DOT awards $1.14M for engineering support, with a focus on FAA's AJW-161 program

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,136,550 ($1.1M)

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: $3.2K/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-161

Place of Performance

Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73169

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $1.1 million to ASRC FEDERAL ADVANCED RESEARCH, LLC for work described as: SECOND LEVEL ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR AJW-161 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the specialized nature of engineering support. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. No immediate risk indicators are apparent from the contract details provided. 4. This contract supports critical FAA operational functions. 5. The engineering services sector is characterized by high technical expertise and specialized firms. 6. Contract duration is standard for this type of service requirement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.14 million for approximately 14 months of service appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized engineering support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for technical services within the FAA or other federal agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, without specific per-unit cost data or detailed scope of work, a definitive comparison is challenging. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government.

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. This suggests a deliberate effort to ensure a competitive process. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation implies multiple interested parties were likely considered.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for taxpayers by encouraging a wider range of qualified contractors to bid.

Public Impact

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) benefits from enhanced engineering support for its AJW-161 program. Services delivered include critical engineering expertise to maintain and improve aviation systems. The geographic impact is primarily within the operational scope of the FAA, likely supporting national aviation infrastructure. Workforce implications include the employment of skilled engineers and technical specialists.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
Firm-fixed-price contract type shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Contract duration is defined, providing clear performance period.
Contractor is ASRC Federal Advanced Research, LLC, a known entity in federal contracting.

Sector Analysis

The engineering services sector (NAICS 541330) is a significant part of the federal procurement landscape, encompassing a wide range of technical and design expertise. This contract for specialized engineering support for the FAA's AJW-161 program fits within this sector. Spending in this area is driven by the need for advanced technical solutions across various government functions, including aviation safety and infrastructure. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within the FAA's historical procurement data for similar technical support services.

Small Business Impact

The contract details indicate that small business participation was not a primary set-aside criterion for this specific award (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is minimal. However, the prime contractor, ASRC Federal Advanced Research, LLC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, depending on their own subcontracting plans and the nature of the services required. Further analysis of subcontracting reports would be needed to assess the broader impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contracting officers and program managers responsible for the AJW-161 program. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like FPDS-NG. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

FAA Air Traffic Control Modernization
Aviation Systems Engineering Support
Aerospace Engineering Services
Federal IT and Engineering Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Competition method requires justification for excluded sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $1.1 million to ASRC FEDERAL ADVANCED RESEARCH, LLC. SECOND LEVEL ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR AJW-161

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 $1.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the specific nature of the 'AJW-161' program and the critical engineering support required?

The AJW-161 program is an internal designation within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) likely related to specific aviation systems, infrastructure, or operational initiatives. While the exact details of AJW-161 are not publicly disclosed in this contract abstract, the 'SECOND LEVEL ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES' indicate a need for advanced technical expertise beyond basic maintenance or first-level support. This could involve complex system analysis, design modifications, troubleshooting of intricate technical issues, integration of new technologies, or ensuring the continued operational integrity of critical aviation assets. The services are crucial for maintaining the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the National Airspace System.

How does the $1.14 million contract value compare to similar engineering support contracts within the FAA or DOT?

Benchmarking the $1.14 million contract value requires access to detailed historical procurement data for similar engineering support services within the FAA and the broader Department of Transportation (DOT). Factors such as contract duration (approximately 14 months), the specific technical disciplines required, and the level of expertise (second-level support) are key comparison points. Generally, specialized engineering support for complex federal systems can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars annually, depending on the scope. Without specific comparable contract details (e.g., scope, duration, number of labor hours), it's difficult to definitively state if this represents excellent or fair value. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests a controlled cost environment.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Potential risks for this contract include technical performance issues, contractor personnel turnover leading to knowledge gaps, or unforeseen complexities within the AJW-161 program that could impact the scope or cost (though mitigated by FFP). Mitigation strategies are primarily embedded in the contract's firm-fixed-price (FFP) structure, which places the cost risk on the contractor. The FAA's oversight by contracting officers and program managers is crucial for monitoring performance and addressing issues proactively. The selection of ASRC Federal Advanced Research, LLC, a company with federal contracting experience, may also reduce performance risk. However, the 'Exclusion of Sources' in the competition warrants scrutiny to ensure no qualified bidders were unfairly prevented from participating.

What is the track record of ASRC Federal Advanced Research, LLC in providing similar engineering support services to the federal government?

ASRC Federal Advanced Research, LLC is a known entity within the federal contracting space, often performing research, development, and engineering services for various government agencies. Their track record typically includes work in areas such as aerospace, defense, and scientific research. To assess their specific performance on similar engineering support contracts, a review of their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) and contract history within the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) would be necessary. This would reveal their history of meeting technical requirements, adhering to schedules, and managing costs on comparable projects.

How does the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' procurement method impact price and innovation?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method aims to balance broad competition with specific requirements. It means that while the competition was open to all responsible sources, certain sources were explicitly excluded, likely due to specific qualifications, past performance issues, or other criteria deemed necessary by the agency. This can lead to a more focused competition among a pre-vetted group of capable contractors. While it can ensure a high level of expertise, the exclusion of potential bidders might limit the breadth of innovative approaches or potentially competitive pricing that could have emerged from a completely unrestricted competition. The justification for excluding sources is critical for ensuring fairness and maximizing value.

What are the long-term implications of this contract for the FAA's operational capabilities?

This contract provides essential engineering support that directly contributes to the operational capabilities of the FAA, particularly concerning the AJW-161 program. By ensuring that the FAA has access to specialized technical expertise, the contract helps maintain the reliability, safety, and efficiency of aviation systems. This support is vital for ongoing operations, potential system upgrades, and addressing complex technical challenges that arise. The successful execution of this contract can bolster the FAA's ability to manage its infrastructure and airspace effectively, contributing to the overall mission of safe and efficient air travel.

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: $4,197,320

Exercised Options: $1,136,550

Current Obligation: $1,136,550

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