Transportation Dept. awards $17.2M for Intelligent Transportation Systems support to Silosmashers, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,238,331 ($17.2M)

Contractor: Silosmashers, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2009-01-21

End Date: 2014-08-01

Contract Duration: 2,018 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.5K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: SUPPORT SERVICES TO STAFF AND OPERATE THE ITELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS OFFICE'S (ITS-JPO) PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICE (PMO) TO ASSIST ITS/JPO OVERSEE THE COST, SCHEDULE, AND PERFORMANCE OF THE ENTIRE RESEARCH PORTFOLIO OF ITS PROGRAMS, PROJECTS, AND MAJOR INITIATIVES."

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22031

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $17.2 million to SILOSMASHERS, INC. for work described as: SUPPORT SERVICES TO STAFF AND OPERATE THE ITELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS OFFICE'S (ITS-JPO) PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICE (PMO) TO ASSIST ITS/JPO OVERSEE THE COST, SCHEDULE, AND PERFORMANCE OF THE ENTIRE RESEARCH PORTFOLIO OF ITS PROGRAMS, PROJECTS, AND MAJOR INITIATIVES." Key points: 1. Contract supports oversight of research portfolio for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). 2. Silosmashers, Inc. is the sole awardee for this delivery order. 3. The contract spans over 5 years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 4. Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services (NAICS 541611) are the core services provided.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract was awarded as a delivery order under a larger contract. Without knowing the terms of the base contract and other competing delivery orders, a precise pricing assessment is difficult. However, the fixed-price level of effort structure suggests an attempt to control costs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This was a competitive delivery order, implying that multiple vendors were considered, but the specific competition details are not fully disclosed. The limited nature of a delivery order can sometimes restrict price discovery compared to a full and open competition for a new contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to ensure effective management and oversight of critical transportation research programs, aiming for efficient use of resources.

Public Impact

Ensures effective management of research into advanced transportation technologies. Supports the development and implementation of safer and more efficient transportation systems. Contributes to the government's ability to track and manage its investments in transportation innovation. Potential impact on the future of traffic management, vehicle safety, and mobility.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 85 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited transparency on the competitive process for this specific delivery order.
Potential for cost overruns if scope creep occurs within the fixed-price level of effort.

Positive Signals

Supports a critical government function in transportation research oversight.
Long-term contract indicates sustained need and potential for stable service delivery.
Fixed-price structure provides some cost predictability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically management consulting for government programs. Benchmarks for similar administrative and management consulting services for federal agencies would typically focus on hourly rates and project management efficiency.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded to Silosmashers, Inc. and does not specify if they are a small business. Further investigation would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's purpose is to provide oversight for the ITS-JPO's research portfolio, implying an internal oversight function is being supported by external services. Accountability would be managed through the Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Highway Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed competition information for the delivery order.
Potential for scope creep impacting fixed-price contract.
No explicit mention of small business participation.
Need for defined performance metrics to ensure effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $17.2 million to SILOSMASHERS, INC.. SUPPORT SERVICES TO STAFF AND OPERATE THE ITELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS OFFICE'S (ITS-JPO) PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICE (PMO) TO ASSIST ITS/JPO OVERSEE THE COST, SCHEDULE, AND PERFORMANCE OF THE ENTIRE RESEARCH PORTFOLIO OF ITS PROGRAMS, PROJECTS, AND MAJOR INITIATIVES."

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SILOSMASHERS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $17.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-01-21. End: 2014-08-01.

What was the specific competitive process used for this delivery order, and were other quotes solicited?

While designated as a 'competitive delivery order,' the specifics of the competition are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, this means multiple vendors were solicited for quotes. However, the extent of the solicitation, the number of quotes received, and the evaluation criteria are not specified, making it difficult to fully assess the robustness of the price discovery mechanism.

How does the cost of these support services compare to similar contracts for program management oversight in other federal agencies?

A direct comparison is challenging without detailed cost breakdowns and service level agreements for similar contracts. However, the total award amount of $17.2 million over approximately 5.5 years suggests an average annual cost of around $3.1 million. This figure needs to be evaluated against the scope and complexity of the ITS-JPO's research portfolio to determine if it represents a fair market value.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the effectiveness of Silosmashers, Inc.'s support services?

The provided data does not specify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. Effective oversight typically relies on metrics related to cost control, schedule adherence, performance reporting accuracy, and the successful management of program risks. The ITS-JPO would be responsible for defining and monitoring these KPIs to ensure the contractor is meeting objectives.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT (B)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2201 COOPERATIVE WAY STE 600 OFFICE #36, HERNDON, VA, 20171

Business Categories: American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,238,331

Exercised Options: $17,238,331

Current Obligation: $17,238,331

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS10F0216N

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline