DOT Awards $52.7M Air Traffic Control Contract to Robinson Aviation Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $52,670,037 ($52.7M)

Contractor: Robinson Aviation (RVA), Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2024-11-26

End Date: 2032-01-31

Contract Duration: 2,622 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: THE FCT CONTRACT ENCOMPASSES THE SCOPE OF ATC SERVICES AND ASSOCIATED SUPPORT SERVICES REQUIRED FOR THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATION OF FCTS AS DEFINED IN THE STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW).

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20591

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $52.7 million to ROBINSON AVIATION (RVA), INC. for work described as: THE FCT CONTRACT ENCOMPASSES THE SCOPE OF ATC SERVICES AND ASSOCIATED SUPPORT SERVICES REQUIRED FOR THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATION OF FCTS AS DEFINED IN THE STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW). Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Robinson Aviation (RVA), Inc. for Air Traffic Control services. 2. The contract has a total value of $52,670,036.61 and runs until January 31, 2032. 3. Procurement was conducted under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, providing cost certainty for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $52.7 million over approximately 7 years suggests a reasonable annual spend for critical Air Traffic Control services. Benchmarking against similar FAA contracts would provide a more precise assessment of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to compete. This method generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is expected to yield fair market pricing, maximizing taxpayer value for essential air traffic control services.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation of critical Air Traffic Control (ATC) services. Supports the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System. Provides essential services for aviation operations across the District of Columbia. Long-term contract provides stability for service provision and planning.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract duration extends significantly into the future, requiring ongoing monitoring.
Potential for scope creep if not managed tightly against the SOW.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract offers cost predictability.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive award process.
Long-term award provides service continuity.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Air Traffic Control sector, a critical component of the Department of Transportation's mission. Spending in this area is essential for national infrastructure and safety, with benchmarks often tied to operational complexity and geographic coverage.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small businesses were not directly awarded this contract, as it was awarded to Robinson Aviation (RVA), Inc. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Transportation, specifically the Federal Aviation Administration, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight will be crucial to ensure adherence to the Statement of Work and manage performance effectively over the contract's lifespan.

Related Government Programs

Air Traffic Control
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration increases exposure to changing requirements and economic conditions.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical ATC services.
Potential for cost overruns if not managed strictly under FFP terms.
Need for continuous monitoring of contractor performance and service quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $52.7 million to ROBINSON AVIATION (RVA), INC.. THE FCT CONTRACT ENCOMPASSES THE SCOPE OF ATC SERVICES AND ASSOCIATED SUPPORT SERVICES REQUIRED FOR THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATION OF FCTS AS DEFINED IN THE STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW).

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ROBINSON AVIATION (RVA), INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $52.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-11-26. End: 2032-01-31.

What is the historical performance of Robinson Aviation (RVA), Inc. on similar government contracts, particularly within the FAA?

Assessing Robinson Aviation's past performance is crucial for understanding their reliability and capability in delivering Air Traffic Control services. Reviewing their track record on previous government contracts, especially those with the FAA, can reveal insights into their ability to meet deadlines, manage costs, and adhere to quality standards. This historical data helps in evaluating the risk associated with the current award and provides a basis for performance expectations.

How does the awarded price compare to industry benchmarks for similar Air Traffic Control services, considering the scope and duration?

Comparing the contract's price to established industry benchmarks for Air Traffic Control services is vital for validating its cost-effectiveness. Factors such as the specific services required, the operational environment, and the contract duration must be considered. A favorable comparison would indicate that the government secured a competitive price, maximizing taxpayer value. Conversely, a higher-than-benchmark price might warrant further investigation into the procurement process or service requirements.

What mechanisms are in place to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of ATC services throughout the contract's extended duration?

Effective mechanisms for ensuring service effectiveness and efficiency are paramount for a contract spanning over seven years. This includes clear performance metrics, regular review periods, and a responsive process for addressing any service deficiencies. The FAA's oversight framework, including quality assurance surveillance plans and contractor performance evaluation systems, will be key to monitoring and ensuring that ATC services consistently meet safety and operational standards.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Support Activities for Air Transportation › Air Traffic Control

Product/Service Code: OPERATION OF GOVT OWNED FACILITY › OPERATE GOVT OWNED BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: TWO STEP

Solicitation ID: 693KA7-23-R-00003

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1601 NW EXPRESSWAY SUITE 850, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 73118

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $217,408,915

Exercised Options: $52,670,037

Current Obligation: $52,670,037

Actual Outlays: $31,529,080

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED

Timeline