FEMA Awards $6.5M Contract for Kentucky Disaster Planning Support to Dewberry Engineers Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,488,180 ($6.5M)

Contractor: Dewberry Engineers Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-07-28

End Date: 2026-08-11

Contract Duration: 379 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROCURE HOUSING MISSION PLANNING SUPPORT FOR KENTUCKY SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES (DR-4860-KY).

Place of Performance

Location: BAGDAD, SHELBY County, KENTUCKY, 40003

State: Kentucky Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $6.5 million to DEWBERRY ENGINEERS INC. for work described as: PROCURE HOUSING MISSION PLANNING SUPPORT FOR KENTUCKY SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES (DR-4860-KY). Key points: 1. Contract awarded for critical disaster response planning in Kentucky. 2. Dewberry Engineers Inc. is the sole awardee for this specific task order. 3. Potential risks include reliance on a single vendor for specialized expertise. 4. The contract falls under professional services, specifically logistics consulting.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $6.5M for approximately 13 months of support appears reasonable given the scope of disaster planning. Benchmarking against similar disaster recovery support contracts would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities in Kentucky, aiming for more effective resource allocation during emergencies.

Public Impact

Enhances FEMA's ability to plan and coordinate response to severe weather events in Kentucky. Supports critical infrastructure and community resilience in disaster-affected areas. Ensures specialized expertise is available for complex logistical challenges during recovery.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if performance is exceptional.
Scope creep could increase costs beyond the initial award.
Dependence on key personnel from the awarded contractor.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical need for disaster preparedness.
Awarded through full and open competition.
Clear period of performance and defined deliverables.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically logistics and management consulting. Spending in this area often supports government agencies in planning, execution, and oversight of complex operations, particularly during crises.

Small Business Impact

The data provided does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

FEMA, as part of DHS, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for delivery orders under larger contracts would apply, including performance monitoring and financial review.

Related Government Programs

Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep.
Reliance on key personnel.
Need for clear performance metrics.
Ensuring adequate small business subcontracting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $6.5 million to DEWBERRY ENGINEERS INC.. PROCURE HOUSING MISSION PLANNING SUPPORT FOR KENTUCKY SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES (DR-4860-KY).

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 $6.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-07-28. End: 2026-08-11.

What specific deliverables are expected from Dewberry Engineers Inc. under this contract, and how will their performance be measured against these deliverables to ensure value for taxpayer money?

The contract likely requires detailed mission planning documents, logistical assessments, and coordination strategies tailored to Kentucky's specific disaster risks. Performance will be measured through adherence to timelines, quality of deliverables, and effectiveness in supporting FEMA's operational readiness. Regular progress reports and milestone reviews are standard for ensuring accountability and value.

What are the primary risks associated with relying on Dewberry Engineers Inc. for this mission planning support, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Key risks include potential over-reliance on a single contractor, leading to limited flexibility or higher costs if the scope expands. Mitigation strategies may involve clear contract modifications procedures, performance incentives, and contingency planning for alternative support if needed. Ensuring robust communication channels and defined escalation paths also helps manage risks.

How will the effectiveness of this mission planning support be evaluated post-contract to inform future disaster preparedness efforts?

Effectiveness will be evaluated through post-event analysis, comparing planned responses with actual outcomes during disaster events. Feedback from field operations, assessment of resource deployment efficiency, and the overall reduction in response times or impact severity will be key metrics. Lessons learned will be documented and integrated into future planning cycles.

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: $8,108,052

Exercised Options: $6,488,180

Current Obligation: $6,488,180

Actual Outlays: $949,741

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 12

Total Subaward Amount: $2,891,393

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70FB8024D00000009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline