Transportation awards $38.6M for media support, with Charles Tombras Advertising Inc. securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $38,651,723 ($38.7M)

Contractor: Charles Tombras Advertising, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2014-05-30

End Date: 2015-06-01

Contract Duration: 367 days

Daily Burn Rate: $105.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF TITLE: NATIONAL AND REGIONAL MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION SUPPORT SERVICES - BASE 2

Place of Performance

Location: KNOXVILLE, KNOX County, TENNESSEE, 37919, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Tennessee Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $38.7 million to CHARLES TOMBRAS ADVERTISING, INC. for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF TITLE: NATIONAL AND REGIONAL MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION SUPPORT SERVICES - BASE 2 Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in national and regional communication strategies. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are crucial for understanding pricing efficiency. 3. Performance context will be key to evaluating the effectiveness of media and communication efforts. 4. The sector positioning of this award reflects the government's reliance on specialized advertising services. 5. Risk indicators may include the ability to adapt to evolving media landscapes and ensure broad reach.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $38.6 million over its period of performance is substantial. Benchmarking this against similar government-wide contracts for advertising and media services would provide a clearer picture of value for money. Without direct comparable contract data, it's difficult to definitively assess if the pricing is optimal, but the fixed-price nature suggests a degree of cost certainty for the government. The award to a single entity implies a focused approach to service delivery.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple interested parties had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is generally expected to drive better pricing and service offerings. The number of bidders is not specified, but the fact that it was competed openly suggests a healthy market for these services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more cost-effective solutions and a wider array of innovative approaches.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the agencies within the Department of Transportation that require communication support for their initiatives. Services delivered include national and regional media planning, buying, and campaign execution. The geographic impact is national, with a focus on regional communication needs. Workforce implications may involve the utilization of specialized advertising and media professionals.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial campaign objectives are not clearly defined.
Reliance on a single contractor could pose risks if performance falters.
Ensuring consistent brand messaging across diverse media channels requires careful management.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process.
Fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability for the government.
The contractor's specialization in advertising suggests relevant expertise.

Sector Analysis

The advertising and public relations industry is a vital sector for government communication efforts. This contract falls under the NAICS code 541810 (Advertising Agencies), a segment characterized by a mix of large, established firms and smaller, specialized boutiques. Government spending in this area is often driven by the need for public awareness campaigns, outreach, and strategic communication for various initiatives. Benchmarking against industry standards for media buys and campaign management would be relevant.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the contractor, Charles Tombras Advertising, Inc., is not explicitly identified as a small business in this context. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a small business set-aside. The impact on the broader small business ecosystem would depend on whether the prime contractor engages small businesses as subcontractors, which is not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the contracting officer and program managers within the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the broader Department of Transportation. Accountability measures are inherent in the contract terms, including performance standards and payment schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed campaign performance metrics may not always be publicly disclosed. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Transportation Public Affairs Contracts
Federal Advertising and Marketing Services
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Communications

Risk Flags

Contract Duration
Performance Monitoring
Scope Definition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $38.7 million to CHARLES TOMBRAS ADVERTISING, INC.. IGF::CT::IGF TITLE: NATIONAL AND REGIONAL MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION SUPPORT SERVICES - BASE 2

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CHARLES TOMBRAS ADVERTISING, 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 $38.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-05-30. End: 2015-06-01.

What is the track record of Charles Tombras Advertising, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Transportation?

Charles Tombras Advertising, Inc. has a history of federal contracting. This specific award from the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for media and communication support services is a significant contract. Analyzing their past performance on similar government contracts, including adherence to schedules, budget management, and quality of deliverables, would provide insight into their reliability and capability. Examining contract close-out data and any performance reviews or disputes associated with their prior federal awards would further inform an assessment of their track record.

How does the awarded amount of $38.6 million compare to similar government-wide contracts for advertising and media support?

The $38.6 million awarded to Charles Tombras Advertising, Inc. for national and regional media and communication support services is a substantial figure. To benchmark this value, one would compare it against other large-scale federal contracts for similar services, such as those awarded by agencies like the General Services Administration (GSA) or other departments with significant public outreach needs. Factors like contract duration, scope of services (e.g., media planning, buying, creative development, digital vs. traditional media), and the specific target audiences influence comparability. Without access to a comprehensive database of comparable contract values and scopes, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but this award appears to be within the range of significant government communication initiatives.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks for this contract include potential performance issues in executing complex media campaigns, the risk of cost overruns if not managed tightly under the fixed-price structure, and the challenge of adapting to rapidly changing media landscapes and audience behaviors. Mitigation strategies likely involve clearly defined performance work statements, robust oversight from NHTSA program managers, regular reporting requirements from the contractor, and performance incentives or penalties embedded within the contract. The contractor's own risk management processes, including contingency planning for media shifts and crisis communication, are also critical.

How effective has the Department of Transportation been in leveraging media support contracts to achieve its communication objectives?

Assessing the effectiveness of this specific contract requires evaluating the outcomes of the media and communication campaigns executed. This would involve analyzing metrics such as reach, engagement, message recall, and ultimately, the impact on public behavior or awareness related to NHTSA's safety initiatives. Historically, the Department of Transportation has utilized various communication strategies, and the success of media support contracts can be gauged by their contribution to achieving specific campaign goals, such as reducing traffic fatalities or promoting new transportation policies. A review of post-campaign analyses and independent evaluations, where available, would provide the most direct evidence of effectiveness.

What are the historical spending patterns for media and communication support services within the Department of Transportation?

Historical spending patterns for media and communication support services within the Department of Transportation (DOT) reveal a consistent need for these services across its various administrations, including NHTSA. Spending levels can fluctuate based on the urgency and scale of specific public awareness campaigns, legislative mandates, or shifts in transportation policy. Analyzing multi-year spending data would show trends in contract values, the types of services procured (e.g., digital advertising, public service announcements, social media campaigns), and the primary contractors utilized. This historical context helps in understanding the baseline investment in communication and identifying any significant deviations or increases in recent years.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services › Advertising Agencies

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 630 CONCORD ST, KNOXVILLE, TN, 37919

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $39,766,317

Exercised Options: $39,766,317

Current Obligation: $38,651,723

Actual Outlays: $-142

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DTNH2213D00280

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline