DOE's $953K Uber contract for local rideshare services awarded under GSA BPA
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $95,384 ($95.4K)
Contractor: Uber Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2025-08-01
End Date: 2026-08-02
Contract Duration: 366 days
Daily Burn Rate: $261/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: PROVIDE THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE) WITH RIDESHARE SERVICES UNDER THE GSA RIDESHARE/RIDE-HAIL BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES WHO ARE TRAVELING WITHIN A 50-MILE RADIUS FROM THEIR DOE WORKSITE OR DUTY STATION FOR OFFICIAL BUSI
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20585
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $95,384 to UBER TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: PROVIDE THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE) WITH RIDESHARE SERVICES UNDER THE GSA RIDESHARE/RIDE-HAIL BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES WHO ARE TRAVELING WITHIN A 50-MILE RADIUS FROM THEIR DOE WORKSITE OR DUTY STATION FOR OFFICIAL BUSI Key points: 1. Value for money assessed against market rates for rideshare services. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a reliance on a blanket purchase agreement. 3. Risk indicators include potential for price creep and limited service options. 4. Performance context is tied to employee travel needs within a 50-mile radius. 5. Sector positioning within government transportation services, leveraging existing GSA agreements.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's value is benchmarked against the GSA Rideshare/Ride-Hail Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), which aims to secure favorable pricing for federal agencies. While specific per-ride costs are not detailed here, the use of a pre-negotiated BPA suggests a degree of cost control. However, a direct comparison to commercial rideshare pricing for similar trip lengths and times would provide a more granular assessment of value. The firm-fixed-price nature of the award offers budget certainty.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
This contract was competed under a GSA Rideshare/Ride-Hail Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). While BPAs can offer streamlined procurement, the competition level is limited to vendors who are part of the specific BPA. The number of bidders on the underlying BPA is not specified, but the call against it implies a selection process among BPA holders. This approach prioritizes efficiency over broad market competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Using a pre-established BPA limits direct taxpayer exposure to a wide range of pricing options, potentially offering some cost savings through bulk purchasing power. However, it also means taxpayers may not benefit from the most competitive pricing achievable through a fully open solicitation.
Public Impact
Federal employees of the Department of Energy (DOE) benefit from convenient and on-demand transportation for official business. Services delivered include rideshare/ride-hail transportation for official travel within a 50-mile radius of DOE worksites. Geographic impact is concentrated within the District of Columbia, where the contract is active. Workforce implications include enhanced mobility for DOE employees, potentially improving efficiency for short-distance official travel.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for increased costs if ride-hailing demand significantly outstrips supply within the service area.
- Reliance on a single provider (Uber) through the GSA BPA may limit flexibility if service issues arise.
- Scope limitation to 50 miles could necessitate alternative arrangements for longer official trips.
Positive Signals
- Leverages an existing GSA BPA, indicating a streamlined and potentially cost-effective procurement process.
- Provides a readily available transportation solution for DOE employees, supporting operational needs.
- Firm-fixed-price contract offers budget predictability for the Department of Energy.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader transportation and logistics sector, specifically focusing on on-demand mobility services. The government's use of rideshare platforms reflects a trend towards leveraging commercial off-the-shelf solutions for efficiency. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other federal agencies' use of similar GSA BPAs for rideshare services or direct contracts with ride-hailing companies.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside. As it is a call against a GSA BPA, the primary contractor is Uber Technologies, Inc., a large business. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly detailed in the provided data but could potentially exist if Uber engages smaller local transportation providers or related services.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is primarily managed by the Department of Energy through the terms of the GSA Rideshare/Ride-Hail Blanket Purchase Agreement. The contract is firm-fixed-price, providing a degree of financial accountability. Transparency is facilitated by the federal procurement data system, where contract details are recorded. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.
Related Government Programs
- GSA Rideshare/Ride-Hail Blanket Purchase Agreement
- Federal Employee Travel Services
- Department of Energy Travel Management
Risk Flags
- Reliance on a single vendor via BPA
- Potential for price fluctuations outside of BPA terms
- Limited geographic scope (50-mile radius)
Tags
transportation, rideshare, gsa-bpa, department-of-energy, firm-fixed-price, competed-under-sap, district-of-columbia, uber, employee-travel, mobility-services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $95,384 to UBER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. PROVIDE THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE) WITH RIDESHARE SERVICES UNDER THE GSA RIDESHARE/RIDE-HAIL BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES WHO ARE TRAVELING WITHIN A 50-MILE RADIUS FROM THEIR DOE WORKSITE OR DUTY STATION FOR OFFICIAL BUSI
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UBER TECHNOLOGIES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $95,384.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-08-01. End: 2026-08-02.
What is the historical spending pattern for rideshare services at the Department of Energy?
Historical spending data for rideshare services at the Department of Energy (DOE) prior to this specific contract award is not detailed in the provided information. However, the establishment of this contract under a GSA Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) suggests a recognized need for such services. Federal agencies increasingly utilize rideshare platforms to meet employee transportation requirements, often consolidating these needs through master agreements like the GSA BPA to achieve better pricing and streamline procurement. Analyzing past DOE travel budgets and procurement records for taxi services or other transportation methods could offer indirect insights into the potential scale of rideshare usage.
How does the pricing of this contract compare to commercial rideshare rates?
The provided data does not include specific per-ride pricing details for this contract, making a direct comparison to commercial rideshare rates challenging. However, the contract is executed under the GSA Rideshare/Ride-Hail Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). GSA BPAs are intended to secure volume discounts and favorable pricing for federal agencies by leveraging aggregated demand. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the rates negotiated under the BPA are competitive, potentially offering savings compared to standard commercial rates, especially during peak demand periods or for specific service tiers. A precise comparison would require access to the specific rate card associated with this BPA call and a similar commercial ride.
What are the potential risks associated with relying on Uber for federal employee transportation?
Potential risks associated with relying on Uber for federal employee transportation include service disruptions if Uber experiences technical issues or driver shortages in the Washington D.C. area. There's also a risk of price volatility, as rideshare pricing can fluctuate based on demand, although the firm-fixed-price nature of this BPA call aims to mitigate this. Data privacy and security are also considerations, ensuring that employee travel data is handled in compliance with federal regulations. Furthermore, dependence on a single commercial platform might limit flexibility if the government requires specialized transportation services not offered by Uber.
What is the expected impact of this contract on federal employee productivity and efficiency?
This contract is expected to positively impact federal employee productivity and efficiency by providing a convenient and readily accessible mode of transportation for official business within a 50-mile radius of DOE worksites. Employees can utilize rideshare services for short-distance travel, such as commuting between offices, attending meetings off-site, or reaching transportation hubs, without the need for personal vehicles or lengthy booking processes for traditional taxis. This on-demand service can reduce travel time and associated administrative burdens, allowing employees to focus more on their core duties and potentially improving their ability to attend necessary external engagements promptly.
How does the use of a GSA BPA for rideshare services align with broader federal procurement strategies?
The use of a GSA BPA for rideshare services aligns with broader federal procurement strategies focused on leveraging shared services, achieving economies of scale, and simplifying acquisition processes. GSA BPAs allow agencies to tap into pre-negotiated contracts, reducing the time and resources required for individual solicitations. This approach supports the government's goal of modernizing its operations by adopting commercial best practices and technologies. By consolidating demand through BPAs, agencies can often secure better pricing and ensure compliance with federal travel regulations, contributing to overall cost savings and operational efficiency across the federal government.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Taxi and Limousine Service › Taxi and Ridesharing Services
Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRAVEL, LODGING, RECRUITMENT SVCS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1725 3RD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 94158
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $308,739
Exercised Options: $95,384
Current Obligation: $95,384
Actual Outlays: $23,133
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 47QMCB25A0002
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-08-01
Current End Date: 2026-08-02
Potential End Date: 2030-02-02 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
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