DOT's FAA awards $47.6M contract to The IBEX Group for technical services, utilizing full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $47,657,328 ($47.7M)
Contractor: THE Ibex Group Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2013-11-14
End Date: 2022-05-31
Contract Duration: 3,120 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: CWO - IBEX WEATHER IGF::CT::IGF
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20591
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $47.7 million to THE IBEX GROUP INC for work described as: CWO - IBEX WEATHER IGF::CT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract value of $47.6M over 8 years indicates significant investment in technical services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process, potentially leading to better pricing. 3. The contract's duration and scope present potential risks related to evolving technological needs. 4. Services fall under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' a broad category.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $47.6M over 3120 days (approx. 8.5 years) averages to roughly $5.6M annually. Without specific benchmarks for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' for the FAA, this appears reasonable for a long-term, comprehensive support contract.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that while competition was sought, specific sources may have been excluded initially. This method aims for competitive pricing but the exclusion clause warrants scrutiny.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and improve service quality.
Public Impact
Ensures continued support for critical FAA operations through specialized technical services. The long-term nature of the contract provides stability for both the agency and the contractor. Potential for innovation and efficiency gains through sustained contractor involvement.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep over the contract's long duration.
- Risk of contractor lock-in if specialized knowledge becomes highly concentrated.
- Dependency on a single contractor for essential technical services.
Positive Signals
- Utilizes full and open competition, promoting market fairness.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
- Long-term award offers stability and potential for deep expertise development.
Sector Analysis
The 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' sector is diverse, encompassing a wide range of specialized support. For the Federal Aviation Administration, such services likely relate to aviation technology, data analysis, or operational support, where spending can vary significantly based on agency priorities and technological advancements.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb: false) and was awarded to The IBEX Group Inc. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were provided to small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's long duration and significant value necessitate robust oversight from the FAA to ensure performance standards are met and taxpayer funds are used efficiently. Regular performance reviews and adherence to contract terms are crucial.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of Transportation Contracting
- Federal Aviation Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration increases risk of obsolescence or changing requirements.
- Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources' clause.
- Lack of specific service details makes value assessment challenging.
- Contractor dependency risk over an extended period.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-transportation, dc, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $47.7 million to THE IBEX GROUP INC. CWO - IBEX WEATHER IGF::CT::IGF
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE IBEX GROUP INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $47.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-11-14. End: 2022-05-31.
What specific technical services are included under this broad 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' category, and how do they align with current FAA strategic goals?
The contract details for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' are not fully specified in the provided data. However, given the agency (FAA), these services likely encompass areas such as IT support, data analytics, systems engineering, or specialized research related to aviation safety and operations. Understanding the precise deliverables is key to assessing their alignment with FAA's strategic objectives and ensuring value for money.
How did the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition process impact the final pricing and the range of technical solutions available to the FAA?
The 'exclusion of sources' clause suggests that while the competition was intended to be open, certain potential bidders were not considered. This could limit the diversity of technical approaches and potentially reduce competitive pressure, which might have led to higher prices than a truly unrestricted open competition. The specific reasons for exclusion and their impact on price discovery require further investigation.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure the effectiveness and adaptability of the technical services provided over the contract's 8.5-year lifespan, given rapid technological changes?
Given the contract's extensive duration, mechanisms for adaptability are critical. This likely includes performance metrics, regular review periods, and potentially clauses allowing for modifications to services based on evolving technological needs or agency priorities. The effectiveness will depend on proactive contract management by the FAA to ensure the services remain relevant and deliver intended outcomes.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1113 SW MARTIN DOWNS BLVD, PALM CITY, FL, 34990
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $62,710,981
Exercised Options: $47,657,328
Current Obligation: $47,657,328
Actual Outlays: $11,989,033
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2013-11-14
Current End Date: 2022-05-31
Potential End Date: 2022-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-09-19
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