K)

Contractor: Comark, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2025-05-05

End Date: 2025-05-30

Contract Duration: 25 days

Daily Burn Rate: $618/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: ASSETS IN SUPPORT OF THE NAS

Place of Performance

Location: LOWELL, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01851

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $15,450 to COMARK, LLC for work described as: ASSETS IN SUPPORT OF THE NAS Key points: 1. This contract represents a small portion of the FAA's overall IT spending. 2. The short duration suggests a need for immediate, specific support. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks. 4. The award was made under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, indicating a focus on efficiency for smaller procurements. 5. The contractor, COM ARK, LLC, has a presence in Massachusetts. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 334111 points to electronic computer manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.545 million for a 25-day period is difficult to benchmark without more context on the specific assets and services procured. Given the short duration and the nature of a purchase order, it's likely intended for readily available goods or services. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government. However, without comparable contract data for similar 'assets in support of the NAS,' a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which allows for a broader range of competition than micro-purchase thresholds but is less formal than full and open competition for larger contracts. The data indicates two bids were received, suggesting some level of competition, though the specific details of the solicitation and bidder pool are not provided. This level of competition is typical for procurements within the SAP range.

Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP generally aims to balance efficiency with achieving fair market prices. Two bids suggest that taxpayers likely received a reasonably competitive price, avoiding the potential overpricing associated with sole-source awards.

Public Impact

The National Airspace System (NAS) is the primary beneficiary, ensuring its continued operational integrity. Services delivered likely pertain to the maintenance, upgrade, or provision of electronic computer hardware or related support. The geographic impact is centered around the operational needs of the FAA, potentially nationwide. Workforce implications are minimal given the short duration and likely focus on goods or specialized support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Short contract duration may limit long-term strategic planning or deep integration.
Lack of detailed service description makes it hard to assess the full scope of 'assets in support'.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
Competition under SAP ensures some level of market price discovery.
Award to a contractor with a physical presence in Massachusetts.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader IT and electronics manufacturing sector, specifically related to government procurement of computer hardware and support. The FAA, as a major agency within the Department of Transportation, is a significant purchaser of such goods and services to maintain the complex infrastructure of the National Airspace System. Spending in this area is critical for aviation safety and efficiency.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While the procurement was competed under SAP, which can include small business participation, there's no explicit indication of a small business set-aside. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not detailed in this award notice.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order would typically fall under the Federal Aviation Administration's contracting officers and potentially the Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General, especially if issues arise regarding performance or compliance. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract simplifies some aspects of financial oversight by defining the total cost upfront.

Related Government Programs

FAA IT Modernization Programs
Air Traffic Control Systems Procurement
National Airspace System Infrastructure Support
Federal IT Hardware Acquisition

Risk Flags

Short contract duration may not align with long-term asset lifecycle management.
Limited detail on specific assets procured hinders full value assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $15,450 to COMARK, LLC. ASSETS IN SUPPORT OF THE NAS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COMARK, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15,450.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-05-05. End: 2025-05-30.

What specific 'assets' are being procured or supported under this contract?

The provided data identifies the contract's purpose as 'ASSETS IN SUPPORT OF THE NAS' and links it to NAICS code 334111 (Electronic Computer Manufacturing). This strongly suggests the procurement involves electronic computer hardware, such as servers, workstations, networking equipment, or related components, essential for the operation of the National Airspace System. However, the exact nature of these assets (e.g., specific models, quantities, or whether it's for new acquisition or support/maintenance of existing assets) is not detailed in the summary data. Further investigation into the contract's statement of work would be required for precise clarification.

How does the $1.545 million value compare to typical FAA procurements for similar IT assets?

Benchmarking the $1.545 million value is challenging without specific details on the assets and their quantities. However, considering it's for a 25-day period and falls under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), it suggests a relatively focused or immediate need rather than a large-scale, long-term system acquisition. The FAA procures a wide range of IT assets, from individual workstations to complex air traffic management systems, with values varying significantly. This particular award appears to be a moderate-sized procurement within the SAP threshold, likely for specific hardware or support services rather than a major program component.

What are the potential risks associated with a short-duration purchase order for critical NAS assets?

The primary risk with a short-duration purchase order for critical National Airspace System (NAS) assets is the potential for disruption if the procured items or services do not meet immediate needs or if they fail shortly after delivery. While the firm fixed-price contract mitigates financial risk, performance risk remains. If the assets are crucial for ongoing operations, a delay in delivery or a defect could have operational impacts. The short timeframe also limits the opportunity for extensive testing or integration, increasing the reliance on the contractor's quality assurance and the accuracy of the initial requirements definition.

What is COM ARK, LLC's track record with the FAA or Department of Transportation?

Information regarding COM ARK, LLC's specific track record with the FAA or the Department of Transportation is not detailed in the provided summary data. While the award indicates they are a supplier for 'ASSETS IN SUPPORT OF THE NAS,' their history with the agency, past performance ratings, and the volume of previous contracts are not specified. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) would be necessary to assess their past performance, any potential issues, and their experience level with similar government contracts, particularly within the aviation sector.

What does the NAICS code 334111 imply about the nature of this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 334111, 'Electronic Computer Manufacturing,' indicates that the primary business activity of the contractor, COM ARK, LLC, is related to the manufacturing of computers and related electronic components. For this contract, it suggests that the FAA is procuring tangible electronic computer hardware. This could include desktop computers, servers, laptops, or specialized computing devices. It implies the contract is likely for the supply of goods rather than services, although manufacturing often includes associated support or integration services.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing › Electronic Computer Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Comark LLC

Address: 59 TECHNOLOGY DR, LOWELL, MA, 01851

Business Categories: Category Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,450

Exercised Options: $15,450

Current Obligation: $15,450

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline