DOT Awards $3.18M Task Order to KLD Associates for CISS PSU Operations and Data Modernization

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,764,776 ($31.8M)

Contractor: KLD Associates Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2014-11-12

End Date: 2019-11-06

Contract Duration: 1,820 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF THE PURPOSE OF THIS PR IS TO PUT A TASK ORDER IN PLACE AGAINST CONTRACT NUMBER DTNH22-14-D-00350 AND ADD FUNDING TO THE NEW CISS TASK FOR PSU OPERATIONS. THE TOTAL PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE FOR THIS EFFORT IS ESTIMATED TO BE 60 MONTHS. DATA MODERNIZATION FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,270,000.00 WILL BE USED FOR THIS PR. MAPS ID# NVS-55485 THIS FUNDING IS ESTIMATED TO COVER THE PERIOD OF TIME FROM AWARD IN SEPTEMBER 2014 UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2015.

Place of Performance

Location: SAN ANTONIO, BEXAR County, TEXAS, 78240

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $31.8 million to KLD ASSOCIATES INC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF THE PURPOSE OF THIS PR IS TO PUT A TASK ORDER IN PLACE AGAINST CONTRACT NUMBER DTNH22-14-D-00350 AND ADD FUNDING TO THE NEW CISS TASK FOR PSU OPERATIONS. THE TOTAL PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE FOR THIS EFFORT IS ESTIMATED TO BE 60 MONTHS. DATA MODERNIZATION FUNDING IN THE … Key points: 1. Task order extends contract for 60 months, focusing on PSU operations and data modernization. 2. Significant funding of $2.27M allocated for data modernization. 3. Contract awarded under full and open competition. 4. The sector is primarily IT services supporting public safety operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total value of the task order is $3,176,477.57 over 60 months. Without specific benchmarks for similar data modernization and PSU operations contracts, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure warrants scrutiny for potential cost overruns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific task order details and the nature of the services (data modernization, PSU operations) may limit the number of truly competitive bids.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential public safety operations and data modernization, which can improve efficiency and effectiveness if managed well.

Public Impact

Enhances data modernization efforts for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Supports critical PSU (Public Safety & Security) operations, potentially improving response and data management. Extends a significant contract, indicating ongoing reliance on KLD Associates for these services. The funding is tied to specific periods, suggesting phased implementation and oversight.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type can lead to higher costs if not managed tightly.
Long performance period (60 months) increases risk of scope creep or changing requirements.
Specific details on data modernization deliverables are not provided, making it hard to assess value.
Potential for vendor lock-in given the long-term nature of the task order.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
Funding is allocated for data modernization, a crucial area for government efficiency.
Task order addresses essential public safety operations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT and professional services sector, specifically focusing on marketing research and public opinion polling (NAICS 541910), but the application is for public safety operations and data modernization. Benchmarks for similar IT modernization projects within government agencies would be relevant for a full assessment.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that the prime contractor is KLD Associates Inc. There is no explicit mention of small business participation in this specific task order. Further investigation would be needed to determine if small businesses are subcontracting for any portion of this work.

Oversight & Accountability

The task order is placed against an existing contract (DTNH22-14-D-00350), suggesting prior oversight. The funding is allocated for specific periods, implying phased oversight. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitates robust oversight to control costs and ensure performance.

Related Government Programs

Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling
Department of Transportation Contracting
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type.
Long contract duration (60 months).
Lack of specific deliverables for data modernization.
Potential for scope creep.
No explicit mention of small business subcontracting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $31.8 million to KLD ASSOCIATES INC. IGF::OT::IGF THE PURPOSE OF THIS PR IS TO PUT A TASK ORDER IN PLACE AGAINST CONTRACT NUMBER DTNH22-14-D-00350 AND ADD FUNDING TO THE NEW CISS TASK FOR PSU OPERATIONS. THE TOTAL PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE FOR THIS EFFORT IS ESTIMATED TO BE 60 MONTHS. DATA MODERNIZATION FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,270,000.00 WILL BE USED FOR THIS PR. MAPS ID# NVS-55485 THIS FUNDING IS ESTIMATED TO COVER THE PERIOD OF TIME FROM AWARD IN SEPTEMBER 2014 UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2015.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KLD ASSOCIATES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-11-12. End: 2019-11-06.

What specific data modernization capabilities will be implemented, and how will they improve NHTSA's operational effectiveness?

The provided data lacks specifics on the data modernization deliverables. To assess value, details on the scope of work, expected outcomes, and key performance indicators for the data modernization effort are needed. Understanding how these improvements will translate into enhanced operational effectiveness for NHTSA, such as faster data processing, better analytics, or improved decision-making, is crucial for justifying the $2.27 million investment.

What are the key risks associated with a 60-month cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for data modernization and PSU operations?

The primary risks include potential cost overruns due to the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, which incentivizes spending. A long 60-month performance period increases the likelihood of scope creep, evolving technological requirements, and potential vendor lock-in. Without clear performance metrics and stringent oversight, ensuring the modernization effort remains aligned with NHTSA's evolving needs and budget constraints presents a significant challenge.

How does the $2.27 million allocated for data modernization compare to industry benchmarks for similar government IT projects?

Direct comparison is difficult without knowing the exact scope of the data modernization. However, government IT modernization projects can vary widely in cost. Factors like the complexity of legacy systems, data volume, security requirements, and desired functionalities heavily influence pricing. A benchmark analysis would require detailed project specifications to compare against similar-sized and scoped federal data modernization initiatives.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1601 VETERANS HWY STE 340, ISLANDIA, NY, 11749

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,764,776

Exercised Options: $31,764,776

Current Obligation: $31,764,776

Actual Outlays: $1,611,676

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DTNH2214D00366

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline