DOT's $37.3M Media Support Contract Awarded to Charles Tombras Advertising Amidst Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $37,260,016 ($37.3M)
Contractor: Charles Tombras Advertising, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2015-06-01
End Date: 2016-05-31
Contract Duration: 365 days
Daily Burn Rate: $102.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF TITLE: 2015 NATIONAL AND REGIONAL MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: KNOXVILLE, KNOX County, TENNESSEE, 37919
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $37.3 million to CHARLES TOMBRAS ADVERTISING, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF TITLE: 2015 NATIONAL AND REGIONAL MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract value is $37.3 million over one year. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. The sector is Advertising Agencies, supporting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can be less predictable in final cost compared to fixed-price contracts. Benchmarking against similar advertising contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders participated. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for this contract. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires careful oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and justified.
Public Impact
Public awareness campaigns for traffic safety will be supported by these services. The contract duration is one year, with potential for future renewals. Advertising services are crucial for disseminating information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize higher spending.
- Potential for scope creep in advertising campaigns.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition ensures a broad range of potential providers.
- Contract supports a critical public safety mission.
Sector Analysis
The advertising and public relations sector (NAICS 541810) is characterized by creative services and media placement. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on campaign scope and media channels.
Small Business Impact
While the contract was awarded to Charles Tombras Advertising, Inc., the data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust oversight from the Department of Transportation to monitor costs and ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds. Performance metrics should be clearly defined.
Related Government Programs
- Advertising Agencies
- Department of Transportation Contracting
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to higher costs if not managed tightly.
- Lack of detail on small business subcontracting.
- Potential for scope creep in advertising campaigns.
- Effectiveness metrics not explicitly detailed in the provided data.
Tags
advertising-agencies, department-of-transportation, tn, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $37.3 million to CHARLES TOMBRAS ADVERTISING, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF TITLE: 2015 NATIONAL AND REGIONAL MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION SUPPORT SERVICES
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 $37.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-06-01. End: 2016-05-31.
What specific metrics are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the media and communication support services provided under this contract?
The effectiveness of media and communication support services is typically evaluated through metrics such as campaign reach, audience engagement, message recall, and ultimately, impact on traffic safety behaviors. The contract should outline specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and reporting requirements to track these elements and ensure the services align with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's objectives.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure mitigate the risk of cost overruns for this advertising contract?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure includes a fixed fee for the contractor's profit, which is intended to provide some incentive for cost control. However, the 'cost plus' component means the government reimburses allowable costs. Mitigation relies heavily on stringent oversight, clear definition of allowable costs, and robust negotiation of the fixed fee to prevent excessive spending and ensure value for money.
What is the anticipated impact of these communication services on public behavior regarding traffic safety?
The anticipated impact is a measurable improvement in public adherence to traffic safety regulations, leading to a reduction in accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Effective campaigns should increase awareness of risks, promote safer driving habits (e.g., seatbelt use, avoiding distracted driving), and encourage compliance with laws, thereby contributing to the NHTSA's mission.
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: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
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: $52,751,729
Exercised Options: $52,751,729
Current Obligation: $37,260,016
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: DTNH2213D00280
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-06-01
Current End Date: 2016-05-31
Potential End Date: 2016-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-12-01
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