DHS FEMA Awards $17.5M Engineering Services Contract to STARR Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,544,659 ($17.5M)

Contractor: Starr

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2010-12-01

End Date: 2014-03-03

Contract Duration: 1,188 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.8K/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 TO THE CONTRACT.

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 $17.5 million to STARR for work described as: EXERCISE OPTION YEAR 1 AND MAKE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES TO THE CONTRACT. Key points: 1. Contract value of $17.5M for engineering services. 2. Awarded to STARR, indicating a specific vendor relationship. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract spans over 3 years, indicating a medium-term engagement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $17.5M for engineering services appears reasonable given the 3-year duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale engineering service contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

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 and ensures the government receives the best value. The use of a Delivery Order under a larger contract suggests a structured procurement process.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to more efficient use of taxpayer funds by driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

Supports critical engineering services for FEMA's mission. Ensures continuity of essential government operations. Potential for job creation within the engineering sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
Potential for cost overruns in Cost Plus Award Fee contracts if not managed tightly.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Experienced vendor likely selected based on qualifications.
Administrative changes suggest contract adaptability.

Sector Analysis

Engineering services are crucial for infrastructure projects and government operations. This contract falls within the broader professional services sector, where competition and specialized expertise are key drivers of value.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of a Delivery Order under a larger contract implies existing oversight mechanisms. However, the effectiveness of oversight for administrative changes and award fee components requires detailed review.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires careful monitoring.
Limited detail on specific services provided.
No explicit mention of small business participation.
Duration of contract and administrative changes warrant attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $17.5 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 $17.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-12-01. End: 2014-03-03.

What specific engineering services are being provided under this contract?

The provided data indicates 'Engineering Services' generally. To assess value and effectiveness, a detailed breakdown of the specific services, such as structural engineering, environmental consulting, or project management, is necessary. This would allow for better comparison with industry standards and identification of potential areas for cost savings or performance improvements.

How is the 'award fee' component of the Cost Plus Award Fee structure determined and managed?

The 'award fee' component suggests that contractor performance is evaluated against specific criteria, with bonuses awarded for exceeding expectations. Understanding the metrics, evaluation process, and oversight of this fee structure is crucial to ensure it incentivizes desired outcomes without leading to unwarranted cost increases for taxpayers.

What is the historical performance of STARR with FEMA and other government agencies?

Assessing STARR's past performance, including on-time delivery, quality of work, and adherence to budget on similar contracts, is vital. Positive historical performance would increase confidence in the current contract's successful execution and value for money. Conversely, any past issues would warrant closer scrutiny of this 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: 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: $17,544,659

Exercised Options: $17,544,659

Current Obligation: $17,544,659

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSFEHQ09D0370

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline