DOT's FAA Awards $5.96M BPA for National Test Equipment to Technical Communities, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $5,961,444 ($6.0M)
Contractor: Technical Communities, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2023-10-18
End Date: 2024-09-30
Contract Duration: 348 days
Daily Burn Rate: $17.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: FUND NATIONAL TEST EQUIQMENT BPA
Place of Performance
Location: SAN MATEO, SAN MATEO County, CALIFORNIA, 94404
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $6.0 million to TECHNICAL COMMUNITIES, INC. for work described as: FUND NATIONAL TEST EQUIQMENT BPA Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single vendor, Technical Communities, Inc. 2. The BPA call is for national test equipment. 3. The contract duration is 348 days. 4. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 5. The total award amount is $5,961,443.70.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award amount of $5.96M for test equipment is substantial. Without specific unit cost data or benchmarks for similar national test equipment contracts, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing. However, the firm fixed price contract type suggests a defined cost structure.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The BPA call mechanism allows for task orders against a broader agreement, potentially leading to competitive pricing for specific needs.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally positive for taxpayers as it promotes market-driven pricing. The total award amount suggests significant investment, and competitive processes aim to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Supports the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) testing and evaluation capabilities. Ensures availability of critical test equipment for national programs. Potential impact on the aerospace and technology sectors requiring specialized equipment.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific unit cost data for detailed value assessment.
- Limited insight into the specific types of test equipment procured.
- BPA call mechanism could lead to less granular price discovery compared to individual solicitations.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Firm fixed price contract type provides cost certainty.
- Supports critical national testing infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
The procurement falls under the 'Computer and Software Stores' category, likely related to specialized IT or electronic test equipment. Benchmarking spending in this specific niche requires detailed analysis of similar government contracts for advanced testing apparatus.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific requirement or outcome for this particular BPA call. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved in the supply chain or as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Federal Aviation Administration, a component of the Department of Transportation. Standard government oversight processes for BPA calls and task orders would apply, focusing on performance and adherence to contract terms.
Related Government Programs
- Computer and Software Stores
- Department of Transportation Contracting
- Federal Aviation Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of detailed equipment specification.
- Potential for price creep on future orders.
- Limited visibility into small business utilization.
- Single vendor reliance for specific equipment needs.
Tags
computer-and-software-stores, department-of-transportation, ca, bpa-call, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $6.0 million to TECHNICAL COMMUNITIES, INC.. FUND NATIONAL TEST EQUIQMENT BPA
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TECHNICAL COMMUNITIES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $6.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-10-18. End: 2024-09-30.
What specific types of test equipment are included under this BPA, and how do their costs compare to industry standards?
The provided data does not specify the exact types of test equipment. A detailed review of the BPA's scope of work and any subsequent task orders would be necessary to identify the equipment. Benchmarking costs would require comparing these specific items against commercial price lists and other government contracts for similar advanced testing apparatus.
What is the potential risk associated with relying on a single vendor for national test equipment under this BPA?
The primary risk is vendor lock-in and potential price escalation in future task orders if competition diminishes. While awarded under full and open competition, the ongoing reliance on Technical Communities, Inc. for specific equipment could limit future sourcing options and potentially impact long-term cost-effectiveness if not managed proactively.
How effectively does this BPA contribute to the FAA's overall mission and technological advancement?
This BPA likely supports the FAA's mission by ensuring access to necessary test equipment for research, development, and maintenance of aviation systems. Its effectiveness hinges on the quality and suitability of the equipment procured and its utilization in advancing aviation safety and technology. The firm fixed price nature suggests a focus on predictable cost outcomes.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Retail Trade › Electronics and Appliance Stores › Computer and Software Stores
Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Contractor Details
Address: 1840 GATEWAY DR, SAN MATEO, CA, 94404
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $5,961,444
Exercised Options: $5,961,444
Current Obligation: $5,961,444
Actual Outlays: $5,961,443
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 6973GH24A00006
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-10-18
Current End Date: 2024-09-30
Potential End Date: 2024-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
More Contracts from Technical Communities, Inc.
- Incremental Funding — $37.5M (Department of Transportation)
- Incremental Funding — $33.1M (Department of Transportation)
Other Department of Transportation Contracts
- Dafis UDO Reconstruct W/O Advance — $3.8B (Lockheed Martin Services, LLC)
- THE Purpose of This Delivery Order Award IS to ADD Funding for FTI Telecommunications Services — $1.9B (Harris Corporation)
- Provide Funding for Clin 302 for Pre-Flight and In-Flight Services. Contract Number Dtfawa-05-C-00031, Lockheed Martin. POP 01/16/08-03/31/08 — $1.9B (Leidos, Inc.)
- Center for Advanced Aviation Development (caasd) Ffrdc Mitre — $1.7B (THE Mitre Corporation)
- Dafis UDO Reconstruct W/O Advance — $1.5B (Harris Corporation)