NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline Contract Awarded to Agile Decision Sciences for $11.8M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,825,227 ($11.8M)

Contractor: Agile Decision Sciences, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2021-07-01

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 2,009 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: TITLE: NHTSA'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE ACTION: ISSUE A NEW FIVE YEAR CONTRACT, BASE PLUS FOUR OPTION PERIODS, TO CONTINUE THE CALL-CENTER SERVICES FOR NHTSA'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE DESCRIPTION: CONTINUE SERVICES FOR NHTSA'S VE

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20590

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $11.8 million to AGILE DECISION SCIENCES, LLC for work described as: TITLE: NHTSA'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE ACTION: ISSUE A NEW FIVE YEAR CONTRACT, BASE PLUS FOUR OPTION PERIODS, TO CONTINUE THE CALL-CENTER SERVICES FOR NHTSA'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE DESCRIPTION: CONTINUE SERVICES FOR NHTSA'S VE Key points: 1. Contract aims to continue essential call-center services for vehicle safety. 2. Agile Decision Sciences, LLC is the incumbent contractor. 3. The contract includes a base period and four option periods. 4. Spending is allocated across multiple years, suggesting a long-term need.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $11.8M over five years appears reasonable for a national hotline service. Benchmarking against similar government call-center contracts would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a competitive process but with specific source exclusions. This method aims for fair pricing while potentially limiting the pool of bidders.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used to ensure public access to critical vehicle safety information and reporting.

Public Impact

Ensures continued public access to vehicle safety information and reporting. Supports NHTSA's mission to reduce crashes and injuries. Provides a channel for consumers to report safety defects. Facilitates communication during vehicle recalls.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price creep over the five-year period.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical communication.

Positive Signals

Continuation of a vital public service.
Competitive award process.
Long-term planning for essential functions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Engineering Services, specifically call-center operations for a government agency. Benchmarks for similar IT-enabled service contracts can vary widely based on scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract award.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's duration and phased approach suggest ongoing oversight is necessary to ensure performance and cost-effectiveness throughout its term.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost increases over the contract term.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical function.
Limited transparency on specific performance metrics.
The 'exclusion of sources' may limit competitive pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $11.8 million to AGILE DECISION SCIENCES, LLC. TITLE: NHTSA'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE ACTION: ISSUE A NEW FIVE YEAR CONTRACT, BASE PLUS FOUR OPTION PERIODS, TO CONTINUE THE CALL-CENTER SERVICES FOR NHTSA'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE DESCRIPTION: CONTINUE SERVICES FOR NHTSA'S VE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AGILE DECISION SCIENCES, LLC.

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 $11.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-07-01. End: 2026-12-31.

What specific metrics are used to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the Vehicle Safety Hotline services?

Performance metrics likely include call volume handled, average call duration, customer satisfaction ratings, and the accuracy of information provided. Effectiveness is measured by the hotline's contribution to identifying safety issues, facilitating recalls, and informing the public, ultimately supporting NHTSA's safety mission.

What are the primary risks associated with a five-year contract for call-center services, and how are they mitigated?

Risks include potential cost overruns due to inflation or scope creep, vendor performance degradation, and technological obsolescence. Mitigation strategies involve clear performance standards, regular reviews, fixed-price elements where possible, and contingency planning for service disruptions.

How does the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method impact the overall value and innovation for this contract?

Excluding certain sources can limit the competitive landscape, potentially leading to less aggressive pricing or fewer innovative solutions compared to a truly open competition. However, it may be justified if specific capabilities or past performance are critical, ensuring a known level of service quality.

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

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Arctic Slope Regional Corporation

Address: 350 VOYAGER WAY, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,390,482

Exercised Options: $11,825,227

Current Obligation: $11,825,227

Actual Outlays: $9,179,820

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 9

Total Subaward Amount: $4,148,053

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAD20D8174

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline