DOT's FAA awards $34.4M for DataComm Support to Noblis, Inc. under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,423,948 ($34.4M)

Contractor: Noblis, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2012-01-05

End Date: 2018-09-18

Contract Duration: 2,448 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Engineering Services

Official Description: DATACOMM SUPPORT 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 $34.4 million to NOBLIS, INC. for work described as: DATACOMM SUPPORT TAS::69 8107::TAS Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $34.4M over 6 years. 2. Awarded to Noblis, Inc., a well-established government contractor. 3. Full and open competition suggests potential for competitive pricing. 4. Engineering Services (NAICS 541330) sector, critical for aviation infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's firm fixed price structure provides cost certainty. Benchmarking against similar engineering services contracts would offer further insight into its value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for price discovery. This method allows multiple vendors to bid, potentially driving down costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Competitive bidding in this case likely resulted in a fair market price, maximizing taxpayer value.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation and enhancement of critical Data Communications systems for the FAA. Supports the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System. Long-term contract provides stability for essential aviation support services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Full and open competition
Firm fixed price contract
Established contractor

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, which is vital for maintaining and upgrading complex systems like air traffic control. Spending in this sector is often substantial due to the technical expertise and long-term nature of projects.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, indicating that large businesses were deemed the most capable or competitive for this requirement.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded via a delivery order, suggesting it may be part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. Oversight would focus on task order execution and adherence to the base contract terms.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost creep if scope changes significantly over the contract duration.
Risk of technological obsolescence if not actively managed and updated.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical infrastructure support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $34.4 million to NOBLIS, INC.. DATACOMM SUPPORT 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 $34.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-01-05. End: 2018-09-18.

How does the awarded price compare to industry benchmarks for similar DataComm support services?

Without specific per-unit cost data or detailed service breakdowns, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the use of full and open competition and a firm fixed price structure suggests the government likely achieved a competitive rate. Further analysis would require access to detailed cost proposals and market research data from the time of award.

What are the potential risks associated with a long-term contract for critical aviation infrastructure support?

Long-term contracts can pose risks such as vendor lock-in, potential for cost overruns if scope changes significantly, and the possibility of technological obsolescence if not managed proactively. For critical infrastructure, ensuring robust performance metrics, clear change management processes, and regular performance reviews are essential to mitigate these risks.

How effectively does this contract contribute to the FAA's overall mission of ensuring aviation safety and efficiency?

This contract is likely highly effective as it directly supports Data Communications, a fundamental component of modern air traffic management. Reliable DataComm is crucial for transmitting flight information, weather data, and control instructions, directly impacting the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System.

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: $55,995,606

Exercised Options: $34,423,948

Current Obligation: $34,423,948

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 24

Total Subaward Amount: $10,867,706

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DTFAWA11D00051

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline