DOT's FAA Awards $408K Contract for Airport SSL Analysis Support to GRA Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $408,525 ($408.5K)

Contractor: GRA Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2024-09-12

End Date: 2025-09-30

Contract Duration: 383 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: BENEFIT-COST MODEL SUPPORT FOR SSL ANALYSIS AT U.S. AIRPORTS

Place of Performance

Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22314

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $408,525.49 to GRA INC for work described as: BENEFIT-COST MODEL SUPPORT FOR SSL ANALYSIS AT U.S. AIRPORTS Key points: 1. Contract awarded for critical safety analysis support. 2. GRA Inc. selected via full and open competition. 3. Potential for improved airport safety and efficiency. 4. Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $408,525.49 appears reasonable for specialized consulting services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for management consulting in the federal space would provide a more definitive assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a broad range of qualified contractors to bid. This method is expected to yield fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is likely positive due to the competitive bidding process ensuring efficient use of funds for essential safety analysis.

Public Impact

Enhances airport safety through specialized analysis. Supports regulatory compliance for aviation security. Potential for improved operational efficiency at airports.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract duration extends beyond one year.
Time and Materials pricing could lead to cost overruns if not managed closely.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Supports critical safety functions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services sector. Federal spending in this area supports various government functions, with benchmarks varying based on the specific service and agency.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this specific award (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were excluded or simply did not bid.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract, suggesting existing oversight mechanisms. The Federal Aviation Administration's oversight will be crucial to ensure performance and cost control.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials pricing.
Contract duration.
Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $408,525.49 to GRA INC. BENEFIT-COST MODEL SUPPORT FOR SSL ANALYSIS AT U.S. AIRPORTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GRA INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $408,525.49.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-12. End: 2025-09-30.

What is the specific scope of the 'SSL Analysis' and how does it contribute to airport safety?

SSL Analysis likely refers to Safety and Security Level analysis, a critical process for identifying and mitigating potential risks at airports. This involves evaluating existing safety protocols, identifying vulnerabilities, and recommending improvements to enhance overall airport security and operational safety, thereby protecting passengers and infrastructure.

What are the potential risks associated with the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure for this contract?

The primary risk with T&M is the potential for cost overruns if the contractor's hours or material costs are not carefully monitored and controlled. Without a fixed ceiling or well-defined scope, the final cost can exceed initial estimates, impacting the overall value for the government.

How will the effectiveness of GRA Inc.'s analysis be measured to ensure value for taxpayer money?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through the successful completion of defined deliverables, the quality of recommendations provided, and the subsequent implementation and impact of those recommendations on airport safety and security. Performance metrics within the contract and regular reviews by the FAA will be key.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2000 DUKE ST FL 3, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $412,536

Exercised Options: $408,525

Current Obligation: $408,525

Actual Outlays: $408,525

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693KA924D00003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline