FEMA awards $2.96M for disaster operations support in Florida, with Fluor Federal Services Inc. as prime contractor

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,963,258 ($3.0M)

Contractor: Fluor Federal Services Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-10-07

End Date: 2025-10-31

Contract Duration: 389 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: PA-TAC V - FLORIDA MULTIPLE DISASTERS (EAST ZONE) - FEMA PUBLIC ASSISTANCE (PA) DISASTER OPERATIONS SUPPORT FOR DR-4337-FL HURRICANE IRMA; 4399-FL HURRICANE MICHAEL; 4468-FL HURRICANE DORIAN; 4564-FL, HURRICANE SALLY; 4673-FL HURRICANE IAN; 4709-FL S

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22201

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $3.0 million to FLUOR FEDERAL SERVICES INC for work described as: PA-TAC V - FLORIDA MULTIPLE DISASTERS (EAST ZONE) - FEMA PUBLIC ASSISTANCE (PA) DISASTER OPERATIONS SUPPORT FOR DR-4337-FL HURRICANE IRMA; 4399-FL HURRICANE MICHAEL; 4468-FL HURRICANE DORIAN; 4564-FL, HURRICANE SALLY; 4673-FL HURRICANE IAN; 4709-FL S Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential administrative and management consulting services for multiple Florida disaster recovery efforts. 2. The contract duration of 389 days indicates a significant, ongoing need for support. 3. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process. 4. The Time and Materials pricing structure may present cost control challenges if not closely managed. 5. This award aligns with FEMA's mission to provide disaster relief and recovery assistance. 6. The contractor, Fluor Federal Services Inc., has a substantial presence in federal contracting.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.96 million for disaster operations support appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale disaster recovery contracts managed by FEMA is challenging due to unique disaster impacts and response needs. However, the services provided are critical for effective disaster management and coordination, suggesting a fair allocation of resources for the anticipated work.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the competitive nature of the award suggests that FEMA sought the best value and pricing from the market. This approach generally leads to more favorable pricing and service terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the most cost-effective solution for essential disaster response services, potentially reducing overall program expenditures.

Public Impact

Florida residents and communities impacted by hurricanes Irma, Michael, Dorian, Sally, Ian, and other declared disasters will benefit from improved operational support. Services include administrative management and general management consulting, crucial for coordinating complex recovery efforts. The geographic impact is concentrated in Florida, addressing the specific needs of disaster-stricken areas within the state. The contract supports the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) mission, indirectly benefiting the federal workforce involved in disaster response.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns with Time and Materials contract type if not closely monitored.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical disaster support functions could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
The complexity of managing support across multiple disaster declarations may strain contractor resources.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive market for these services.
Contractor has extensive experience in federal contracting, suggesting a capacity to handle complex requirements.
The contract directly supports FEMA's vital mission of disaster relief and recovery.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically administrative management and general management consulting. This sector is crucial for government operations, providing expertise in areas like program management, logistics, and operational efficiency. The market for disaster recovery support services is significant, particularly for federal agencies like FEMA, which require specialized capabilities to respond to national emergencies. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique nature of each disaster event and the tailored support required.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Fluor Federal Services Inc. and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award is not evident, though large prime contractors often utilize small businesses for specialized support.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily be managed by the Department of Homeland Security, specifically the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Accountability measures are inherent in the contract's performance requirements and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. The Inspector General for DHS would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

FEMA Public Assistance Program
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
Hurricane Recovery Operations
Federal Management Agency Contracts
Administrative and Management Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost escalation due to Time and Materials contract type.
Complexity of managing support across multiple disaster declarations.
Need for robust government oversight to ensure efficiency and prevent overspending.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $3.0 million to FLUOR FEDERAL SERVICES INC. PA-TAC V - FLORIDA MULTIPLE DISASTERS (EAST ZONE) - FEMA PUBLIC ASSISTANCE (PA) DISASTER OPERATIONS SUPPORT FOR DR-4337-FL HURRICANE IRMA; 4399-FL HURRICANE MICHAEL; 4468-FL HURRICANE DORIAN; 4564-FL, HURRICANE SALLY; 4673-FL HURRICANE IAN; 4709-FL S

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FLUOR FEDERAL SERVICES 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 $3.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-07. End: 2025-10-31.

What is Fluor Federal Services Inc.'s track record with FEMA and similar disaster response contracts?

Fluor Federal Services Inc. has a significant history of performing large-scale federal contracts, including those with FEMA and other agencies involved in infrastructure, engineering, and support services. Their experience often encompasses complex projects, including disaster recovery and base operations support. While specific details on past FEMA disaster response contracts require deeper analysis of federal procurement data, their general profile suggests a capacity to manage the scope and demands of this award. Past performance evaluations, if publicly available, would offer more granular insights into their reliability, quality of service, and adherence to timelines in similar disaster-related engagements.

How does the $2.96 million contract value compare to similar FEMA disaster operations support contracts?

Directly comparing the $2.96 million value to 'similar' FEMA disaster operations support contracts is challenging due to the highly variable nature of disaster impacts and response needs. FEMA contracts are often task-specific and can range from millions to billions of dollars depending on the scale of the disaster and the services required (e.g., debris removal, temporary housing, infrastructure repair, administrative support). This particular contract focuses on administrative and management consulting for multiple disaster declarations in Florida. Its value should be assessed in the context of the specific services rendered, the duration (389 days), and the number of disaster events it covers. Without more specific contract details and comparable benchmarks, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult, but it appears to be a moderate-sized award for specialized support.

What are the primary risks associated with this Time and Materials (T&M) contract type for disaster support?

The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract type, especially for disaster support, is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M agreements reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours at specified rates and for the actual cost of materials. If the scope of work expands, or if labor hours are not diligently managed and tracked, costs can escalate beyond initial estimates. For disaster response, where unforeseen challenges and evolving needs are common, effective government oversight is crucial to monitor labor hours, control material costs, and ensure that the work performed is necessary and efficient. Without robust oversight, the government may end up paying more than anticipated for the services rendered.

How effective are FEMA's current oversight mechanisms for managing disaster support contracts like this one?

FEMA employs a multi-layered approach to contract oversight, including Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs) who monitor performance, financial management systems to track expenditures, and regular reporting requirements. For disaster support contracts, the urgency and scale can strain these mechanisms. FEMA utilizes its Office of Inspector General (OIG) to investigate potential fraud, waste, and abuse. The effectiveness of oversight often depends on the adequacy of staffing, the clarity of contract requirements, and the diligence of the CORs in monitoring contractor performance and costs in real-time. Continuous improvement and adaptation of oversight strategies are essential given the dynamic nature of disaster response.

What is the historical spending pattern for administrative and management consulting services for disaster recovery by FEMA?

FEMA's historical spending on administrative and management consulting services for disaster recovery has varied significantly year over year, largely influenced by the frequency and severity of declared disasters. In years with major hurricanes, earthquakes, or other widespread events, spending in this category tends to increase substantially to support the complex logistical, financial, and operational challenges of recovery. These services are critical for program management, coordinating multi-agency responses, and ensuring efficient allocation of resources. Analyzing FEMA's budget and contract awards over the past decade would reveal peaks in spending following significant disaster years, highlighting the agency's reliance on external expertise during critical recovery phases.

Industry Classification

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

Solicitation ID: 70FB8024R00000042

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Fluor Corporation

Address: 100 FLUOR DANIEL DR, GREENVILLE, SC, 29607

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,963,258

Exercised Options: $2,963,258

Current Obligation: $2,963,258

Actual Outlays: $2,128,728

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70FB8024D00000003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline