DOT awards $200K for visitation scenario tool development, with potential for future expansion

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $199,572 ($199.6K)

Contractor: HDR Engineering, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2024-11-20

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 557 days

Daily Burn Rate: $358/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: CO FLPP NPS SPECIAL PROJECTS PILOTS AND STUDIES THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO DEVELOP A VISITATION SCENARIO MANAGEMENT TOOL.

Place of Performance

Location: DENVER, DENVER County, COLORADO, 80202

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $199,572.07 to HDR ENGINEERING, INC. for work described as: CO FLPP NPS SPECIAL PROJECTS PILOTS AND STUDIES THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO DEVELOP A VISITATION SCENARIO MANAGEMENT TOOL. Key points: 1. Value for money hinges on the successful development and adoption of the visitation scenario management tool. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for these services. 3. Risk indicators include the relatively short duration of the task order and the potential for scope creep. 4. Performance context will be measured by the tool's effectiveness in managing visitation scenarios. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within engineering services for transportation infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of approximately $200,000 for developing a visitation scenario management tool appears reasonable for a specialized engineering service. Benchmarking against similar software development or specialized engineering task orders within the Department of Transportation would provide a clearer picture of value. The firm-fixed-price structure helps control costs, but the ultimate value will depend on the tool's utility and adoption.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the competitive nature suggests that the government sought the best value from the market. This approach generally leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of technical solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at a competitive price, preventing potential overpayment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and potentially other DOT agencies that manage visitation scenarios. The service delivered is the development of a specialized software tool for scenario management. The geographic impact is national, as the tool is intended for use by a federal agency. Workforce implications may include the need for specialized IT and engineering personnel to develop and maintain the tool.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for the tool to become overly complex or difficult to use if requirements are not clearly defined.
Risk of the tool not being fully adopted by end-users, diminishing its intended impact.
Dependency on the contractor for specialized knowledge during the development phase.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
Firm-fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty.
Clear purpose for the task order: developing a specific management tool.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically related to software development for transportation management. The market for such specialized tools is driven by the need for efficient operational management within large government agencies. Comparable spending might be found in contracts for simulation software, data management platforms, or specialized analytical tools within the broader transportation and infrastructure sector.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if HDR Engineering, Inc. has a subcontracting plan that includes small businesses or if the prime contractor itself is a small business. Without this information, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Federal Highway Administration contracting officer and project managers. Accountability measures will be tied to the successful development and delivery of the visitation scenario management tool according to the defined requirements and schedule. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific project details may be internal.

Related Government Programs

Federal Highway Administration Operations
Transportation Planning Software
Scenario Modeling Tools
DOT IT Modernization Efforts

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep given the nature of software development.
User adoption risk if the tool is not intuitive or meets needs.
Dependency on contractor expertise for specialized development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $199,572.07 to HDR ENGINEERING, INC.. CO FLPP NPS SPECIAL PROJECTS PILOTS AND STUDIES THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO DEVELOP A VISITATION SCENARIO MANAGEMENT TOOL.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HDR ENGINEERING, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $199,572.07.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-11-20. End: 2026-05-31.

What is the track record of HDR Engineering, Inc. with the Department of Transportation and similar federal agencies?

HDR Engineering, Inc. has a significant history of contracting with federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation. Their portfolio often includes large-scale engineering, planning, and program management services for infrastructure projects. Analyzing their past performance on similar IT development or specialized tool creation contracts within DOT or other agencies would reveal their capability in this specific area. Past performance reviews and contract close-out data would be crucial to assess their reliability and quality of work on projects of comparable scope and complexity. Their extensive experience suggests a strong understanding of federal contracting processes and agency needs.

How does the cost of this task order compare to similar software development or specialized engineering services for federal agencies?

Benchmarking the $199,572.07 cost requires comparing it to similar task orders for developing specialized management tools or engineering software within the federal government, particularly within the Department of Transportation. Factors such as the complexity of the 'visitation scenario management tool,' the required technical expertise, and the duration of the task order (557 days) are key. If similar tools with comparable functionality and development timelines have been procured for a similar or lower cost, it suggests fair pricing. Conversely, significantly higher costs for comparable services might indicate potential overpricing or unique project requirements. Access to historical contract data and market research reports would be essential for a robust comparison.

What are the primary risks associated with the development of this visitation scenario management tool?

Key risks include scope creep, where project requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, potentially increasing costs and delaying delivery. Technical risks involve the complexity of integrating the tool with existing systems or ensuring its scalability and reliability. User adoption is another significant risk; if the tool is not intuitive or does not meet the end-users' needs, its effectiveness will be limited. Furthermore, the contractor's ability to deliver the specialized functionality within the fixed-price contract and timeline presents a performance risk. The relatively short duration for a development project also implies a need for efficient project management and execution from both the contractor and the government.

What is the expected effectiveness and impact of the visitation scenario management tool once developed?

The expected effectiveness hinges on the tool's ability to accurately and efficiently manage visitation scenarios, likely related to transportation infrastructure planning, maintenance, or public access. If successful, it could lead to improved decision-making, better resource allocation, and enhanced operational efficiency within the Federal Highway Administration or other relevant DOT entities. The impact could include streamlined planning processes, reduced manual effort in scenario analysis, and potentially better outcomes for public engagement or infrastructure utilization. The ultimate measure of success will be the tool's adoption and its contribution to achieving the agency's strategic objectives related to scenario management.

How has federal spending in engineering services for transportation planning and management evolved over the past five years?

Federal spending in engineering services for transportation planning and management has generally seen consistent or increasing trends, driven by infrastructure investment initiatives and the need for modernization. Agencies like the Department of Transportation (DOT) regularly allocate significant funds towards planning, design, and management solutions. Spending patterns are influenced by legislative actions such as infrastructure bills, which often boost funding for related services. There's also a growing emphasis on technology integration, data analytics, and sustainable infrastructure solutions, which may shift spending towards specialized IT and engineering consulting firms. Analyzing historical DOT budgets and contract awards for engineering services would provide specific data on this evolution.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - CONSTRUCTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: HDR, Inc

Address: 1670 BROADWAY STE 3400, DENVER, CO, 80202

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $199,572

Exercised Options: $199,572

Current Obligation: $199,572

Actual Outlays: $176,457

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 6982AF22D000002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline