DOT awards $130M for engineering support, with a focus on FAA's AJW-154 program

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $130,000 ($130.0K)

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: $371/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-154

Place of Performance

Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73169

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $130,000 to ASRC FEDERAL ADVANCED RESEARCH, LLC for work described as: SECOND LEVEL ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR AJW-154 Key points: 1. The contract value of $130 million over its period of performance suggests a significant need for specialized engineering expertise. 2. ASRC Federal Advanced Research, LLC, secured this contract, indicating their established presence and capability in the federal engineering services market. 3. The contract type, Firm Fixed Price, aims to provide cost certainty for the government, shifting performance risk to the contractor. 4. The duration of approximately one year (350 days) points to a focused, project-specific requirement rather than long-term sustainment. 5. The procurement method, Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources, suggests a competitive process was intended, though specific details on source exclusion are not provided. 6. The contract is for Delivery Order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

Benchmarking the $130 million value requires understanding the scope of 'SECOND LEVEL ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR AJW-154'. Without specific deliverables or comparable contracts, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests an effort to control costs. The duration of the order (approx. 1 year) implies a substantial annual spend if this is a recurring need, warranting close monitoring of performance against cost.

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'. This indicates that while the competition was intended to be broad, certain sources may have been excluded based on specific criteria. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation generally implies a competitive environment that should drive price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process, even with exclusions, is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best value through market forces.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its AJW-154 program, which will receive critical engineering support. The services delivered will likely involve complex technical analysis, problem-solving, and potentially design or modification support for aviation systems. The geographic impact is centered around the FAA's operational needs, likely supporting national aviation infrastructure. Workforce implications include the employment of specialized engineers and technical personnel by ASRC Federal Advanced Research, LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the 'Exclusion of Sources' could mask a less competitive scenario than implied by 'Full and Open'.
The $130M value for a single delivery order, if indicative of recurring costs, warrants scrutiny to ensure ongoing cost-effectiveness.
The specific nature of 'SECOND LEVEL ENGINEERING SUPPORT' needs clearer definition to fully assess performance risks and value.

Positive Signals

Award to ASRC Federal Advanced Research, LLC, suggests a contractor with proven capabilities in advanced research and engineering.
The Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost predictability for the government.
The 'Full and Open Competition' designation, even with exclusions, points towards an effort to leverage market competition.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), a critical component of the broader aerospace and defense industry. The federal government is a major consumer of engineering services, particularly for complex systems like those managed by the FAA. Spending in this sector is driven by modernization efforts, research and development, and the sustainment of existing infrastructure. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other large-scale engineering support contracts within the FAA or similar agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on small businesses would be through potential subcontracting opportunities if ASRC Federal Advanced Research, LLC, chooses to engage them. Without specific subcontracting plans detailed in the award, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is currently unknown.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), likely managed by program officials overseeing the AJW-154 program. Accountability measures are embedded in the Firm Fixed Price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed budget. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, though detailed performance metrics and specific oversight activities may not be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

FAA Engineering Services Contracts
Department of Transportation IT and Engineering Support
Aerospace Engineering Services
Federal Aviation Administration Program Support

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to source exclusions.
Scope definition clarity for 'second level engineering support'.
Performance monitoring for a large value delivery order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $130,000 to ASRC FEDERAL ADVANCED RESEARCH, LLC. SECOND LEVEL ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR AJW-154

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 $130,000.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the specific nature and scope of the 'SECOND LEVEL ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR AJW-154'?

The term 'SECOND LEVEL ENGINEERING SUPPORT' typically refers to advanced technical assistance that goes beyond basic troubleshooting or first-level helpdesk functions. For the FAA's AJW-154 program, this likely involves in-depth analysis of complex systems, resolution of intricate technical issues, potential redesign or modification recommendations, and support for system upgrades or integration. The AJW-154 designation points to a specific program or project within the FAA, possibly related to air traffic management, aviation safety, or infrastructure. Without access to the detailed Statement of Work (SOW), the precise deliverables, technical challenges, and expected outcomes remain generalized. This level of support often requires highly specialized engineering expertise and a deep understanding of the systems involved.

How does the $130 million contract value compare to similar engineering support contracts within the FAA or DOT?

A $130 million contract value for a single delivery order, especially one with a duration of approximately one year, is substantial. To benchmark this effectively, one would need to compare it against other 'second level' or specialized engineering support contracts awarded by the FAA or the Department of Transportation for comparable programs. Factors such as the complexity of the systems supported, the required expertise, and the duration of the support are crucial. If similar contracts for comparable scope and duration are in the range of $100-$150 million, then this award appears within a reasonable market range. However, if comparable services are typically procured for significantly less, or if this order represents a disproportionately large portion of the AJW-154 program's budget, it might warrant further value-for-money analysis.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and risk mitigation strategies associated with this contract?

Key performance indicators (KPIs) for 'SECOND LEVEL ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES' would likely focus on the timeliness and accuracy of technical analyses, the effectiveness of problem resolutions, adherence to project schedules, and the quality of engineering documentation produced. Risk mitigation strategies are inherent in the Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type, which places the financial risk of cost overruns on the contractor, ASRC Federal Advanced Research, LLC. Additional mitigation would involve clear definition of requirements in the Statement of Work (SOW), regular progress reviews, and potentially performance bonds. The FAA would also monitor the contractor's technical proficiency and responsiveness to ensure risks related to technical failures or delays are minimized.

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

ASRC Federal Advanced Research, LLC, is a known entity within the federal contracting space, often associated with providing advanced technical and engineering solutions. Their track record would need to be examined through contract databases (like FPDS) to identify past performance on similar projects, particularly within the aerospace, defense, or transportation sectors. Key aspects to review include past performance ratings, any history of contract disputes or terminations, and the successful completion of projects with comparable scope and complexity. A positive performance history on relevant contracts would increase confidence in their ability to meet the requirements of this FAA delivery order.

How does the 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' procurement method impact competition and pricing?

The 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' method aims to balance broad competition with specific needs that might necessitate excluding certain types of offerors or specific sources. While 'Full and Open' suggests an intention for wide participation, the 'Exclusion of Sources' clause indicates that specific criteria were used to limit the pool of potential bidders. This could be due to requirements for specific security clearances, proprietary technology access, or unique capabilities. The impact on competition and pricing depends heavily on the justification for the exclusions. If the exclusions were narrowly tailored and justified, it could still lead to robust competition among qualified firms. However, if the exclusions were overly broad or poorly justified, it could limit competition and potentially lead to higher prices than a truly unrestricted full and open competition.

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: $1,745,904

Exercised Options: $580,000

Current Obligation: $130,000

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