FCC's $331M Broadband Location Serviceable Fabric Contract Awarded to CostQuest Associates
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $33,160,420 ($33.2M)
Contractor: Costquest Associates LLC
Awarding Agency: Federal Communications Commission
Start Date: 2021-11-10
End Date: 2027-02-24
Contract Duration: 1,932 days
Daily Burn Rate: $17.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 12
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: BROADBAND LOCATION SERVICEABLE FABRIC
Place of Performance
Location: CINCINNATI, HAMILTON County, OHIO, 45202
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Federal Communications Commission obligated $33.2 million to COSTQUEST ASSOCIATES LLC for work described as: BROADBAND LOCATION SERVICEABLE FABRIC Key points: 1. The contract aims to create a comprehensive database of broadband serviceability across the US. 2. CostQuest Associates LLC secured the definitive contract. 3. The contract value is substantial at $331,604,200. 4. This initiative is crucial for understanding broadband access and guiding future investments. 5. The contract duration extends to February 2027.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $331.6 million for a nationwide broadband serviceability fabric appears reasonable given the scope and complexity of the undertaking. Benchmarking against similar large-scale data collection and analysis contracts is difficult due to the unique nature of this project.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method allows multiple vendors to bid, fostering competition and potentially leading to a more favorable price for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The investment is intended to improve broadband deployment accuracy, potentially leading to more efficient use of taxpayer funds in future broadband initiatives.
Public Impact
Improved accuracy in identifying areas lacking broadband service. Data will inform federal and state efforts to close the digital divide. Potential for more targeted and effective infrastructure investments. Supports economic development by identifying areas needing better connectivity. Enhances transparency in broadband availability reporting.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Data accuracy and maintenance challenges.
- Potential for scope creep or evolving data requirements.
- Dependence on external data sources for accuracy.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical national need for broadband data.
- Utilizes a competitive bidding process.
- Long-term contract provides stability for data development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the 'Other Computer Related Services' NAICS code, often associated with data management, analysis, and IT consulting. Spending in this sector is generally high, driven by government needs for digital transformation and data-driven decision-making.
Small Business Impact
While the contract was awarded under full and open competition, there is no specific indication of small business participation in the provided data. Larger prime contractors may subcontract to small businesses, but this is not explicitly detailed.
Oversight & Accountability
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the contracting agency, responsible for overseeing the contract's performance and ensuring it meets its objectives. The definitive contract structure implies ongoing oversight throughout its duration.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Federal Communications Commission Contracting
- Federal Communications Commission Programs
Risk Flags
- Data accuracy and validation.
- Long-term data maintenance and updates.
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Ensuring comprehensive coverage across all geographic areas.
- Interoperability with existing government data systems.
Tags
other-computer-related-services, federal-communications-commission, oh, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Federal Communications Commission awarded $33.2 million to COSTQUEST ASSOCIATES LLC. BROADBAND LOCATION SERVICEABLE FABRIC
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is COSTQUEST ASSOCIATES LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Federal Communications Commission (Federal Communications Commission).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $33.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-11-10. End: 2027-02-24.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the success of the Broadband Location Serviceable Fabric?
Key performance indicators would likely include the accuracy and completeness of the serviceability data, the timeliness of updates, the usability of the fabric for various stakeholders (e.g., policymakers, industry, researchers), and the successful integration of data from diverse sources. The FCC would establish specific metrics to track progress against the contract's objectives.
What are the primary risks associated with the accuracy and long-term utility of this broadband data fabric?
Primary risks include the dynamic nature of broadband deployment, leading to data obsolescence; challenges in verifying data accuracy from multiple, potentially inconsistent sources; potential for vendor lock-in if data formats are proprietary; and the risk that the fabric may not fully capture the nuances of service quality or consumer experience, impacting its utility for policy decisions.
How will the effectiveness of this contract be measured in terms of its impact on closing the digital divide?
Effectiveness will be measured by how well the fabric enables targeted investments in unserved and underserved areas. This includes tracking the number of new broadband deployments facilitated by the data, the reduction in the digital divide metrics as reported by the FCC, and the improved efficiency of federal and state funding programs. User feedback and adoption rates by relevant agencies will also indicate effectiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - PLATFORM
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 273FCC21R0005
Offers Received: 12
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 659 VAN METER ST STE 520, CINCINNATI, OH, 45202
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $44,921,200
Exercised Options: $38,551,205
Current Obligation: $33,160,420
Actual Outlays: $30,853,980
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-11-10
Current End Date: 2027-02-24
Potential End Date: 2027-02-24 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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