DOT Awards $3M for UAS Traffic Management Systems Engineering to LS Technologies LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,054,623 ($3.1M)
Contractor: LS Technologies LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2024-01-22
End Date: 2027-01-18
Contract Duration: 1,092 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: TORFP 2354 - UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS) TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT (UTM) SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Place of Performance
Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22031
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $3.1 million to LS TECHNOLOGIES LLC for work described as: TORFP 2354 - UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS) TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT (UTM) SYSTEMS ENGINEERING Key points: 1. Contract awarded for critical UAS Traffic Management (UTM) systems engineering. 2. LS Technologies LLC, a small business, secured the contract. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration is approximately 3 years, indicating a medium-term project.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $3.05M for engineering services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of UAS traffic management. Benchmarking against similar complex systems engineering contracts would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for price discovery. It allows multiple qualified vendors to bid, potentially driving down costs and ensuring the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests taxpayers are likely to benefit from a fair price for these specialized engineering services.
Public Impact
Enhances the safety and efficiency of drone operations. Supports the integration of unmanned aircraft into national airspace. Drives innovation in aviation technology and infrastructure.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in complex engineering projects.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical systems engineering.
Positive Signals
- Clear objective for UAS traffic management.
- Utilizes full and open competition.
- Awarded to a small business.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting advanced aviation technologies. Spending in this area is crucial for modernizing air traffic control and integrating new aerial systems.
Small Business Impact
LS Technologies LLC is a small business, and this award represents a significant opportunity for them. Supporting small businesses in specialized technology sectors is a key government objective.
Oversight & Accountability
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight procedures for delivery orders under a larger contract should ensure accountability and performance.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Transportation Contracting
- Federal Aviation Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in complex engineering.
- Dependency on specific technology advancements.
- Challenges in integrating new systems with legacy infrastructure.
- Ensuring robust cybersecurity for critical air traffic management.
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-transportation, va, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $3.1 million to LS TECHNOLOGIES LLC. TORFP 2354 - UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS) TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT (UTM) SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
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 $3.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-01-22. End: 2027-01-18.
What are the specific performance metrics and deliverables expected for the UAS Traffic Management (UTM) systems engineering?
The specific performance metrics and deliverables are detailed within the TORFP 2354 document. They likely include requirements for system design, integration, testing, and validation of the UTM system to ensure safe and efficient drone operations. Key performance indicators would focus on system reliability, scalability, and interoperability with existing air traffic control infrastructure.
What are the potential risks associated with the long-term development and implementation of UAS Traffic Management systems?
Potential risks include rapid technological obsolescence, cybersecurity threats to the UTM infrastructure, regulatory hurdles in airspace integration, and the need for continuous adaptation to evolving drone technologies and operational needs. Ensuring interoperability across different UTM service providers and maintaining public trust are also significant long-term considerations.
How will the effectiveness of the UTM systems engineering be measured to ensure it meets the FAA's objectives for drone integration?
Effectiveness will be measured through a combination of technical performance reviews, successful system testing and validation against defined requirements, and demonstrated improvements in the safety and efficiency of drone operations. Key indicators will include the system's ability to manage increasing drone traffic volumes, prevent conflicts, and integrate seamlessly with traditional air traffic management systems.
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: $7,334,201
Exercised Options: $3,054,623
Current Obligation: $3,054,623
Actual Outlays: $1,831,570
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 5
Total Subaward Amount: $2,879,965
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: 2024-01-22
Current End Date: 2027-01-18
Potential End Date: 2029-01-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-18
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