NHTSA VRTC Awards $700K for Crash Avoidance Testing Equipment and Legacy Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $699,984 ($700.0K)

Contractor: Transportation Research Center Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2027-04-02

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.9K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS REQUISITION: NHTSA VRTC EQUIPMENT AND TESTING CAPABILITIES AND LEGACY SUPPORT INCLUDING CALIBRATION AND SERVICE CONTRACTS FOR TEST EQUIPMENT. THE APPLIED CRASH AVOIDANCE GROUP AT THE VEHICLE RESEARCH AND TEST CENTER (VRTC) USES

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 $699,983.71 to TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH CENTER INC for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS REQUISITION: NHTSA VRTC EQUIPMENT AND TESTING CAPABILITIES AND LEGACY SUPPORT INCLUDING CALIBRATION AND SERVICE CONTRACTS FOR TEST EQUIPMENT. THE APPLIED CRASH AVOIDANCE GROUP AT THE VEHICLE RESEARCH AND TEST CENTER (VRTC) USES Key points: 1. Spending focuses on essential testing capabilities and ongoing calibration for crash avoidance research. 2. The contract is not competed, raising questions about price discovery and potential cost savings. 3. A significant portion of the value is allocated to legacy support, indicating reliance on existing infrastructure. 4. The sector is critical for automotive safety research and development.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if the $700K price is reasonable compared to similar testing services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, meaning there was no open bidding process. This limits price discovery and may prevent the government from securing the best possible price.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these critical testing services.

Public Impact

Enhances NHTSA's ability to research and develop advanced crash avoidance technologies. Ensures the continued functionality and accuracy of vital vehicle testing equipment. Supports ongoing efforts to improve road safety through rigorous testing and analysis. Potential for increased vehicle safety standards and reduced accidents.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
Reliance on legacy support

Positive Signals

Supports critical safety research
Ensures equipment calibration and service
Long-term operational capability

Sector Analysis

This spending falls within the 'Testing Laboratories and Services' category, supporting the automotive sector's research and development in vehicle safety. Benchmarks for similar specialized testing contracts are difficult to ascertain due to the sole-source nature of this award.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small businesses were not involved in this specific contract, as the awardee is 'TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH CENTER INC'. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are utilized in subcontracting roles.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to ensure the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure does not lead to excessive costs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) should actively monitor expenditures and performance against contract requirements.

Related Government Programs

Testing Laboratories and Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competitive bidding
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
Potential for cost overruns
Reliance on legacy systems
Limited transparency in pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $699,983.71 to TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH CENTER INC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS REQUISITION: NHTSA VRTC EQUIPMENT AND TESTING CAPABILITIES AND LEGACY SUPPORT INCLUDING CALIBRATION AND SERVICE CONTRACTS FOR TEST EQUIPMENT. THE APPLIED CRASH AVOIDANCE GROUP AT THE VEHICLE RESEARCH AND TEST CENTER (VRTC) USES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH CENTER INC.

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 $699,983.71.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2027-04-02.

What is the justification for not competing this contract, and what steps are being taken to ensure fair pricing?

The justification for not competing this contract is not provided in the data. However, for Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts, especially those involving legacy support, agencies often cite unique capabilities or urgent needs. To ensure fair pricing, the agency should conduct thorough market research, establish robust cost controls, and potentially seek independent cost estimates.

What are the risks associated with relying on legacy support for testing equipment, and how are these being mitigated?

Risks include potential obsolescence of technology, difficulty in sourcing parts, and increased maintenance costs. Mitigation strategies could involve a phased modernization plan for the equipment, exploring alternative testing methods, and ensuring comprehensive service level agreements are in place with the vendor.

How does this investment in testing capabilities directly contribute to improved vehicle safety outcomes?

This investment directly contributes by enabling NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) to conduct essential testing and calibration for crash avoidance systems. Accurate and up-to-date testing capabilities are fundamental to evaluating the effectiveness of new safety technologies, informing regulatory standards, and ultimately reducing traffic accidents and fatalities.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D 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: 10820 STATE ROUTE 347, EAST LIBERTY, OH, 43319

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: $699,984

Exercised Options: $699,984

Current Obligation: $699,984

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693JJ923D000057

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline