DOT awards $3.17M for engineering support, with ASRC Federal Advanced Research LLC securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,167,830 ($3.2M)

Contractor: Asrc Federal Advanced Research, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-03-25

End Date: 2027-03-18

Contract Duration: 358 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.8K/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-1723

Place of Performance

Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73169

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $3.2 million to ASRC FEDERAL ADVANCED RESEARCH, LLC for work described as: SECOND LEVEL ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR AJW-1723 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the duration and scope of engineering services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. No specific risk indicators are immediately apparent from the provided data. 4. This contract supports critical aviation infrastructure maintenance and development. 5. The engineering services sector is characterized by specialized expertise and high demand. 6. The contract is a delivery order, indicating it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.17 million over approximately one year for engineering support services is within a reasonable range for specialized technical assistance. Benchmarking against similar contracts for engineering services within the FAA or DOT would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the government has a clear understanding of the expected costs, which can be a positive indicator of cost control.

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,' which indicates that while the competition was broad, specific sources may have been excluded based on predefined criteria. This suggests a robust competitive process was intended, aiming to solicit bids from a wide range of qualified contractors. The number of bidders is not specified, but the designation implies that multiple entities had the opportunity to compete.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for taxpayers by encouraging multiple vendors to offer their best pricing.

Public Impact

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) benefits through enhanced engineering support for its critical aviation systems. Services delivered will likely include technical analysis, design review, and problem-solving for aviation infrastructure. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting the FAA's oversight of U.S. airspace. The contract supports a specialized engineering workforce, potentially involving highly skilled professionals.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded to a known entity in the federal contracting space.
Contract duration is defined, providing a clear timeframe for service delivery.
Fixed-price contract type can lead to cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

The engineering services sector is a vital component of the federal procurement landscape, supporting a wide array of government functions from infrastructure development to research and development. This contract, falling under NAICS code 541330 (Engineering Services), represents a typical engagement for specialized technical expertise. The FAA, as a major consumer of engineering services, frequently awards contracts in this domain to ensure the safety and efficiency of the national airspace system. Spending in this sector is often driven by infrastructure upgrades, regulatory compliance, and technological advancements.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss and sb flags) was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is unlikely. However, the prime contractor, ASRC Federal Advanced Research, LLC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, contributing indirectly to the small business ecosystem. Further investigation into subcontracting plans would be needed to fully assess the impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the contracting agency. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon cost. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

FAA Engineering and Technical Services
Air Traffic Control Systems Support
Aviation Infrastructure Modernization Programs
Federal Aviation Administration Research and Development

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $3.2 million to ASRC FEDERAL ADVANCED RESEARCH, LLC. SECOND LEVEL ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR AJW-1723

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 $3.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-25. End: 2027-03-18.

What is the track record of ASRC Federal Advanced Research, LLC with the Department of Transportation and the FAA?

ASRC Federal Advanced Research, LLC has a history of contracting with various federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation and its sub-agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Their portfolio often includes complex engineering, research, and technical support services. Analyzing their past performance on similar FAA contracts would reveal their reliability, quality of service, and adherence to schedules and budgets. Specific contract history, including past performance reviews and any disputes or corrective actions, would provide a clearer picture of their capabilities and suitability for this specific engineering support role. A review of their award history within the DOT would indicate the breadth of their engagement and their established relationship with the agency.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar engineering support contracts for aviation infrastructure?

The awarded amount of $3.17 million for approximately one year of engineering support services needs to be benchmarked against comparable contracts. Similar contracts for specialized engineering services within the FAA or other aviation-focused agencies (like NASA or DoD aviation branches) would serve as a basis for comparison. Factors such as the specific technical expertise required, the duration of the contract, the complexity of the systems supported, and the geographic scope of services are crucial for a fair comparison. If this contract's value per service hour or per deliverable is significantly higher or lower than similar engagements, it could indicate either exceptional value or potential overpricing/underbidding. Without direct comparative data, it's challenging to definitively assess value for money.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of engineering support contract?

Key risks for this engineering support contract include potential scope creep, where the requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns or schedule delays, despite the firm-fixed-price structure. Technical risks are also present, such as unforeseen complexities in the systems requiring support, or the contractor's inability to provide the necessary specialized expertise. Contractor performance risk, including potential delays, quality issues, or failure to meet technical specifications, is always a concern. Furthermore, reliance on a single contractor for critical support functions can pose a risk if the contractor faces financial instability or operational disruptions. The 'Exclusion of Sources' aspect of the competition, while allowing for broad initial solicitation, could introduce a risk if it inadvertently excluded highly capable potential bidders.

What is the expected effectiveness of these engineering services in supporting the FAA's mission?

The effectiveness of these engineering services is expected to be high, given their direct support to the FAA's mission of ensuring aviation safety and efficiency. These services likely contribute to the maintenance, upgrade, and operational integrity of air traffic control systems, navigation aids, and other critical aviation infrastructure. By providing specialized technical expertise, the contractor helps the FAA address complex engineering challenges, implement new technologies, and ensure compliance with evolving safety standards. The successful delivery of these services should translate into a more reliable and secure national airspace system, directly supporting the FAA's core objectives and benefiting the flying public.

What has been the historical spending trend for similar engineering services by the FAA?

Historical spending trends for similar engineering services by the FAA are generally characterized by consistent investment due to the continuous need for maintaining and modernizing complex aviation systems. The FAA regularly procures engineering support across various domains, including air traffic management, airport infrastructure, aircraft safety, and research and development. Spending levels can fluctuate based on major modernization initiatives, infrastructure upgrade cycles, and evolving technological requirements. Analyzing past FAA budgets and contract awards for engineering services would reveal patterns of investment, identify key areas of focus, and provide context for the current $3.17 million award. Trends might show increasing investment in areas like NextGen implementation or cybersecurity.

Are there any potential conflicts of interest or ethical concerns related to this contract award?

Based on the provided data alone, there are no explicit indicators of conflicts of interest or ethical concerns. The contract was awarded under a competitive process, which generally mitigates such risks. However, a thorough assessment would require examining the procurement process details, including any pre-award activities, potential organizational conflicts of interest (OCIs) that may have been identified and mitigated, and the contractor's history regarding ethical conduct in federal contracting. Ensuring that the 'Exclusion of Sources' criteria were applied fairly and transparently, without undue influence, is also important. Standard government oversight and contractor compliance mechanisms are in place to address potential ethical issues.

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: $5,144,960

Exercised Options: $3,167,830

Current Obligation: $3,167,830

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