FEMA awards $19.5M engineering services contract to BAKERAECOM, LLC for disaster recovery support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,470,915 ($19.5M)

Contractor: Bakeraecom, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2010-09-17

End Date: 2014-03-03

Contract Duration: 1,263 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: Other

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

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 $19.5 million to BAKERAECOM, LLC for work described as: EXERCISE OPTION YEAR 1 AND MAKE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES. Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in critical infrastructure resilience. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive bidding process for specialized engineering services. 3. Contract duration indicates a long-term need for ongoing support. 4. The award falls within the broader context of federal efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and response. 5. Engineering services are crucial for assessing damage and planning reconstruction post-disaster.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $19.5 million for engineering services appears reasonable given the scope of disaster recovery support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for large-scale engineering projects, especially those involving federal agencies like FEMA, would provide a more precise assessment of value for money. The cost-plus award fee structure allows for flexibility while incentivizing performance, which is often appropriate for complex, evolving disaster response scenarios.

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 bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of four bids suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this type of specialized engineering service. A competitive process generally leads to better pricing and service quality for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive award process, which is expected to drive down costs and ensure the government receives the best value for its investment in essential engineering services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are communities impacted by disasters, receiving essential engineering expertise for recovery and rebuilding. Services delivered include technical assessments, design, and oversight for reconstruction projects. The geographic impact is focused on areas designated for disaster relief by FEMA. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for engineers, project managers, and support staff within BAKERAECOM, LLC and potentially its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns in cost-plus award fee contracts if not closely monitored.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical post-disaster engineering services could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
The contractor has a track record of performing federal contracts, implying experience.
The contract structure incentivizes performance through award fees.

Sector Analysis

The engineering services sector is vital for national infrastructure and resilience. Federal spending in this area often surges during and after natural disasters. This contract fits within the broader category of professional services supporting government agencies, particularly in emergency management and infrastructure repair. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large-scale engineering support contracts awarded by FEMA or other disaster response agencies.

Small Business Impact

While this contract was awarded to BAKERAECOM, LLC, there is no explicit indication of a small business set-aside. However, large federal contracts often include subcontracting requirements. It is important to assess whether BAKERAECOM, LLC has a plan to engage small businesses as subcontractors, which would contribute to the small business ecosystem and provide opportunities for smaller firms to participate in significant federal projects.

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 in the contract's performance requirements and the cost-plus award fee structure. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific project details might be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Disaster Relief Fund
Public Assistance Program
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

Risk Flags

Potential for cost creep in CPAF contracts.
Contractor performance variability in high-stress disaster environments.
Dependence on specialized engineering expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $19.5 million to BAKERAECOM, LLC. EXERCISE OPTION YEAR 1 AND MAKE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES.

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 $19.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-09-17. End: 2014-03-03.

What is BAKERAECOM, LLC's past performance record with federal agencies, particularly FEMA?

BAKERAECOM, LLC has a history of performing federal contracts. A detailed review of their past performance evaluations, available through federal procurement databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), would reveal their track record. This includes assessing their timeliness, quality of work, and adherence to contract terms on previous projects. For FEMA contracts specifically, understanding their experience in disaster response and recovery operations is crucial for evaluating their suitability for this award.

How does the $19.5 million contract value compare to similar engineering services contracts awarded by FEMA for disaster recovery?

Comparing the $19.5 million value requires analyzing the scope, duration, and complexity of similar FEMA engineering services contracts. FEMA often awards contracts for post-disaster assessments, debris removal oversight, and infrastructure repair design. Contracts for large-scale recovery efforts can range from millions to tens of millions of dollars. The specific services outlined in this award, such as engineering design and technical support, are critical components of recovery. Benchmarking against contracts with similar task orders and geographic coverage would provide context on whether this award represents a fair market price.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract for disaster recovery engineering services?

The primary risks with a CPAF contract in disaster recovery engineering services revolve around cost control and performance management. While CPAF incentivizes performance through award fees, there's a risk of cost overruns if the base cost plus fee exceeds initial estimates, especially in unpredictable disaster environments. Effective oversight is crucial to ensure that costs are reasonable and allocable, and that the contractor meets or exceeds performance standards to earn the award fee. FEMA must diligently monitor expenditures and progress to mitigate these risks and ensure value for taxpayer money.

How effective has FEMA been in leveraging engineering services contracts to expedite disaster recovery efforts historically?

FEMA's effectiveness in leveraging engineering services contracts for disaster recovery is a complex issue. These contracts are essential for providing the technical expertise needed to assess damage, plan repairs, and oversee reconstruction. Historically, FEMA has relied heavily on these services, particularly after major disasters. However, challenges can arise, including contractor availability, contract administration efficiency, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. Continuous improvement in contracting processes and robust oversight are key to maximizing the effectiveness of these services in expediting recovery.

What is the historical spending trend for engineering services by FEMA over the past five fiscal years?

Analyzing FEMA's historical spending on engineering services requires examining federal procurement data. Spending in this category typically fluctuates based on the frequency and severity of declared disasters. Following major hurricane seasons or other catastrophic events, FEMA's expenditure on engineering and related professional services often increases significantly. A review of FPDS data for NAICS code 541330 (Engineering Services) awarded by FEMA over the last five fiscal years would reveal trends, peak spending periods, and the average contract values, providing context for the current $19.5 million award.

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: $19,470,915

Exercised Options: $19,470,915

Current Obligation: $19,470,915

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSFEHQ09D0368

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline