Department of Transportation awards $11.5M contract for mixed-mode transit systems analysis

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,500,500 ($11.5M)

Contractor: Transitcenter, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2006-09-25

End Date: 2007-09-30

Contract Duration: 370 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31.1K/day

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: FARE MEDIA

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20024

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $11.5 million to TRANSITCENTER, INC for work described as: FARE MEDIA Key points: 1. Contract focuses on analyzing and improving mixed-mode transit systems, a critical component of urban mobility. 2. The award was a delivery order under a larger contract, suggesting a pre-existing relationship or framework. 3. The contract duration of 370 days indicates a focused, short-term project. 4. The firm fixed-price contract type suggests a defined scope and budget, potentially limiting cost overruns. 5. The geographic focus on the District of Columbia highlights a specific regional need for transit analysis. 6. The contractor, TRANSITCENTER, INC, is likely specialized in transportation consulting and analysis.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of $11.5 million for a 370-day analysis project appears substantial for a single delivery order. Without comparable contract data for similar mixed-mode transit system analyses, it is difficult to definitively benchmark the value. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests the government has a clear understanding of the scope and associated costs, which can be a positive indicator for value if the deliverables meet expectations.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The provided data does not specify the competition level for this particular delivery order. Delivery orders can be competed among multiple awardees under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, or they can be sole-sourced. Without this information, it's impossible to assess the impact of competition on price discovery and overall value for money.

Taxpayer Impact: If this delivery order was competed, it likely resulted in a more competitive price for taxpayers. If it was sole-sourced, taxpayers may have paid a premium.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely federal and local transportation agencies seeking data-driven insights into mixed-mode transit. The services delivered will involve analysis and potentially recommendations for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of transit systems. The geographic impact is focused on the District of Columbia, suggesting improvements to local transit infrastructure and user experience. Workforce implications could include the need for analysts, researchers, and transportation planners to implement any recommendations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of transparency regarding the competition method for this delivery order makes it difficult to assess if taxpayers received the best possible price.
The substantial award amount for a single delivery order warrants scrutiny to ensure the scope of work justifies the cost.
Without defined performance metrics, it's challenging to evaluate the ultimate success and impact of the analysis.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract type provides budget certainty for the government.
The focus on mixed-mode transit systems addresses a key area for improving urban mobility and sustainability.
The contract is awarded to a specific entity, TRANSITCENTER, INC, suggesting a potential specialization in this niche area.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader transportation sector, specifically focusing on urban transit systems. The market for transportation consulting and analysis is competitive, with numerous firms offering expertise in areas like transit planning, operations, and policy. The size of this contract, $11.5 million, is significant for a single delivery order, indicating a substantial analytical undertaking. Comparable spending in this sub-sector would involve other federal or state/local government contracts for transit studies, system optimization, and policy development.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate whether this contract involved small business set-asides or subcontracting opportunities. Without this information, it is not possible to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem. Typically, larger contracts may include provisions for small business participation, but this is not guaranteed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the awarding agency, the Department of Transportation, and its respective program offices. Accountability measures would be tied to the contract's performance clauses and deliverables. Transparency is dependent on the agency's public reporting practices regarding contract awards and performance. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Transit Administration Grants
Department of Transportation Research and Technology Programs
Metropolitan Planning Organizations
Urban Mobility Initiatives

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition
Lack of defined performance metrics
Substantial award amount requires justification

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $11.5 million to TRANSITCENTER, INC. FARE MEDIA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRANSITCENTER, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Immediate Office of the Secretary of Transportation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-09-25. End: 2007-09-30.

What is the specific scope of work for this $11.5 million contract awarded to TRANSITCENTER, INC?

The contract, identified by NAICS code 485111 (Urban Transit Systems), focuses on 'Mixed Mode Transit Systems'. While the exact deliverables are not detailed in the provided data, the scope likely involves analyzing the current state of mixed-mode transit (e.g., integration of buses, trains, ride-sharing, micro-mobility), identifying inefficiencies, proposing solutions for better connectivity and passenger experience, and potentially developing policy recommendations. The analysis could cover operational aspects, infrastructure needs, technological integration, and user behavior within the District of Columbia's transit network.

How does the $11.5 million award compare to typical spending on transit system analysis contracts?

Benchmarking this $11.5 million award requires comparing it to similar contracts for transit system analysis, particularly those focused on mixed-mode integration within major metropolitan areas. While specific figures vary widely based on scope, duration, and complexity, an $11.5 million award for a single delivery order over approximately one year is substantial. It suggests a comprehensive and in-depth analysis is anticipated. Smaller, more focused studies might range from tens of thousands to a few million dollars, while large-scale, multi-year system overhauls or planning initiatives could reach tens or hundreds of millions. This contract appears to be on the higher end for a focused analytical project.

What are the potential risks associated with a contract of this size and scope?

Potential risks include scope creep, where the project expands beyond its original objectives, leading to cost overruns or delays, although the firm fixed-price structure aims to mitigate this. There's also a risk that the analysis may not yield actionable insights or that the recommendations are not effectively implemented by the relevant transit authorities. Contractor performance risk exists, where TRANSITCENTER, INC may not deliver the quality or timeliness expected. Furthermore, if the competition process was not robust, there's a risk that the price paid is not optimal.

What is the track record of TRANSITCENTER, INC in handling large federal contracts?

Information regarding TRANSITCENTER, INC's specific track record with large federal contracts is not provided in the data. To assess this, one would need to examine federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) for past awards, performance reviews (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any history of contract modifications, disputes, or terminations. A positive track record with similar projects would increase confidence in their ability to successfully execute this $11.5 million contract.

How does the 'Mixed Mode Transit Systems' focus align with current federal transportation priorities?

The focus on 'Mixed Mode Transit Systems' aligns strongly with current federal transportation priorities. The Biden administration and the Department of Transportation have emphasized the need for integrated, sustainable, and equitable transportation networks. Improving the seamless integration of various transit modes (public transit, shared mobility, active transportation) is crucial for reducing congestion, lowering emissions, and enhancing accessibility for all users. This contract directly supports goals related to modernizing infrastructure, promoting climate resilience, and ensuring efficient mobility in urban areas.

What is the historical spending pattern for analysis of transit systems by the Department of Transportation?

Historical spending patterns for transit system analysis by the Department of Transportation (DOT) are diverse, encompassing numerous contracts awarded through various modal administrations (e.g., Federal Transit Administration, Federal Highway Administration) and offices. Spending can range from small, targeted research grants to large-scale planning and analysis contracts. The total annual federal investment in transit research, planning, and analysis likely runs into the hundreds of millions of dollars across all agencies. This $11.5 million award represents a significant, but not unprecedented, investment in a specific area of transit analysis within a given fiscal year.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Urban Transit Systems › Mixed Mode Transit Systems

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES

Contractor Details

Address: 1065 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS 16TH FL, NEW YORK, NY, 10018

Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,500,500

Exercised Options: $11,500,500

Current Obligation: $11,500,500

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DTOS5906D00458

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline