NOAA awards $2.36M contract for professional services to A.I.S., INC., with 1826 days duration

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,358,786 ($2.4M)

Contractor: A.I.S., Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2020-08-31

End Date: 2025-08-31

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: NWFSC-FE DIVISION SUPPORT PROTECH TO

Place of Performance

Location: NORTH DARTMOUTH, BRISTOL County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02747

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $2.4 million to A.I.S., INC. for work described as: NWFSC-FE DIVISION SUPPORT PROTECH TO Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the extended performance period. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Performance period of nearly five years indicates a long-term need for these services. 4. The contract type (Time and Materials) can pose cost control risks if not managed closely. 5. This contract falls within the broad category of professional, scientific, and technical services. 6. The awardee, A.I.S., INC., will provide support to the NWFSC-FE DIVISION. 7. The contract was awarded as a Delivery Order under a larger contract vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total contract value of $2.36 million over 1826 days (approximately 5 years) averages to about $1,292 per day. This daily rate seems competitive for specialized professional, scientific, and technical services, especially considering the broad nature of the services and the potential for varying labor mixes under a Time and Materials contract. Without specific details on the services rendered, a direct comparison is challenging, but the overall value appears to be in a reasonable range for a multi-year federal support contract.

Cost Per Unit: $1,292 per day (estimated average)

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this requirement. While not an exceptionally high number of bidders, full and open competition generally promotes price discovery and allows the government to select the best value offer.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple companies to bid, driving down prices and ensuring the government receives competitive rates for services.

Public Impact

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will benefit from these professional services. The services provided are expected to support the NWFSC-FE DIVISION. The contract's geographic impact is likely focused on the operational areas of NOAA and the specific division being supported. Workforce implications may include the utilization of specialized technical and scientific personnel by the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored for labor hours and material costs.
The broad "All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services" category makes it difficult to assess the specificity and necessity of the services without further detail.
The duration of the contract (nearly 5 years) requires sustained oversight to ensure continued value and performance.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a fair and competitive process.
The contract has a defined end date, providing a clear timeframe for service delivery.
The awardee, A.I.S., INC., is likely experienced in providing professional services to federal agencies.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically NAICS code 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services). This is a broad category encompassing a wide range of services. Federal spending in this sector is substantial, supporting various agencies' missions. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without knowing the precise nature of the services, but contracts for similar durations and scopes typically range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars annually.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. The awardee, A.I.S., INC., is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear, and there's no immediate evidence of small business subcontracting opportunities stemming from this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) contracting officers and program managers. As a Delivery Order under a larger contract vehicle, the underlying contract likely has its own oversight mechanisms. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, but detailed performance reports and specific oversight activities are typically internal to the agency. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
NOAA Support Contracts
Delivery Orders
Time and Materials Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
Broad service category lacks specificity, requiring close monitoring.
Long contract duration necessitates sustained oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $2.4 million to A.I.S., INC.. NWFSC-FE DIVISION SUPPORT PROTECH TO

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is A.I.S., INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-08-31. End: 2025-08-31.

What specific services does A.I.S., INC. provide under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract falls under NAICS code 541990, 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.' This is a very broad category. Specific services could range widely, potentially including scientific research support, technical consulting, data analysis, program management assistance, or specialized engineering support for the National Weather Service's National Facilities Service Center - Federal Division (NWFSC-FE). Without access to the detailed statement of work (SOW) or task orders issued against this contract, the precise nature of the services remains undefined. However, the contract's purpose is to provide support to the NWFSC-FE DIVISION.

How does the $1,292 per day average cost compare to similar federal contracts for professional services?

The estimated average daily cost of $1,292 is within a reasonable range for federal professional, scientific, and technical services, particularly for contracts spanning multiple years. However, a precise benchmark is difficult without knowing the specific skill sets, labor categories, and overhead rates involved. Contracts under NAICS 541990 can vary significantly. For instance, contracts requiring highly specialized scientific expertise or senior technical consultants could command higher daily rates, while more general administrative or support services might be lower. Given the 5-year duration and the broad service category, this rate suggests a potentially good value, assuming the services are delivered effectively and efficiently.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract of this duration?

The primary risk with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract, especially one spanning nearly five years, is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours at specified rates and for the actual cost of materials. If not managed diligently through robust oversight, ceiling management, and detailed tracking of hours and expenses, the total cost can exceed initial estimates. For this contract, NOAA must ensure strict monitoring of labor inputs and material purchases to prevent scope creep and ensure the contractor remains within the contract ceiling while delivering the required support effectively.

What is the track record of A.I.S., INC. in performing federal contracts?

The provided data identifies A.I.S., INC. as the awardee but does not include specific details about their past performance, track record, or previous federal contract history. To assess their reliability and capability, one would typically need to consult federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for past performance evaluations, contract awards, and any reported issues. Without this information, it's impossible to definitively comment on their track record. However, winning a full and open competition contract suggests they met the basic qualifications and submitted a competitive offer.

How does this contract's spending compare to other NOAA contracts for similar services?

Comparing this $2.36 million contract to other NOAA contracts requires access to historical spending data and a clear definition of 'similar services.' Given that this falls under the broad 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' category (541990), finding directly comparable contracts can be challenging. NOAA procures a vast array of services, from scientific research and data management to IT support and administrative functions. This contract's value and duration appear moderate within the context of large federal agency procurements. A deeper analysis would involve identifying NOAA contracts with similar NAICS codes, durations, and stated objectives to establish a more precise spending benchmark.

What are the potential performance challenges or indicators of success for this contract?

Potential performance challenges include ensuring the contractor's personnel possess the necessary specialized skills, managing the T&M aspects to control costs, and adapting to any evolving requirements within the NWFSC-FE DIVISION over the five-year period. Indicators of success would include the timely and effective delivery of professional, scientific, and technical support as defined in the statement of work, positive feedback from the supported division, adherence to budget ceilings, and the contractor's ability to provide qualified personnel consistently. Meeting key performance metrics, if defined in the contract, would also signal success.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVERVAT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 14 BARNABAS ROAD, MARION, MA, 02738

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,974,292

Exercised Options: $2,866,070

Current Obligation: $2,358,786

Actual Outlays: $872,485

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1305M418DNFFK0011

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline