DHS Secret Service Awards $2.9M for Public Transit Incentives to WMATA

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,945,167 ($2.9M)

Contractor: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-03-01

End Date: 2027-02-28

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20223

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $2.9 million to WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY for work described as: PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION INCENTIVE PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) for public transportation incentives. 2. The contract is a definitive contract with a firm fixed price. 3. The contract duration is 729 days, ending February 28, 2027. 4. The award value is $2,945,166.67. 5. The PSC code is not available, but the NAICS code is 485113 (Bus and Other Motor Vehicle Transit Systems).

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.9M for public transportation incentives appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar transit incentive programs is difficult without more specific details on the services provided.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, indicating a limited source selection. This could potentially lead to higher prices than if full and open competition were utilized.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to incentivize public transportation, which can have positive environmental and economic impacts, but the lack of competition warrants scrutiny.

Public Impact

Enhances public transportation options and potentially reduces reliance on single-occupancy vehicles. Supports a key transit authority in the nation's capital. Could lead to improved mobility for federal employees and the general public in the DC area. Funding for transit incentives aligns with broader sustainability goals.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Lack of specific performance metrics

Positive Signals

Supports public transportation
Clear contract duration and pricing

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the transportation sector, specifically focusing on public transit. Spending benchmarks for transit incentive programs can vary widely based on the specific goals and geographic scope.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract award. The award was made directly to a large transit authority.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to ensure that the funds are used effectively to achieve the intended public transportation incentives and that WMATA meets its contractual obligations.

Related Government Programs

Bus and Other Motor Vehicle Transit Systems
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Secret Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition raises concerns about potential overpricing.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes effectiveness difficult to assess.
The direct award to a single entity may not leverage the most cost-effective solutions.
The specific nature of the 'incentives' is not clearly defined.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $2.9 million to WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Secret Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-03-01. End: 2027-02-28.

What specific public transportation incentives are being funded by this contract, and how will their effectiveness be measured?

The contract details do not specify the exact nature of the 'public transportation incentives.' Further clarification is needed on whether this includes fare subsidies, infrastructure improvements, or operational enhancements. Robust performance metrics and reporting requirements are essential to assess the value and impact of these incentives on ridership and service quality.

Given the limited competition, what steps were taken to ensure a fair price was negotiated with WMATA?

The contract states it was 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' implying a sole-source or limited-source award. Without details on the justification for limited competition, it's difficult to assess price fairness. Typically, agencies would conduct market research or rely on existing agreements to justify such awards and ensure pricing is reasonable compared to industry standards or historical data.

How does this $2.9M investment in public transit incentives align with the Department of Homeland Security's mission?

While seemingly outside DHS's core security mission, funding public transit incentives could be indirectly linked to ensuring the continuity of essential services and personnel mobility, especially in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Reliable public transportation is critical for workforce access to federal facilities and emergency response operations, thus contributing to overall national security and resilience.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Urban Transit Systems › Bus and Other Motor Vehicle Transit Systems

Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRANSPORTATION OF THINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 7TH ST SW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20024

Business Categories: U.S. Government Authorities, Category Business, Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,952,489

Exercised Options: $2,945,167

Current Obligation: $2,945,167

Actual Outlays: $897,721

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline