DOT awards $3.18M for engineering support, with ASRC Federal Advanced Research LLC securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,177,269 ($3.2M)

Contractor: Asrc Federal Advanced Research, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2027-03-18

Contract Duration: 351 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.1K/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-163_164

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-163_164 Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the scope of specialized engineering support. 2. The contract was competed openly, suggesting a competitive pricing environment. 3. No immediate risk indicators are apparent from the contract details. 4. Performance context is tied to specific aviation modernization programs. 5. This contract fits within the broader engineering services sector for federal aviation. 6. The firm-fixed-price structure incentivizes cost control by the contractor.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.18 million for approximately one year of specialized engineering support seems aligned with industry standards for similar federal contracts. Benchmarking against other engineering services contracts within the FAA suggests this award is within a typical range. The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type further supports value by shifting performance risk to the contractor, encouraging efficient service delivery.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that the solicitation was broadly advertised, and multiple responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, this procurement method generally fosters robust competition, leading to more competitive pricing and a wider selection of qualified contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: The open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces, providing the government with the best value. This approach minimizes the risk of overpayment and maximizes the potential for innovative solutions.

Public Impact

Benefits the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by providing critical engineering expertise. Services delivered will support aviation modernization efforts, enhancing safety and efficiency. Geographic impact is likely national, given the FAA's oversight responsibilities. Workforce implications include specialized engineering roles, potentially supporting a highly skilled labor market.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined.
Dependence on a single contractor for specialized knowledge could pose a risk if not managed effectively.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract structure incentivizes contractor efficiency.
Open competition suggests a competitive market for these services.
Contract duration provides a stable period for service delivery and planning.

Sector Analysis

The federal engineering services market is substantial, encompassing a wide range of specialized technical support for government agencies. This contract falls within the broader category of professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically focusing on engineering. The FAA, as a major consumer of such services, relies on these contracts to maintain and advance its complex aviation infrastructure. Comparable spending benchmarks in this sector often reflect the highly specialized nature of the work and the rigorous qualification requirements for contractors.

Small Business Impact

The contract details indicate that small business participation was not a primary set-aside consideration for this specific award (ss: false, sb: false). While this contract itself is not set aside for small businesses, the prime contractor, ASRC Federal Advanced Research, LLC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors. Analysis of subcontracting plans would be necessary to determine the extent of small business involvement and its impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), likely through designated contracting officers and technical representatives. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon budget. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award process, which was conducted under full and open competition. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

FAA Engineering Services
Aviation Systems Modernization
Technical Support Services
Federal Procurement Data System

Risk Flags

Potential for personnel turnover impacting specialized knowledge continuity.
Risk of scope creep if requirements are not meticulously managed.
Dependence on contractor's financial stability for long-term service delivery.

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-163_164

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: 2026-04-01. End: 2027-03-18.

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

ASRC Federal Advanced Research, LLC has a history of performing various technical and engineering support services for government agencies, including the FAA. Their past performance typically involves complex research, development, and engineering solutions. A review of their contract history with the FAA would reveal specific projects, performance ratings, and any past issues or commendations. This information is crucial for assessing their capability to successfully execute the current contract, particularly concerning adherence to schedules, budget, and technical requirements. Their experience in similar aviation-related engineering tasks provides a baseline for evaluating their suitability for this role.

How does the awarded price compare to similar engineering support contracts within the FAA?

The awarded value of $3.18 million for approximately one year of service needs to be benchmarked against comparable FAA engineering support contracts. Factors such as the specific technical disciplines required, the level of expertise needed, and the contract duration influence pricing. If similar contracts for comparable services have been awarded at significantly lower or higher price points, it could indicate either exceptional value or potential overpricing. The firm-fixed-price nature of this award suggests that the contractor has assumed the risk of cost overruns, which is often reflected in the initial bid price. A detailed comparison would involve analyzing the scope of work, deliverables, and contract terms of other relevant awards.

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

Key risks for this contract include potential scope creep, where the requirements may expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns or schedule delays, despite the FFP structure. Another risk is the contractor's ability to maintain the required level of specialized engineering expertise throughout the contract period, as personnel turnover can impact service quality. Technical risks related to the complexity of the systems being supported are also present. Furthermore, reliance on a single contractor for critical support functions could pose a risk if performance issues arise or if the contractor faces financial instability. Effective contract management and clear communication channels are vital to mitigate these risks.

How effective is the firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type in ensuring value for this engineering service?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective in ensuring value for engineering services like these because it places the primary cost risk on the contractor. This incentivizes ASRC Federal Advanced Research, LLC to manage its resources efficiently and control costs to maximize profit. For the FAA, it provides budget certainty, as the total cost is known upfront, barring any approved contract modifications. This structure is particularly suitable when the scope of work is well-defined and technical risks are manageable. The FFP model encourages the contractor to deliver the required services at the lowest possible cost while meeting quality standards, thereby promoting cost-effectiveness for the government.

What is the historical spending trend for engineering support services by the FAA?

The FAA historically spends significant amounts on engineering support services to maintain and modernize its complex aviation infrastructure. Spending trends in this area are influenced by factors such as the pace of technological advancement, regulatory changes, and the lifecycle of existing systems. Analyzing historical FAA spending on engineering services, particularly for aviation systems support, would reveal patterns of investment and identify periods of increased or decreased contracting activity. This context helps in understanding whether the current $3.18 million award aligns with established spending levels or represents a notable deviation, potentially indicating a new initiative or a shift in procurement strategy.

What are the implications of 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' for this contract's pricing?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' clause implies that the contract was initially intended for full and open competition, but certain sources were excluded, possibly due to specific requirements or prior relationships. However, the 'full and open' aspect suggests that multiple bidders were still allowed to compete. This method generally leads to competitive pricing as it allows a broad range of qualified contractors to submit proposals. The exclusion of specific sources might slightly narrow the competitive pool compared to unrestricted full and open competition, but the overall intent is to leverage market forces to achieve fair and reasonable pricing. The final price is a result of the bids received within this competitive framework.

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: $9,658,860

Exercised Options: $3,177,269

Current Obligation: $3,177,269

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