FAA Awards $21.5M Engineering Services Contract to Noblis, Inc. Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,510,904 ($21.5M)

Contractor: Noblis, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2011-09-26

End Date: 2018-09-18

Contract Duration: 2,549 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ASTI PROGRAM OFFICE SUPPORT TASK TAS::69 8107::TAS

Place of Performance

Location: FALLS CHURCH, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22042

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $21.5 million to NOBLIS, INC. for work described as: ASTI PROGRAM OFFICE SUPPORT TASK TAS::69 8107::TAS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Noblis, Inc. for engineering services. 2. Significant contract value of $21.5 million over its duration. 3. Procured through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract spans nearly 7 years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 5. The sector is Engineering Services, a critical component of infrastructure projects.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $21.5 million over approximately 7 years appears reasonable for specialized engineering services. Benchmarking against similar FAA or DOT engineering contracts would provide a more precise assessment, but the duration and scope suggest a fair price point.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically leads to competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value. The existence of multiple bids likely drove down costs compared to a sole-source or limited competition scenario.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by ensuring that contract awards are based on merit and competitive pricing, leading to efficient use of public funds.

Public Impact

Ensures continued engineering support for critical FAA programs. Supports the operational efficiency and safety of the National Airspace System. The long-term nature of the contract provides stability for the contractor and consistent service delivery. Potential for innovation and improved engineering solutions through competitive selection.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 75 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract duration is long (nearly 7 years).
No specific performance metrics or award fee structure detailed.
Potential for scope creep over the contract's extended period.

Positive Signals

Awarded via full and open competition.
Contractor has a history of supporting government programs.
Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

Engineering services are vital for the Federal Aviation Administration's mission, encompassing design, analysis, and technical support for aviation infrastructure and systems. Spending in this sector is benchmarked against the overall federal IT and professional services spending, with engineering services often representing a significant portion of large-scale government projects.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not specify any small business set-asides. While Noblis, Inc. is a large business, the competitive nature of the award could have involved small business subcontractors, though this is not explicitly stated.

Oversight & Accountability

The Federal Aviation Administration is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard government oversight mechanisms, including contract performance reviews and financial audits, would be in place to ensure accountability and proper execution of services.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may lead to outdated services if not managed.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data.
Potential for cost overruns if scope creep occurs.
No explicit mention of small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $21.5 million to NOBLIS, INC.. ASTI PROGRAM OFFICE SUPPORT TASK TAS::69 8107::TAS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NOBLIS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $21.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-09-26. End: 2018-09-18.

What specific engineering services are included in the ASTI Program Office Support Task, and how do they align with current FAA modernization efforts?

The ASTI Program Office Support Task likely encompasses a range of engineering disciplines crucial for the FAA's operations and modernization. This could include systems engineering, software engineering, aeronautical engineering, and technical consulting. These services are vital for tasks such as airspace management system upgrades, air traffic control technology implementation, and safety analysis, directly supporting the FAA's ongoing efforts to modernize the National Airspace System for increased efficiency and capacity.

Given the nearly 7-year duration, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the engineering services remain relevant and cost-effective as technology evolves?

The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides initial cost certainty. However, to ensure long-term relevance and cost-effectiveness, the FAA likely employs contract modifications for significant technological shifts, performance reviews to assess ongoing value, and potentially incorporates clauses for incorporating new technologies or adapting to evolving requirements. Regular communication and collaboration between the FAA and Noblis, Inc. are crucial for proactive adjustments.

How does the $21.5 million award compare to typical spending on similar engineering support contracts within the FAA or Department of Transportation?

Without specific benchmark data for comparable FAA/DOT engineering support contracts, a precise comparison is difficult. However, $21.5 million over nearly seven years averages to roughly $3 million per year. This figure appears moderate for specialized engineering services supporting a major federal agency like the FAA, especially considering the complexity and scale of aviation infrastructure projects. A detailed analysis would require access to historical contract data for similar services.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3150 FAIRVIEW PARK DR, FALLS CHURCH, VA, 22042

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $40,114,352

Exercised Options: $21,510,904

Current Obligation: $21,510,904

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 20

Total Subaward Amount: $14,758,294

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DTFAWA11D00051

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline