Transportation contract for ISO TC 204 Secretariat and Expert Participation awarded to SAE INTERNATIONAL for $339,973

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $339,973 ($340.0K)

Contractor: SAE International

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-07-06

End Date: 2027-09-15

Contract Duration: 436 days

Daily Burn Rate: $780/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ISO TC 204 SECRETARIAT AND EXPERT PARTICIPATION

Place of Performance

Location: WARRENDALE, ALLEGHENY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15086

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $339,972.96 to SAE INTERNATIONAL for work described as: ISO TC 204 SECRETARIAT AND EXPERT PARTICIPATION Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized technical committee support. 2. Sole-source award limits price discovery and potential for competitive savings. 3. Long-term nature of expert participation suggests potential for sustained value. 4. Performance period aligns with anticipated needs for international standards development. 5. This contract supports the Federal Highway Administration's engagement in global technical forums. 6. Focus on professional organizations indicates a niche but critical service area.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $339,973 over approximately 14 months is modest for specialized international standards participation. Benchmarking against similar contracts for secretarial and expert support to international technical committees is challenging due to the niche nature of this work. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility while aiming for cost control, suggesting a fair approach to pricing for the services rendered.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning there was no open competition. This approach is often used when a specific entity possesses unique qualifications or expertise essential for the contract's requirements, such as SAE INTERNATIONAL's role with ISO TC 204. The lack of competition means that taxpayers did not benefit from potential price reductions that could arise from multiple bidders vying for the contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can lead to higher costs for taxpayers as competitive pressures are absent. The government may not achieve the best possible price without exploring alternative sources or justifications for the sole-source decision.

Public Impact

Benefits the Federal Highway Administration by ensuring U.S. participation in international transportation standards development. Delivers expert participation and secretarial support for ISO Technical Committee 204. Geographic impact is global, influencing international transportation standards. Workforce implications include specialized technical expertise and administrative support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing benefits for taxpayers.
Potential for cost overruns inherent in cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts if not closely managed.

Positive Signals

Ensures critical U.S. representation in international standards development.
SAE INTERNATIONAL has established expertise in this domain.
Long-term engagement supports continuity in standards evolution.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically supporting international standards development for transportation. The market for such specialized secretarial and expert participation is limited, often dominated by organizations with deep technical expertise and established relationships with international bodies like ISO. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the niche nature, but the value reflects the specialized knowledge and administrative effort required to maintain U.S. influence in global technical committees.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides. Given the specialized nature of providing secretarial and expert participation for an international technical committee, it is likely that larger, established organizations with specific expertise and international affiliations are best positioned to perform this work. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures would be tied to the delivery of services as outlined in the contract, including the effective participation of experts and the provision of secretarial support. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

International Standards Development
Transportation Policy and Regulation
Federal Agency International Engagement
Professional and Technical Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $339,972.96 to SAE INTERNATIONAL. ISO TC 204 SECRETARIAT AND EXPERT PARTICIPATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SAE INTERNATIONAL.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $339,972.96.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-07-06. End: 2027-09-15.

What is the track record of SAE INTERNATIONAL in supporting international technical committees?

SAE INTERNATIONAL has a long-standing and recognized history of supporting international technical committees, particularly within the automotive and aerospace sectors. They serve as the secretariat for numerous SAE technical committees and are deeply involved with international standards organizations like ISO. Their expertise in managing technical documentation, facilitating expert participation, and ensuring compliance with international standards development processes is well-established. This extensive experience positions them as a key player in facilitating U.S. engagement in global technical forums, making them a logical choice for contracts requiring this specialized support.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types for this service?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract structure allows the contractor (SAE INTERNATIONAL) to be reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure is often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined or when there is uncertainty in the cost of performance, such as in research or specialized technical support. Compared to a firm-fixed-price contract, CPFF offers more flexibility for the government if requirements change but carries a higher risk of cost overruns if not managed diligently. For services like international standards participation, where the exact level of expert engagement or administrative effort might fluctuate, CPFF can be appropriate, but it necessitates robust government oversight to control costs.

What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source contract?

The primary risk associated with this sole-source contract is the lack of competitive pressure, which could lead to a higher price than might be achieved through open competition. Without multiple bidders, there is less incentive for the contractor to minimize costs or offer innovative solutions to reduce expenses. Additionally, reliance on a single source can create a dependency, making it difficult for the government to switch providers if performance issues arise or if market conditions change. Ensuring fair pricing and robust performance monitoring becomes critical in sole-source situations to mitigate these risks.

What is the expected impact of this contract on U.S. influence in international transportation standards?

This contract is expected to significantly enhance U.S. influence in the development of international transportation standards through ISO TC 204. By providing dedicated secretarial support and ensuring expert participation, it facilitates the timely and effective contribution of U.S. perspectives, research, and technical expertise into global standards. This engagement is crucial for aligning international regulations with U.S. industry capabilities, promoting U.S. technological advancements, and ensuring that U.S. interests are represented in standards that can affect global trade and safety. Continued participation helps shape the future of transportation technologies and policies worldwide.

How does this contract's value compare to overall Federal Highway Administration spending on international affairs?

The value of this contract, approximately $340,000, represents a very small fraction of the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) overall budget, which typically runs into billions of dollars annually. FHWA's spending on international affairs, including participation in international standards bodies, technical exchanges, and cooperative research programs, is a strategic investment. While this specific contract is modest in absolute terms, it is critical for maintaining U.S. leadership and influence in a key area of transportation policy and technology. Its value lies in its strategic importance rather than its sheer dollar amount relative to the agency's total outlays.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations › Professional Organizations

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 400 COMMONWEALTH DR, WARRENDALE, PA, 15086

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $339,973

Exercised Options: $339,973

Current Obligation: $339,973

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693JJ321D000006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline