FEMA exercises $3.1M option for engineering services, awarded to STARR under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,078,279 ($3.1M)

Contractor: Starr

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2011-09-08

End Date: 2016-09-07

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE AWARD FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: EXERCISE OPTION YEAR 1 AND MAKE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES TO THE CONTRACT.

Place of Performance

Location: BELTSVILLE, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20705

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $3.1 million to STARR for work described as: EXERCISE OPTION YEAR 1 AND MAKE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES TO THE CONTRACT. Key points: 1. Contract value is $3.1M for option year 1, extending services through 2016. 2. Awarded to STARR, indicating a specific vendor relationship. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. Engineering services are crucial for FEMA's operational support and disaster response.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $3.1M for one year of engineering services needs comparison against similar FEMA contracts. Without specific deliverables or scope, a precise benchmark is difficult, but the amount suggests significant support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing. The use of a delivery order suggests a specific need within a broader contract vehicle.

Taxpayer Impact: Competitive bidding aims to secure fair pricing, maximizing taxpayer value. The specific cost-effectiveness depends on the services rendered and their impact on FEMA's mission.

Public Impact

Ensures continuity of essential engineering support for FEMA's critical missions. Supports disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts through specialized expertise. The award to STARR highlights a key contractor in the federal emergency management space.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed scope of work for the option year.
Potential for cost creep if not closely managed.
Limited insight into specific engineering challenges addressed.

Positive Signals

Awarded via full and open competition.
Option year exercise indicates continued need and satisfaction with services.
Supports critical national security and disaster response functions.

Sector Analysis

Engineering services are vital for government infrastructure and operational support. This contract falls within a sector requiring specialized technical expertise, often involving significant federal investment for national security and public safety.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors in this specific award. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The exercise of an option year suggests prior oversight and approval. Ongoing monitoring of performance and costs by FEMA is essential to ensure accountability and value for taxpayer money.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed scope of work.
Potential for cost overruns without strict oversight.
Limited transparency on specific deliverables.
Reliance on a single vendor (STARR) for critical services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $3.1 million to STARR. EXERCISE OPTION YEAR 1 AND MAKE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES TO THE CONTRACT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STARR.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-09-08. End: 2016-09-07.

What specific engineering services are being provided under this option year, and how do they align with FEMA's current strategic priorities?

The provided data lacks specifics on the engineering services. However, given FEMA's mission, these likely include technical assessments, infrastructure support, planning, design, or consulting related to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Alignment with strategic priorities would necessitate a review of FEMA's current operational needs and long-term goals.

How does the pricing structure for this option year compare to industry benchmarks for similar engineering services, considering the competitive nature of the award?

While awarded competitively, the absence of detailed service descriptions and pricing breakdowns prevents a direct benchmark comparison. The fixed-price award fee structure suggests performance incentives. A thorough assessment would require comparing the proposed rates and total contract value against market data for comparable government or private sector engineering contracts.

What mechanisms are in place to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the engineering services provided by STARR, particularly in high-pressure disaster scenarios?

Effectiveness is typically ensured through performance metrics, quality assurance surveillance plans (QASPs), and regular progress reviews stipulated in the contract. FEMA likely has established protocols for monitoring contractor performance, managing deliverables, and ensuring services meet requirements, especially critical during emergency operations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE AWARD FEE (M)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12101 INDIAN CREEK CT, BELTSVILLE, MD, 20705

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,078,279

Exercised Options: $3,078,279

Current Obligation: $3,078,279

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSFEHQ09D0370

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline