DOT awards $5.1M for ZTL Resiliency Program Security Enhancement, focusing on site survey and design

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,128,641 ($5.1M)

Contractor: M. C. Dean, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2020-02-26

End Date: 2028-12-31

Contract Duration: 3,231 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ATLANTA ARTCC (ZTL) RESILIENCY PROGRAM SECURITY ENHANCEMENT PHASE I SITE SURVEY AND DESIGN

Place of Performance

Location: HAMPTON, CLAYTON County, GEORGIA, 30228

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $5.1 million to M. C. DEAN, INC. for work described as: ATLANTA ARTCC (ZTL) RESILIENCY PROGRAM SECURITY ENHANCEMENT PHASE I SITE SURVEY AND DESIGN Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a site survey and design phase of a critical infrastructure security program. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process, which can drive better pricing. 3. The contract duration of over 8 years warrants scrutiny for potential scope creep or extended service needs. 4. This contract supports the Federal Aviation Administration's efforts to enhance the security of air traffic control facilities. 5. The focus on security enhancements aligns with broader government initiatives to protect critical national infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.1 million for a site survey and design phase seems within a reasonable range for a project of this nature, especially considering the critical infrastructure involved. Benchmarking against similar security enhancement projects for air traffic control facilities would provide a more precise assessment, but the initial outlay for planning and design is a standard component of larger infrastructure upgrades. The firm fixed-price structure offers cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the method of competition suggests a deliberate effort to maximize market participation and achieve fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of innovative solutions, potentially reducing overall project costs and improving service quality.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the public, through enhanced security and reliability of the Atlanta Air Route Traffic Control Center (ZTL). The services delivered include a site survey and design for security enhancements, laying the groundwork for future physical security upgrades. The geographic impact is focused on the Atlanta ARTCC facility, a critical node in the national airspace system. Workforce implications may include specialized security consultants and design engineers during the initial phase, with potential for construction and security personnel in subsequent phases.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration (over 8 years) could indicate potential for cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess progress and effectiveness.
The 'Phase I' designation suggests this is part of a larger, potentially more expensive, multi-phase program.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust and fair bidding process.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability for the government.
Focus on security enhancements for critical infrastructure demonstrates proactive risk management.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Security Systems Services sector, specifically focusing on the design and planning for security enhancements at a critical piece of national infrastructure. The market for security systems and infrastructure protection is substantial, driven by increasing threats and regulatory requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large-scale security upgrades for government facilities, particularly those managing essential services like air traffic control.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements for this contract. Given the nature of the work (site survey and design for security enhancements), it is possible that specialized firms with specific expertise were targeted. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had opportunities to participate either as prime contractors or subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the contracting agency. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract terms, including performance standards and payment schedules tied to deliverables. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would likely fall under the Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General, which oversees audits and investigations of agency programs and contracts.

Related Government Programs

FAA Air Traffic Control Modernization Programs
Critical Infrastructure Protection Initiatives
Federal Security System Contracts
Government Facility Design and Engineering Services

Risk Flags

Long contract duration
Phase I designation implies future costs
Potential for scope creep

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $5.1 million to M. C. DEAN, INC.. ATLANTA ARTCC (ZTL) RESILIENCY PROGRAM SECURITY ENHANCEMENT PHASE I SITE SURVEY AND DESIGN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is M. C. DEAN, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-02-26. End: 2028-12-31.

What is the track record of M. C. Dean, Inc. with the Federal Aviation Administration and similar security projects?

M. C. Dean, Inc. is a large government contractor with a significant history of performing work for various federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation and the FAA. They specialize in complex engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services, often involving security systems, electrical infrastructure, and building automation. While specific details on their past performance with the FAA for air traffic control security enhancements are not provided here, their extensive experience in similar domains suggests a capacity to handle such projects. A deeper dive into their contract history with the FAA would reveal specific project successes, any past performance issues, and their overall reputation for delivering on time and within budget for security-related infrastructure.

How does the $5.1 million cost compare to similar security design projects for critical infrastructure?

Benchmarking the $5.1 million cost for the site survey and design phase of the ATLANTA ARTCC (ZTL) RESILIENCY PROGRAM SECURITY ENHANCEMENT PHASE I requires comparison with projects of similar scope and complexity. Projects involving critical infrastructure, such as air traffic control centers, often command higher design and planning costs due to stringent security requirements, operational continuity needs, and the complexity of integrating new systems with existing infrastructure. Without specific data on comparable FAA projects or similar Department of Homeland Security infrastructure upgrades, it's challenging to provide a precise benchmark. However, for a multi-year design phase of a significant security enhancement program at a major air traffic control facility, this figure appears to be within a plausible range, assuming it covers comprehensive surveys, detailed architectural and engineering designs, and risk assessments.

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

Key risks associated with this contract include potential scope creep, as the project is designated 'Phase I' and spans over eight years, suggesting future phases. Delays in design completion could impact subsequent implementation phases. Technical risks involve ensuring the proposed security enhancements are effective against current and future threats and are compatible with existing ZTL systems. Cost overruns are always a risk, though mitigated by the firm fixed-price structure. Mitigation strategies likely include robust project management by the FAA, clear definition of design deliverables, phased funding approvals, and performance monitoring. The contractor's experience and the competitive bidding process also serve as risk mitigation factors.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' strategy likely to be in ensuring value for money for this specific contract?

The 'full and open competition' strategy is generally effective in ensuring value for money because it maximizes the pool of potential bidders, thereby increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive proposals. This competitive pressure encourages contractors to offer their best pricing and most innovative solutions to win the contract. For a security enhancement design project, this approach allows the FAA to solicit a variety of technical approaches and cost structures. The success in achieving value depends on the clarity of the solicitation requirements, the evaluation criteria used, and the number and capability of the bidders who respond. If multiple capable firms submitted bids, it significantly increases the probability that the selected proposal represents a good balance of cost and technical merit for the taxpayer.

What are the long-term implications of this contract for the security and resilience of the Atlanta ARTCC?

This contract is foundational for the long-term security and resilience of the Atlanta ARTCC. By focusing on the site survey and design phase, it aims to identify vulnerabilities and develop a comprehensive plan for implementing necessary security upgrades. Successful completion of this phase will pave the way for physical security enhancements, potentially including upgraded access controls, surveillance systems, perimeter security, and other measures designed to protect the facility from physical and cyber threats. The resilience of the ZTL is critical for maintaining the flow of air traffic in one of the nation's busiest regions. Therefore, the effectiveness of the design developed under this contract will directly impact the facility's ability to withstand disruptions and maintain operations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths)

Product/Service Code: ALARM, SIGNAL, SECURITY DETECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1765 GREENSBORO STATION PLACE SUITE 1400, TYSONS, VA, 22102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,128,641

Exercised Options: $5,128,641

Current Obligation: $5,128,641

Actual Outlays: $1,685,845

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $2,880,105

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693KA819D00007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline