FEMA Exercises $24M Option Year 5 for Risk Assessment, Mapping, and Planning Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,996,293 ($24.0M)

Contractor: Risk Assessment, Mapping, and Planning Partners (ramp-P)

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2012-12-01

End Date: 2014-09-04

Contract Duration: 642 days

Daily Burn Rate: $37.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: Engineering Services

Official Description: EXERCISE OPTION YEAR 5.

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22031

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $24.0 million to RISK ASSESSMENT, MAPPING, AND PLANNING PARTNERS (RAMP-P) for work described as: EXERCISE OPTION YEAR 5. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single entity for a significant duration. 2. Services include risk assessment, mapping, and planning, critical for disaster preparedness. 3. The contract's value suggests a substantial need for these specialized engineering services. 4. Competition method is 'Full and Open', indicating initial broad market solicitation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, which allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring of costs and performance to ensure value. The award fee structure incentivizes contractor performance.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process initially. However, exercising option years may reduce subsequent competitive pressure if not re-competed.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential disaster preparedness and risk management services, aiming to mitigate future costs associated with natural disasters.

Public Impact

Enhances national resilience by improving disaster risk assessment and mapping capabilities. Supports FEMA's mission to reduce the loss of life and property from natural disasters. Provides critical planning support for emergency management agencies nationwide.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long-term contract duration may limit future competition and innovation.
Cost-plus award fee contracts can be susceptible to cost overruns if not managed tightly.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical government need for disaster preparedness.
Initial full and open competition suggests a fair market approach.
Option year exercise indicates satisfaction with contractor performance.

Sector Analysis

Engineering services are crucial for government infrastructure and safety projects. This contract falls within a sector that requires specialized expertise for complex planning and assessment tasks, often involving significant federal investment.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in subcontracting opportunities for this contract. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The exercise of an option year suggests that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has likely reviewed the contractor's performance. Ongoing oversight is crucial to ensure continued value and adherence to contract terms.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Contract duration
Cost Plus Award Fee structure
Potential for reduced competition in future
Reliance on a single awardee for critical services

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $24.0 million to RISK ASSESSMENT, MAPPING, AND PLANNING PARTNERS (RAMP-P). EXERCISE OPTION YEAR 5.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RISK ASSESSMENT, MAPPING, AND PLANNING PARTNERS (RAMP-P).

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 $24.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-12-01. End: 2014-09-04.

What was the initial competitive landscape for the base contract, and how did the pricing compare to benchmarks at that time?

The base contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bids were likely received. Without access to the original bid data, a precise pricing benchmark comparison is not possible. However, the contract type (Cost Plus Award Fee) suggests a focus on performance incentives alongside cost control, implying a balance between achieving mission objectives and managing expenditures.

What are the primary risks associated with extending this contract for an additional year, particularly concerning cost and performance?

Key risks include potential cost creep due to the Cost Plus Award Fee structure, where contractor costs are reimbursed plus a fee based on performance. There's also a risk of complacency or reduced innovation over time. Ensuring robust performance metrics and diligent oversight are critical to mitigating these risks and maintaining value for taxpayers.

How effectively does this contract contribute to FEMA's overall mission of disaster preparedness and response?

This contract directly supports FEMA's mission by providing essential services in risk assessment, mapping, and planning. These capabilities are foundational for understanding vulnerabilities, developing mitigation strategies, and informing response efforts. The continued exercise of option years suggests the services are deemed effective and necessary for achieving FEMA's preparedness goals.

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: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 200 ORCHARD RIDGE DRIVE, SUITE 101, GAITHERSBURG, MD, 20878

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $48,010,197

Exercised Options: $43,330,675

Current Obligation: $23,996,293

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSFEHQ09D0369

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline