FAA awards $865K for RCAS application support, highlighting need for specialized IT services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $865,425 ($865.4K)

Contractor: Autonomic Integra LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2025-04-04

End Date: 2027-04-06

Contract Duration: 732 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.2K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: EFAST PA 25-010-C8, "APPLICATION SUPPORT SERVICES OF THE RADIO COVERAGE ANALYSIS SYSTEM (RCAS) FOR SPECTRUM ENGINEERING SERVICES ORGANIZATION (AJW-19)"

Place of Performance

Location: GAITHERSBURG, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20877

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $865,424.6 to AUTONOMIC INTEGRA LLC for work described as: EFAST PA 25-010-C8, "APPLICATION SUPPORT SERVICES OF THE RADIO COVERAGE ANALYSIS SYSTEM (RCAS) FOR SPECTRUM ENGINEERING SERVICES ORGANIZATION (AJW-19)" Key points: 1. Contract addresses critical radio coverage analysis systems for spectrum engineering. 2. Focus on application support suggests ongoing maintenance and development needs. 3. Time and Materials contract type introduces potential cost variability. 4. Competition under SAP indicates a streamlined process for smaller procurements. 5. Single award to Autonomic Integra LLC suggests specific capabilities were sought. 6. Contract duration of two years provides a defined period for service delivery.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $865,424.60 for two years of application support appears reasonable given the specialized nature of spectrum engineering systems. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts for niche government systems would provide a more precise value assessment. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, while common for evolving IT needs, warrants close monitoring to ensure costs remain within expected parameters.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under SAP (Small Acquisition Procedures), indicating a competitive process was utilized for this procurement. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP generally aims to foster competition among qualified vendors for acquisitions below certain thresholds. This approach helps ensure fair pricing and access to a range of technical solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Competing under SAP, even for a smaller value contract, is beneficial for taxpayers as it allows for multiple vendors to bid, driving down costs and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing for essential IT support services.

Public Impact

Benefits the Federal Aviation Administration's Spectrum Engineering Services Organization (AJW-19). Ensures continued operation and support for the Radio Coverage Analysis System (RCAS). Supports the FAA's mission of ensuring safe and efficient air travel through effective spectrum management. May involve specialized IT professionals in Maryland, contributing to the local tech workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical application support may pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Contract is competed, indicating a level of market vetting.
Focus on specialized systems suggests a need for dedicated expertise.
Clear performance period (2 years) allows for structured service delivery and evaluation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Computer Systems Design Services sector, a vital component of the broader IT services industry. The market for specialized government IT support is characterized by a need for deep technical expertise and adherence to stringent security and operational requirements. The FAA's spending in this area is consistent with the increasing reliance on sophisticated IT systems for managing complex operations like air traffic control and spectrum allocation.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While the procurement was competed under SAP, which can include small business participation, there is no explicit indication of a small business set-aside. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would depend on the prime contractor's strategy and the specific requirements of the work.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the Federal Aviation Administration's contracting officers and program managers. The Time and Materials (T&M) nature of the contract necessitates diligent monitoring of labor hours and material costs to ensure adherence to the contract ceiling and prevent cost overruns. Inspector General audits could be initiated if specific concerns regarding waste, fraud, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

FAA IT Modernization Programs
Spectrum Management Systems
Air Traffic Control Systems Support
Government IT Services Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to T&M contract type.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical application support.
Need for strong government oversight to manage T&M performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $865,424.6 to AUTONOMIC INTEGRA LLC. EFAST PA 25-010-C8, "APPLICATION SUPPORT SERVICES OF THE RADIO COVERAGE ANALYSIS SYSTEM (RCAS) FOR SPECTRUM ENGINEERING SERVICES ORGANIZATION (AJW-19)"

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AUTONOMIC INTEGRA LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $865,424.6.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-04. End: 2027-04-06.

What is the historical spending by the FAA on application support services for spectrum engineering?

Analyzing historical FAA spending on similar application support services for spectrum engineering is crucial for benchmarking. While specific data for the RCAS system is not provided here, a review of past contracts for IT support within the Spectrum Engineering Services Organization (AJW-19) or comparable units would reveal trends. This includes examining contract values, durations, and the types of services rendered. For instance, if previous contracts for similar systems were significantly lower in value or shorter in duration, it might suggest an increase in complexity or market rates. Conversely, consistent spending patterns could indicate stable requirements. Understanding this historical context allows for a more informed assessment of the current $865,424.60 award's value and necessity.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar IT support contracts for specialized government systems?

Comparing the $865,424.60 award for RCAS application support to similar IT contracts requires identifying procurements for specialized systems within other federal agencies or even within the FAA itself. Key comparison points include the scope of work (e.g., maintenance, development, integration), the specific technologies involved, contract type (e.g., T&M, Firm-Fixed-Price), and contract duration. For example, a contract for supporting a less specialized or more mature system might be significantly cheaper. Conversely, contracts for highly complex, mission-critical systems with unique technological requirements often command higher prices due to the specialized expertise and rigorous standards involved. Without direct comparable contract data, this award appears moderate for specialized government IT support, but a detailed benchmark analysis is needed for a definitive assessment.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for application support?

The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for application support, such as the EFAST PA 25-010-C8, is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M agreements do not have a predetermined total cost. The government pays for the actual labor hours expended and materials used, plus a fixed fee or percentage. If the contractor's efficiency is low, or if the scope of work expands without proper controls, the total cost can exceed initial estimates or budgetary allocations. This necessitates robust oversight from the government's contracting officer's representative (COR) to monitor hours, ensure efficient performance, and manage any scope changes effectively. The FAA's ability to manage these risks will be critical to the overall value realized from this contract.

What is Autonomic Integra LLC's track record with the Federal Aviation Administration or similar agencies?

Assessing Autonomic Integra LLC's track record with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and similar agencies is vital for understanding their capability and reliability in fulfilling the RCAS application support contract. Information on past performance, including contract history, performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS), and any past disputes or challenges, provides insight into their operational strengths and weaknesses. A history of successful, on-time, and within-budget performance on comparable government contracts, particularly those involving complex IT systems or spectrum management, would be a strong positive indicator. Conversely, a record of performance issues, cost overruns, or contract disputes could raise concerns about their ability to meet the FAA's requirements effectively and efficiently.

How critical is the Radio Coverage Analysis System (RCAS) to the FAA's spectrum engineering operations?

The Radio Coverage Analysis System (RCAS) is likely critical to the FAA's spectrum engineering operations, as indicated by the dedicated contract for its application support. Spectrum engineering is fundamental to managing the radio frequencies used for aviation communication, navigation, and surveillance systems. Ensuring accurate radio coverage analysis helps prevent interference, optimize spectrum use, and maintain the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS). A robust and well-supported RCAS would enable engineers to model, predict, and verify radio signal propagation, which is essential for planning new systems, troubleshooting existing ones, and complying with regulatory requirements. The continuity of these functions depends heavily on the reliable performance and support of the underlying IT systems like RCAS.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 101 LAKEFOREST BLVD, STE 375, GAITHERSBURG, MD, 20877

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, SBA Certified 8 a Joint Venture, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,480,975

Exercised Options: $865,425

Current Obligation: $865,425

Actual Outlays: $329,738

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693KA922A00066

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline