DOT awards $2.1M for engineering support, with a 60-day delivery order duration

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,110,825 ($2.1M)

Contractor: Asrc Federal Advanced Research, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2027-03-18

Contract Duration: 350 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SECOND LEVEL ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR AJW-153

Place of Performance

Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73169

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $2.1 million to ASRC FEDERAL ADVANCED RESEARCH, LLC for work described as: SECOND LEVEL ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR AJW-153 Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the fixed-price nature and duration. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a competitive process. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a 'Good' rating for contractor performance and a stable contract type. 4. Performance context shows a 350-day duration for this specific delivery order. 5. Sector positioning is within engineering services for the Federal Aviation Administration.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.11 million for approximately one year of service appears reasonable for specialized engineering support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for FAA engineering services would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm fixed-price structure shifts risk to the contractor, which can be advantageous for the government if scope is well-defined.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while the competition was broad, specific sources may have been excluded based on pre-defined criteria. The number of bidders is not specified, but this method generally aims for competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: This approach to competition aims to ensure fair pricing for taxpayers by allowing multiple qualified vendors to bid, preventing potential price inflation from a lack of options.

Public Impact

Benefits the Federal Aviation Administration by providing essential engineering support. Services delivered include second-level engineering support for AJW-153. Geographic impact is likely concentrated around FAA operations, with the contractor located in Oklahoma. Workforce implications involve specialized engineering roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if 'second-level engineering support' is not clearly defined.
Reliance on a single delivery order may limit long-term strategic planning for the FAA.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Contractor performance rating is 'OK', indicating satisfactory past performance.
Delivery order duration is defined, allowing for clear project timelines.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, a critical component of government operations, particularly for agencies like the FAA that require specialized technical expertise. The market for engineering services is competitive, with numerous firms capable of providing such support. This specific contract value is modest within the broader federal engineering services landscape.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary focus for this specific contract, as the 'sb' field is false. There is no explicit mention of small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements in the provided data, suggesting that larger, established firms were likely the primary bidders.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Federal Aviation Administration's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability is managed through the firm fixed-price contract terms and performance monitoring. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award data being publicly available, though detailed performance reports may be internal.

Related Government Programs

FAA Technical Support Services
Aerospace Engineering Contracts
Federal Aviation Administration Operations Support

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to 'Exclusion of Sources' clause.
Contractor performance rated 'OK' suggests room for improvement.
Delivery Order structure implies potential for follow-on work or broader IDIQ contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $2.1 million to ASRC FEDERAL ADVANCED RESEARCH, LLC. SECOND LEVEL ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR AJW-153

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ASRC FEDERAL ADVANCED RESEARCH, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2027-03-18.

What is the historical spending pattern for 'SECOND LEVEL ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR AJW-153' or similar services by the FAA?

Analyzing historical spending for 'SECOND LEVEL ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR AJW-153' requires access to detailed federal procurement databases beyond the provided snippet. However, the FAA consistently spends significant amounts on engineering and technical support services to maintain aviation safety and infrastructure. Spending patterns for such services are influenced by regulatory changes, technological advancements, and the lifecycle of aviation systems. Contracts can range from short-term, project-specific support to long-term, comprehensive engineering partnerships. The current award of $2.11 million for a delivery order ending in March 2027 suggests a need for ongoing, specialized expertise rather than a large-scale, multi-year program. Historical data would reveal if this is a recurring need, the typical contract values, and the incumbent contractors for similar services.

How does the contractor's performance rating ('OK') compare to industry standards for engineering services?

A performance rating of 'OK' generally signifies satisfactory performance, meeting the basic requirements of the contract without exceptional distinction. In the context of engineering services, this means the contractor is fulfilling its obligations as per the contract terms, delivering services on time, and meeting quality standards. However, it does not indicate outstanding performance or exceeding expectations. For federal contracts, ratings can range from 'Exceptional' to 'Unsatisfactory'. An 'OK' rating suggests a moderate level of risk associated with contractor performance. Agencies often prefer contractors with 'Exceptional' or 'Very Good' past performance ratings, as these indicate a higher likelihood of successful project execution and potentially better value. A consistent pattern of 'OK' ratings might prompt closer scrutiny or a review of performance expectations.

What are the potential risks associated with a 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award type?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' (FOUC ES) award type aims to balance broad competition with specific agency needs. While it allows for a wide range of potential bidders, the 'exclusion of sources' component means that certain entities are pre-emptively disqualified. This exclusion must be justified and documented, often based on technical capabilities, past performance, or specific program requirements. The primary risk is that the exclusion criteria, if not carefully defined or if overly restrictive, could inadvertently limit the pool of qualified bidders, potentially leading to less competitive pricing or reduced innovation. It also introduces a layer of administrative complexity in justifying the exclusions. However, when properly implemented, it can ensure that only vendors with the most relevant expertise are considered, potentially leading to better technical outcomes.

What is the significance of the 'Delivery Order' (DO) contract type in this context?

A Delivery Order (DO) is a type of task order issued under a larger indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a basic ordering agreement (BOA). In this case, the $2.11 million award represents a specific order for services with defined start and end dates (April 2026 to March 2027) and a fixed price. The significance of the DO is that it allows the agency (FAA) to procure services incrementally as needed, providing flexibility. It implies that there might be an underlying IDIQ contract that allows for multiple such orders over a longer period. This approach is common for services that are required periodically or whose exact volume is uncertain at the outset. The fixed price for this specific DO provides cost certainty for the allocated work.

How does the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code '541330' (Engineering Services) typically align with FAA's procurement needs?

The NAICS code 541330, 'Engineering Services,' is highly relevant to the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) mission. The FAA is responsible for the safety and efficiency of civil aviation, which inherently requires extensive engineering expertise across various domains. This includes aerospace engineering, systems engineering, air traffic control systems, airport infrastructure design, and regulatory compliance. Engineering services procured under this NAICS code support the design, development, testing, and maintenance of aircraft, air navigation systems, and air traffic management technologies. The FAA frequently procures these services to ensure that its infrastructure and operational systems meet stringent safety standards and incorporate technological advancements, making this code a core category for their technical support needs.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7000 MUIRKIRK MEADOWS DR STE 100, BELTSVILLE, MD, 20705

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,325,664

Exercised Options: $2,110,825

Current Obligation: $2,110,825

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 6973GH26D00022

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline