DOT FAA Awards $18.5M Engineering Services Contract to Noblis, Inc. Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,532,403 ($18.5M)

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: $7.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SWIM PROJECT OFFICE (PO) PROGRAM 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 $18.5 million to NOBLIS, INC. for work described as: SWIM PROJECT OFFICE (PO) PROGRAM SUPPORT TAS::69 8107::TAS IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Noblis, Inc. for program support services. 2. Significant value of $18.5 million over a 6-year period. 3. Procured via full and open competition, suggesting market availability. 4. Engineering services sector, NAICS 541330, is a common area for federal contracts. 5. Firm Fixed Price contract type aims to control costs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $18.5M over approximately 6 years appears reasonable for specialized engineering program support. Benchmarking against similar large-scale FAA or DOT engineering support contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value offering.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages competitive pricing and potentially leads to better value for the government.

Public Impact

Supports critical FAA programs related to aviation safety and infrastructure. Noblis, Inc. provides specialized engineering expertise to the government. Contract duration of nearly 6 years ensures continuity of essential services. Funding allocated through the FAA's operational budget.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract duration is relatively long, potentially leading to vendor lock-in if not managed effectively.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess effectiveness.
Potential for scope creep in long-term program support contracts.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing potential for competitive pricing.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
Noblis, Inc. is a reputable contractor with experience in government services.
Supports a critical government agency (FAA) in a vital sector (aviation).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), a broad category encompassing design, consulting, and project management for various engineering disciplines. Federal spending in this sector is substantial, supporting infrastructure, defense, and technology initiatives.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and was awarded to Noblis, Inc., a large business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting participation in the provided information.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration. Oversight would typically involve program managers monitoring performance, adherence to contract terms, and financial expenditures to ensure accountability and effective service delivery.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration is long (approx. 6 years).
Contractor is a large business, potentially limiting small business opportunities.
Specific performance metrics are not detailed in the provided data.
Potential for vendor lock-in over the contract's lifespan.
No indication of specific socio-economic goals being met.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $18.5 million to NOBLIS, INC.. SWIM PROJECT OFFICE (PO) PROGRAM 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 $18.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-03-01. End: 2018-09-18.

What specific engineering services were provided under this contract, and how did they contribute to the FAA's mission?

The contract provided 'Program Support' for the SWIM Project Office. While specific services aren't detailed, this likely involved technical expertise, project management, systems engineering, and potentially acquisition support for the FAA's System Wide Information Management (SWIM) program, which aims to modernize air traffic management information sharing.

Given the $18.5M value and 6-year duration, what are the primary risks associated with this contract's effectiveness?

Key risks include potential cost overruns if the scope expands beyond initial projections (scope creep), a decline in service quality over the long term if performance isn't rigorously monitored, and the possibility that the chosen solutions may become outdated before the contract ends, requiring costly modifications or replacements.

How does the firm fixed price (FFP) structure mitigate financial risks for the government in this engineering services contract?

The FFP structure shifts most of the financial risk to the contractor (Noblis, Inc.). The government agrees to pay a set price regardless of the contractor's actual costs. This provides cost certainty for the FAA and incentivizes the contractor to manage its expenses efficiently to maximize profit.

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: $37,056,993

Exercised Options: $18,532,403

Current Obligation: $18,532,403

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 14

Total Subaward Amount: $11,258,893

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DTFAWA11D00051

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline