DHS awards $34.9M contract for hurricane mission planning support in Florida

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,887,118 ($34.9M)

Contractor: Dewberry Engineers Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-10-14

End Date: 2025-11-17

Contract Duration: 399 days

Daily Burn Rate: $87.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: LPCS HOUSING MISSION PLANNING SUPPORT FOR DR 4828 FL, FLORIDA HURRICANE HELENE

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20472

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $34.9 million to DEWBERRY ENGINEERS INC. for work described as: LPCS HOUSING MISSION PLANNING SUPPORT FOR DR 4828 FL, FLORIDA HURRICANE HELENE Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical mission planning for hurricane response in a high-risk region. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a potentially competitive pricing environment. 3. The contract duration of 399 days indicates a need for sustained support. 4. The specific NAICS code (541614) points to specialized logistics consulting services. 5. The award was made by FEMA, a key agency in disaster response. 6. The contract is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $34.9 million for approximately 13 months of support appears reasonable given the specialized nature of disaster response planning. Benchmarking against similar mission planning contracts is difficult without more specific service details, but the pricing seems aligned with expert consulting services. The value proposition lies in ensuring preparedness for significant natural disasters.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The number of bidders is not specified, but this procurement method generally fosters price discovery and allows the government to select the best value offer. The competitive nature should theoretically drive down costs and improve service quality.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the most cost-effective solution for essential disaster preparedness services.

Public Impact

Residents and businesses in Florida, particularly in areas prone to hurricanes, will benefit from enhanced disaster response planning. The contract delivers critical mission planning support services to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The geographic impact is focused on Florida, a state frequently affected by severe weather events. The contract supports specialized consulting roles, potentially impacting the logistics and emergency management workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if mission requirements evolve significantly during the contract period.
Dependence on contractor expertise could pose a risk if key personnel depart.
Ensuring effective coordination between the contractor and FEMA's operational teams is crucial.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
FEMA's selection of a specific contractor suggests confidence in their capabilities for disaster planning.
The contract addresses a critical need for hurricane preparedness in a vulnerable region.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on logistics and management consulting. The market for disaster preparedness and response services is significant, driven by increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. This contract represents a portion of federal spending aimed at mitigating the impact of such events, complementing broader investments in infrastructure and emergency management.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and there is no indication of a small business set-aside. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses is likely limited unless they are part of a subcontracting team. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics may not be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

FEMA Disaster Relief Fund
National Preparedness System
Hurricane Preparedness Initiatives
Emergency Management Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep
Contractor personnel retention risk
Integration challenges with government teams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $34.9 million to DEWBERRY ENGINEERS INC.. LPCS HOUSING MISSION PLANNING SUPPORT FOR DR 4828 FL, FLORIDA HURRICANE HELENE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DEWBERRY ENGINEERS INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $34.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-14. End: 2025-11-17.

What is the track record of Dewberry Engineers Inc. in supporting federal disaster response and planning efforts?

Dewberry Engineers Inc. has a significant history of supporting federal agencies, including FEMA, on various infrastructure, engineering, and disaster recovery projects. Their experience often includes planning, design, and construction management services. For disaster response, they have been involved in post-disaster assessments, recovery planning, and resilience studies. Their past performance on similar contracts would be a key factor in FEMA's decision-making process, suggesting a level of established capability and familiarity with government requirements in emergency management and mission support.

How does the awarded value compare to similar mission planning support contracts for disaster response?

Comparing this $34.9 million contract directly to similar mission planning support contracts is challenging without granular data on the scope of services, duration, and specific deliverables. However, for a 13-month period (October 2024 to November 2025) focused on hurricane mission planning for a large state like Florida, the value appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized consulting. Contracts for large-scale disaster preparedness can range from millions to tens of millions of dollars, depending on the complexity and geographic coverage. The value reflects the expertise required for strategic planning in high-stakes environments.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of mission planning support contract?

Key risks include the dynamic nature of hurricane threats, which can necessitate rapid adaptation of plans and potentially lead to scope creep. There's also a risk related to the availability and retention of specialized personnel by the contractor, as expertise in disaster planning is in high demand. Furthermore, effective integration and communication between the contractor's team and FEMA's operational units are critical; any disconnect could hinder the development and implementation of effective mission plans. Ensuring the plans remain current with evolving threats and agency priorities is an ongoing challenge.

How effective is FEMA in leveraging contractor support for mission planning, and what are the indicators of success?

FEMA's effectiveness in leveraging contractor support for mission planning is generally assessed through the quality and usability of the developed plans, the timeliness of their delivery, and their alignment with FEMA's strategic objectives and operational needs. Indicators of success include the successful execution of response operations based on these plans during actual events, positive feedback from operational teams, and the ability of the plans to adapt to changing circumstances. FEMA's continued reliance on such contracts suggests a perceived value and effectiveness in augmenting their internal planning capabilities.

What are the historical spending patterns for mission planning support services by FEMA or DHS in Florida?

Historical spending patterns for mission planning support by FEMA and DHS in Florida are likely substantial, given the state's vulnerability to hurricanes. While specific figures for 'mission planning support' are not readily available without deep dives into contract databases, FEMA consistently awards contracts for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery services in Florida. This includes planning, logistics, technical support, and consulting. Spending in this category can fluctuate year-to-year based on the severity of hurricane seasons and federal appropriations, but it represents a consistent area of investment for the agency.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting 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: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8401 ARLINGTON BLVD, FAIRFAX, VA, 22031

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $37,788,776

Exercised Options: $34,887,118

Current Obligation: $34,887,118

Actual Outlays: $25,286,837

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 54

Total Subaward Amount: $17,770,008

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70FB8024D00000009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline