DOT Awards $33M BPA Call to Technical Communities, Inc. for Computer Software

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,059,257 ($33.1M)

Contractor: Technical Communities, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2024-10-17

End Date: 2025-09-30

Contract Duration: 348 days

Daily Burn Rate: $95.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: INCREMENTAL FUNDING

Place of Performance

Location: SAN MATEO, SAN MATEO County, CALIFORNIA, 94404

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $33.1 million to TECHNICAL COMMUNITIES, INC. for work described as: INCREMENTAL FUNDING Key points: 1. Contract value of $33.06M over 348 days. 2. Awarded under full and open competition. 3. Potential risk in limited duration and incremental funding. 4. Focus on IT sector for computer and software stores.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a BPA Call, suggesting it's part of a larger agreement. Without specific line-item details or comparison to similar BPA calls for computer and software, a precise pricing assessment is difficult. The award amount is substantial for the duration.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure fair market value for the computer and software products procured.

Public Impact

Procurement of essential computer and software for the FAA. Supports operational needs of the Federal Aviation Administration. Potential for follow-on contracts based on performance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Incremental Funding
Short Contract Duration

Positive Signals

Full and Open Competition
Firm Fixed Price

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) sector, specifically for computer and software stores. IT spending benchmarks vary widely, but this award represents a significant, albeit short-term, investment in IT resources for the FAA.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this award (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests the primary awardee is likely a larger entity, and opportunities for small businesses may lie in subcontracting roles.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a BPA Call, which implies oversight through the parent BPA. The firm fixed price structure provides cost certainty. However, incremental funding requires monitoring to ensure continued availability of funds.

Related Government Programs

Computer and Software Stores
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Incremental Funding
Short Contract Duration
Potential for Scope Creep
Dependence on Future Appropriations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $33.1 million to TECHNICAL COMMUNITIES, INC.. INCREMENTAL FUNDING

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 $33.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-17. End: 2025-09-30.

What is the specific nature of the computer and software being procured, and how does it align with the FAA's current technological needs?

The specific nature of the computer and software is not detailed in the provided data. However, as it's for the Federal Aviation Administration, it likely supports critical aviation systems, air traffic control software, or general IT infrastructure. Understanding the exact requirements would clarify its alignment with technological needs and potential for obsolescence.

What are the risks associated with incremental funding for this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Incremental funding poses a risk of contract termination if future appropriations are not made, potentially disrupting critical operations or leading to increased costs for contract closeout. Mitigation typically involves clear communication with the contractor about funding availability and contingency planning for phased delivery or alternative solutions.

How does the firm fixed price structure impact the government's ability to adapt to potential technological advancements during the contract period?

A firm fixed price (FFP) contract locks in the price, which is beneficial for budget certainty. However, it can limit the government's flexibility to incorporate new technological advancements or changes during the contract period without formal modifications, which can be costly and time-consuming.

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: $48,000,000

Exercised Options: $33,059,257

Current Obligation: $33,059,257

Actual Outlays: $15,726,714

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 6973GH24A00006

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline