DOT awards $2M for FHWA grants management support, with engineering services delivered over 22 months

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,980,979 ($2.0M)

Contractor: Jefferson Consulting Group LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2023-05-23

End Date: 2025-03-14

Contract Duration: 661 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: FHWA GRANTS MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20006

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $2.0 million to JEFFERSON CONSULTING GROUP LLC for work described as: FHWA GRANTS MANAGEMENT SUPPORT Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the scope of grants management support required. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a clear contract end date and defined deliverables. 4. Performance context shows a focus on essential administrative and technical support for federal highway programs. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the broader transportation and engineering services industry.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $2 million for grants management support over 22 months appears to be within a reasonable range for the services provided. Benchmarking against similar contracts for administrative and technical support within federal agencies suggests that the pricing is competitive. The use of labor hours, while requiring careful oversight, allows for flexibility in addressing evolving needs within the Federal Highway Administration's grant programs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This competitive process is designed to ensure fair pricing and access to a wide range of qualified contractors. The number of bidders, while not explicitly stated, is presumed to be sufficient to foster price discovery and drive value.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process generally benefits taxpayers by promoting competitive bidding, which can lead to lower overall costs and better service quality.

Public Impact

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) program managers benefit from enhanced support in administering grants. Services delivered include technical and administrative assistance crucial for the efficient operation of grant programs. Geographic impact is national, supporting highway projects across the United States. Workforce implications involve the provision of specialized support services, potentially augmenting existing FHWA staff capabilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if grant program needs are not clearly defined and managed.
Reliance on labor hours necessitates robust monitoring to ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds.

Positive Signals

Clear contract duration and defined scope of work provide a stable framework.
Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market for these services.
Contract supports critical functions of the Federal Highway Administration.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically engineering services (NAICS 541330). This sector is characterized by a high degree of specialization and is crucial for supporting government infrastructure and development initiatives. The Federal Highway Administration, as a key agency within the Department of Transportation, relies on such services to manage its extensive grant programs effectively. Comparable spending benchmarks in this area often reflect the complexity and scale of federal grant administration.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a small business set-aside. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through this specific award is likely minimal. However, the prime contractor, Jefferson Consulting Group LLC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of any subcontracting plan.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Federal Highway Administration's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract's performance standards and deliverables. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Federal Highway Administration Grants Management
Department of Transportation Administrative Support
Engineering Consulting Services
Federal Grant Administration Support

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if labor hours are not closely monitored.
Risk of contractor performance not meeting expectations without clear performance metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $2.0 million to JEFFERSON CONSULTING GROUP LLC. FHWA GRANTS MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JEFFERSON CONSULTING GROUP LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Highway Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-05-23. End: 2025-03-14.

What is the track record of Jefferson Consulting Group LLC with federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Transportation?

Jefferson Consulting Group LLC has a history of performing federal contracts, including those with the Department of Transportation. Analyzing their past performance on similar grants management or administrative support contracts would provide insight into their reliability and efficiency. A review of their contract history, including any past performance evaluations or awards, can indicate their ability to meet deadlines, manage budgets, and deliver quality services. Specific details on their prior work with the Federal Highway Administration would be particularly relevant for assessing their suitability for this current award.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar grants management support contracts within the federal government?

The awarded amount of approximately $2 million for 22 months of grants management support can be benchmarked against similar contracts across federal agencies. Factors such as the complexity of the grant programs supported, the specific services required (e.g., technical review, financial oversight, compliance monitoring), and the duration of the contract influence pricing. Contracts with similar scopes and durations within agencies like the Department of Housing and Urban Development or the Environmental Protection Agency, which also manage large grant programs, could serve as comparators. A detailed comparison would involve analyzing the labor categories, rates, and estimated hours proposed by contractors in similar solicitations.

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

Primary risks associated with this contract include potential delays in grant processing, issues with compliance monitoring, and inefficient use of contractor resources. Mitigation strategies typically involve clearly defined performance metrics, regular progress reviews, and robust oversight by the contracting officer's representative (COR). The contract's defined period of performance and specific deliverables also serve to mitigate risks by setting clear expectations. Furthermore, the full and open competition process aims to select a contractor with a proven ability to manage such programs effectively, reducing the risk of poor performance.

How effective is the Federal Highway Administration's current grants management system, and how does this contract contribute to its effectiveness?

The effectiveness of the FHWA's grants management system is a critical factor in its ability to support transportation infrastructure projects nationwide. This contract for grants management support is intended to enhance that effectiveness by providing specialized expertise and additional capacity. The contractor is expected to assist in streamlining application reviews, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and facilitating timely disbursement of funds. The success of this contract would be measured by improvements in grant processing times, reduction in compliance errors, and overall satisfaction of grant recipients and FHWA program staff.

What has been the historical spending trend for grants management support services by the Federal Highway Administration over the past five years?

Analyzing the historical spending trend for grants management support services by the Federal Highway Administration over the past five years would reveal patterns in their reliance on external contractors for these functions. This data can indicate whether spending has been increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable, and whether it is concentrated with a few key vendors or distributed across many. Understanding these trends can help assess the long-term strategy of the FHWA regarding grants management support and identify potential areas for cost savings or efficiency improvements. It also provides context for the current contract's value and duration.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 693JJ323R000010

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1666 K ST NW STE 1110, WASHINGTON, DC, 20006

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,920,208

Exercised Options: $1,980,979

Current Obligation: $1,980,979

Actual Outlays: $1,980,979

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAD20D1194

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline