DOT Awards $8.6M for UAS Program Support to LS Technologies LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,606,701 ($8.6M)
Contractor: LS Technologies LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2023-08-22
End Date: 2026-08-20
Contract Duration: 1,094 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: TORFP 2315 UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS SERVICES PROGRAM SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20591
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $8.6 million to LS TECHNOLOGIES LLC for work described as: TORFP 2315 UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS SERVICES PROGRAM SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract value of $8.6M for unmanned aircraft systems program support. 2. LS Technologies LLC is the awardee. 3. The contract falls under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330). 4. Awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the Department of Transportation. 5. Contract duration is approximately 3 years.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $8.6M appears reasonable for specialized program support services in the UAS sector. Benchmarking against similar contracts for engineering and technical support in aviation would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to competitive pricing as multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition suggests that taxpayers are likely receiving a fair price for the services rendered, maximizing value for the government.
Public Impact
Enhances FAA's capabilities in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) oversight and integration. Supports the growing importance of drone technology in various sectors. Ensures continued development and safety standards for UAS operations. Contributes to the modernization of air traffic management systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 75 / 10
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Clear program support requirement identified.
- Established awardee with relevant experience likely.
Sector Analysis
The Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330) is critical for government programs requiring specialized technical expertise. Spending in this area, particularly for emerging technologies like UAS, is often driven by innovation and regulatory needs.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the awardee is not listed as a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought through subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for delivery orders under larger IDIQs or GWACs would apply, ensuring performance and compliance.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Transportation Contracting
- Federal Aviation Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
- Need for strong oversight to ensure effective program support.
- Dependence on a single awardee for critical program functions.
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-transportation, dc, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $8.6 million to LS TECHNOLOGIES LLC. TORFP 2315 UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS SERVICES PROGRAM SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LS TECHNOLOGIES LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $8.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-08-22. End: 2026-08-20.
What specific program support tasks are included under this contract?
The contract likely encompasses a range of technical and programmatic support for the FAA's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) initiatives. This could include policy development assistance, regulatory analysis, technical evaluations of UAS technologies, integration support into the national airspace system, and project management for UAS-related programs.
What is the potential for cost overruns given the Time and Materials (T&M) contract type?
Time and Materials contracts carry inherent risks of cost overruns if not managed diligently. The FAA will need robust oversight to monitor labor hours, rates, and material costs to ensure the $8.6M ceiling is not exceeded without justification and that the work remains within scope.
How does this contract contribute to the FAA's overall UAS integration strategy?
This contract is crucial for providing the specialized expertise needed to advance the FAA's strategy for safely integrating UAS into the national airspace. It supports the development of regulations, standards, and operational frameworks necessary for the widespread and safe adoption of drone technology.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Tetra Tech, Inc.
Address: 2750 PROSPERITY AVE STE 400, FAIRFAX, VA, 22031
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $19,311,012
Exercised Options: $8,606,701
Current Obligation: $8,606,701
Actual Outlays: $6,355,614
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 3
Total Subaward Amount: $4,683,985
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 693KA822D00027
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-08-22
Current End Date: 2026-08-20
Potential End Date: 2028-08-20 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-30
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