FEMA's Risk Map Program spent $19.8M on professional and technical services in FY2010

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,789,697 ($19.8M)

Contractor: Bakeraecom, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2009-12-01

End Date: 2010-11-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $54.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FEMA RISK MAP PROGRAM PROFESSIONALD AND TECHNICAL SERVICES 12/01/2009 - 11/30/2010

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20472

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $19.8 million to BAKERAECOM, LLC for work described as: FEMA RISK MAP PROGRAM PROFESSIONALD AND TECHNICAL SERVICES 12/01/2009 - 11/30/2010 Key points: 1. The contract provided essential engineering services for FEMA's flood risk mapping. 2. Services were procured through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market. 3. The contract duration was one year, with a delivery order structure. 4. The contractor, BAKERAECOM, LLC, was awarded this significant task order. 5. The contract type was Cost Plus Award Fee, which incentivizes performance. 6. This spending supports FEMA's mission to reduce risk from natural disasters.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award amount of $19.8 million for one year of professional and technical services appears reasonable given the critical nature of FEMA's flood risk mapping. Benchmarking against similar large-scale engineering contracts for disaster preparedness and mitigation programs would provide further context. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure allows for performance-based incentives, potentially driving better value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of four bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this type of specialized engineering service. This competitive process is expected to lead to more favorable pricing and better service offerings for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition as it typically drives down costs and ensures the government receives the best possible value for its investment in critical infrastructure and disaster preparedness services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are communities at risk of flooding, who receive updated and accurate flood risk maps. These maps are crucial for informing land-use planning, building codes, and insurance rates. The services delivered contribute to FEMA's overall mission of reducing risk and preparing for and responding to disasters. The geographic impact is national, as FEMA's flood mapping efforts cover all areas within the United States. The contract supports a specialized workforce of engineers and technical professionals.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Award Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not carefully managed and monitored.
The specific performance metrics and award fee criteria are not detailed, making it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the incentive structure.
Reliance on a single delivery order for a significant portion of the program's needs could pose a risk if the contractor underperforms.

Positive Signals

Procurement through full and open competition generally leads to better pricing and quality.
The Cost Plus Award Fee structure is designed to incentivize contractor performance and achieve program objectives.
The contract supports a critical government function related to national safety and disaster preparedness.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting government efforts in disaster risk management and infrastructure assessment. The market for these services is characterized by specialized firms with expertise in hydrology, engineering, and geospatial analysis. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other federal agencies' contracts for similar risk assessment and mapping services, such as those managed by the Army Corps of Engineers or the USGS.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have significant subcontracting implications for small businesses based on the available information. The primary contractor, BAKERAECOM, LLC, is a large entity, suggesting the focus was on securing specialized expertise rather than promoting small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded within the Cost Plus Award Fee structure, which links a portion of the payment to performance. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance details may be internal.

Related Government Programs

National Flood Insurance Program
Disaster Mitigation Planning
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
National Mapping Program

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Potential
Performance Metric Ambiguity
Contractor Performance Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $19.8 million to BAKERAECOM, LLC. FEMA RISK MAP PROGRAM PROFESSIONALD AND TECHNICAL SERVICES 12/01/2009 - 11/30/2010

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BAKERAECOM, LLC.

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 $19.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-12-01. End: 2010-11-30.

What is the track record of BAKERAECOM, LLC with FEMA and similar government contracts?

BAKERAECOM, LLC, a joint venture, has a history of performing large-scale engineering and technical services for various government agencies, including FEMA. Their involvement in disaster response and resilience projects is extensive. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts, particularly those with Cost Plus Award Fee structures, would reveal their ability to meet cost, schedule, and performance requirements. Past performance reviews and any documented disputes or corrective actions would be crucial for a comprehensive assessment of their reliability and value delivery.

How does the $19.8 million cost compare to similar FEMA risk mapping contracts?

Direct comparison of the $19.8 million award for a single year requires careful consideration of the scope of work, geographic coverage, and specific technical requirements. FEMA's Risk MAP (Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning) program is a multi-year, complex initiative. While this figure represents a significant investment, it must be benchmarked against the value of accurate flood risk data for national insurance programs, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure planning. Without specific details on the deliverables and the number of flood map revisions or studies undertaken, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the cost is likely commensurate with the scale and criticality of national flood hazard analysis.

What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Award Fee contract?

The primary risks with a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract, such as this one, revolve around cost control and the definition of performance objectives. There's a risk that costs could escalate beyond initial projections if the 'cost-plus' element is not tightly managed through rigorous oversight and auditing. Furthermore, the 'award fee' component relies on clearly defined, measurable, and achievable performance metrics. If these metrics are ambiguous or poorly defined, the incentive structure may not effectively drive the desired outcomes, or disputes could arise over fee determination. Contractor performance, scope creep, and the potential for inadequate deliverables are inherent risks that require proactive management.

How effective is the Risk MAP program in achieving its stated goals of reducing flood risk?

The effectiveness of the Risk MAP program is multifaceted and measured over the long term. Its primary goal is to provide communities with up-to-date flood hazard information to inform mitigation actions, land-use planning, and building standards, thereby reducing future flood losses. Data on reduced flood damage claims, improved community resilience, and the adoption of mitigation measures can indicate program success. However, attributing specific risk reduction solely to the Risk MAP program is complex, as it interacts with numerous other local, state, and federal initiatives. Continuous evaluation of map accuracy, user adoption, and the correlation between updated mapping and reduced flood impacts is necessary to gauge its overall effectiveness.

What has been FEMA's historical spending on professional and technical services for risk assessment and mapping?

FEMA's historical spending on professional and technical services for risk assessment and mapping has been substantial and generally increasing, reflecting the growing need for accurate hazard data in the face of climate change and increased development. The Risk MAP program itself represents a significant portion of this spending. Annual outlays can fluctuate based on program priorities, appropriations, and the specific phases of mapping and assessment projects. Examining FEMA's budget justifications and contract databases over the past decade would reveal trends in spending, identify major contract vehicles, and highlight shifts in focus, such as increased emphasis on resilience and mitigation planning alongside traditional mapping.

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: 3601 EISENHOWER AVE, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22304

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,789,697

Exercised Options: $19,789,697

Current Obligation: $19,789,697

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSFEHQ09D0368

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline