DOT's FAA Spends $56.5M on Engineering Services for Voice Switching Program
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $56,518,546 ($56.5M)
Contractor: Noblis, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2012-03-01
End Date: 2018-09-18
Contract Duration: 2,392 days
Daily Burn Rate: $23.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: VOICE SWITCHING&RECORDING PROGRAM OFFICE SUPPORT TAS::69 8107::TAS IGF::OT::IGF
Place of Performance
Location: FALLS CHURCH, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22042
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $56.5 million to NOBLIS, INC. for work described as: VOICE SWITCHING&RECORDING PROGRAM OFFICE SUPPORT TAS::69 8107::TAS IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $56.5M for engineering support. 2. Noblis, Inc. secured the contract through full and open competition. 3. Contract duration of nearly 2000 days indicates long-term need. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests cost certainty.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The $56.5M award for engineering services appears reasonable given the nearly 7-year duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale engineering support contracts would provide further context on value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded using full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers, as it encourages multiple bidders to offer their best prices.
Public Impact
Supports critical voice switching and recording systems for the FAA. Long-term contract suggests ongoing operational needs for aviation safety. Engineering services are vital for maintaining and upgrading complex systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics provided.
- Potential for cost overruns if scope creeps beyond initial engineering needs.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type.
- Long-term support for essential aviation infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Engineering Services, a broad category often supporting complex government programs. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on project scale and technological requirements.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the awardee is a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
While awarded through full and open competition, further details on performance monitoring and oversight mechanisms would be beneficial to ensure continued value and accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Transportation Contracting
- Federal Aviation Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration
- Potential for scope creep
- Lack of specific performance metrics
- Reliance on engineering services for critical infrastructure
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-transportation, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $56.5 million to NOBLIS, INC.. VOICE SWITCHING&RECORDING PROGRAM OFFICE SUPPORT TAS::69 8107::TAS IGF::OT::IGF
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 $56.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-03-01. End: 2018-09-18.
What specific engineering challenges or upgrades does this contract address for the voice switching and recording systems?
The contract likely addresses the need for modernization, maintenance, and potential expansion of the FAA's voice switching and recording infrastructure. This could include integrating new technologies, ensuring system reliability for air traffic control communications, and meeting evolving regulatory requirements. Specific details would require reviewing the contract's statement of work.
Are there any identified risks associated with the long-term nature of this contract and the reliance on a single vendor for engineering support?
The primary risk with long-term contracts is vendor lock-in and potential complacency, which could lead to reduced innovation or inflated costs over time. However, the initial full and open competition mitigates some of this risk. Continuous performance monitoring and clear exit strategies are crucial for managing these long-term dependencies effectively.
How does the performance of Noblis, Inc. on this contract align with the FAA's objectives for system reliability and efficiency?
Assessing Noblis, Inc.'s performance requires access to contract performance reports and user feedback. Without this data, it's difficult to definitively state alignment. However, the renewal or continuation of such a long-term contract often suggests satisfactory performance, though rigorous oversight is still necessary to ensure ongoing effectiveness and value.
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: $68,899,989
Exercised Options: $67,062,386
Current Obligation: $56,518,546
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 39
Total Subaward Amount: $48,075,107
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: DTFAWA11D00051
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-03-01
Current End Date: 2018-09-18
Potential End Date: 2018-09-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-03-14
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