DOT's FAA Awards $23.8M to Enroute Computer Solutions for Aviation Communications Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,840,443 ($23.8M)

Contractor: Enroute Computer Solutions Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2010-06-04

End Date: 2017-06-30

Contract Duration: 2,583 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: "ECS CONTRACT PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR EN ROUTE COMMUNICATIONS GATEWAY SUSTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY EVOLUTION PLAN, OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS ACTIVITIES, AND SPECIALIZATION IN RELIABILITY, MAINTAINABILITY, AND AVAILABILITY" NEW TASK TO ESTABLISH THE INITIAL DELIVERY ORDER FOR F & E FUNDED SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE SOS-8 CONTRACT. TAS::69 8107::TAS

Place of Performance

Location: EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, ATLANTIC County, NEW JERSEY, 08234

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $23.8 million to ENROUTE COMPUTER SOLUTIONS INC for work described as: "ECS CONTRACT PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR EN ROUTE COMMUNICATIONS GATEWAY SUSTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY EVOLUTION PLAN, OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS ACTIVITIES, AND SPECIALIZATION IN RELIABILITY, MAINTAINABILITY, AND AVAILABILITY" NEW TASK TO ESTABLISH THE INITIAL DELIVERY ORDER FOR F & E FUNDE… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical aviation communications technology evolution and operational analysis. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive pricing environment. 3. Risk appears moderate given the long duration and time-and-materials pricing. 4. Spending falls within the 'Other Computer Related Services' NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of $23.8M over approximately 7 years, using a Time and Materials (T&M) pricing model, warrants scrutiny. Benchmarking against similar T&M contracts for complex IT support services is difficult without more granular cost data.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the Time and Materials pricing structure can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential aviation communication systems. The full and open competition is a positive sign for value, but T&M pricing requires diligent oversight to ensure cost-effectiveness.

Public Impact

Ensures the reliability and availability of critical en route communication systems for air traffic control. Supports the technological evolution of aviation communication infrastructure. Impacts the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials pricing can lead to cost uncertainty.
Long contract duration increases potential for scope creep or evolving needs.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes assessing value difficult.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Supports critical national infrastructure.
Contractor has experience in the aviation sector.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under 'Other Computer Related Services,' a broad category. Spending benchmarks for specialized aviation communication support are not readily available, but the value appears significant for the scope of work.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). There is no indication of small business subcontracting requirements in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded via a Delivery Order under a larger SOS-8 contract. Oversight would likely involve monitoring the T&M expenditures, ensuring adherence to the Statement of Work, and managing the evolving technological requirements.

Related Government Programs

Other Computer Related Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials pricing.
Long contract duration.
Potential for scope creep.
Lack of detailed performance metrics.
No small business participation noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $23.8 million to ENROUTE COMPUTER SOLUTIONS INC. "ECS CONTRACT PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR EN ROUTE COMMUNICATIONS GATEWAY SUSTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY EVOLUTION PLAN, OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS ACTIVITIES, AND SPECIALIZATION IN RELIABILITY, MAINTAINABILITY, AND AVAILABILITY" NEW TASK TO ESTABLISH THE INITIAL DELIVERY ORDER FOR F & E FUNDED SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE SOS-8 CONTRACT. TAS::69 8107::TAS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ENROUTE COMPUTER SOLUTIONS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $23.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-06-04. End: 2017-06-30.

How does the Time and Materials pricing structure compare to fixed-price or cost-plus-incentive-fee contracts for similar aviation IT support services in terms of overall cost efficiency and risk to t

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts offer flexibility but can be less cost-efficient and carry higher risk for the government compared to fixed-price or cost-plus contracts. Fixed-price contracts provide cost certainty but may lack flexibility for evolving requirements. Cost-plus contracts allow for flexibility and cover costs plus a profit, with incentive fees encouraging contractor performance, but require robust oversight to prevent cost overruns.

What specific mechanisms are in place to manage the risks associated with the long duration (7 years) and the evolving nature of technology in aviation communications under this contract?

Effective risk management for long-duration, technology-evolving contracts typically involves robust contract surveillance, regular performance reviews, and clear change management processes. The FAA likely employs technical representatives to monitor progress, ensure alignment with technological advancements, and manage any necessary modifications to the scope of work or delivery schedule to mitigate risks.

Beyond ensuring system availability, what key performance indicators (KPIs) are used to measure the effectiveness and value delivered by Enroute Computer Solutions Inc. for this contract?

While specific KPIs are not detailed, effectiveness for this contract would likely be measured by metrics such as system uptime, response times for technical support, successful implementation of technology evolution plans, and adherence to reliability and maintainability standards. Value is assessed by comparing the cost against the achieved system performance and the successful support of operational requirements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2511 FIRE RD STE A4, EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, NJ, 08234

Business Categories: Category Business, Government, U.S. National Government, Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,895,675

Exercised Options: $23,843,008

Current Obligation: $23,840,443

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DTFACT09D00012

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline