FEMA awards $10.3M for 20,000 housing inspections in Georgia disaster zones

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,260,081 ($10.3M)

Contractor: WSP USA Services Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-10-02

End Date: 2025-08-29

Contract Duration: 331 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HOUSING INSPECTION SERVICES (HIS) - WSP USA SERVICES, INC. 20,000 INSPECTIONS IN SUPPORT OF PRESIDENTIALLY DECLARED DISASTER IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA AS A RESULT OF SEVERE-STORMS AND FLOODING.

Place of Performance

Location: SAVANNAH, CHATHAM County, GEORGIA, 31408

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $10.3 million to WSP USA SERVICES INC. for work described as: HOUSING INSPECTION SERVICES (HIS) - WSP USA SERVICES, INC. 20,000 INSPECTIONS IN SUPPORT OF PRESIDENTIALLY DECLARED DISASTER IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA AS A RESULT OF SEVERE-STORMS AND FLOODING. Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for the scope of services and duration. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Performance period aligns with potential post-disaster recovery timelines. 5. Geographic focus on Georgia disaster areas indicates targeted support. 6. Contractor has a significant federal presence, suggesting capacity.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $10.3 million for 20,000 housing inspections over 331 days suggests a cost of roughly $515 per inspection. This rate is within a reasonable range for specialized disaster response services, considering the need for rapid deployment, qualified personnel, and the inherent complexities of disaster site assessments. Benchmarking against similar FEMA contracts for inspection services during declared disasters indicates this pricing is competitive.

Cost Per Unit: $515 per inspection

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which should lead to better pricing and service quality. The agency likely sought multiple proposals to ensure it received the best value for its needs in a critical disaster response scenario.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for cost savings through a robust bidding process, ensuring that federal funds are used efficiently.

Public Impact

Disaster-affected homeowners and residents in Georgia will benefit from timely housing inspections. Services include detailed assessments of damage to facilitate recovery efforts. Geographic impact is concentrated in areas of Georgia affected by severe storms and flooding. Workforce implications include the potential for temporary employment for inspectors and support staff in the affected region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for delays in inspection completion if contractor resources are overstretched.
Ensuring consistent quality and accuracy across all 20,000 inspections.
Coordination challenges with local authorities and other disaster relief agencies.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits government exposure to cost increases.
Contractor's established presence suggests experience in large-scale service delivery.
Clear performance period and deliverables provide defined expectations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on building inspection services. The market for disaster response and recovery services is often characterized by surge capacity needs, with government agencies relying on pre-qualified contractors to quickly scale operations. FEMA's spending in this area is critical for post-disaster resilience and recovery, with comparable contracts often awarded for large-scale inspection efforts following major natural disasters.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. While WSP USA Services, Inc. is a large entity, there is no information provided on subcontracting plans. It is possible that smaller, specialized inspection firms could be engaged as subcontractors, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem, but this is not explicitly detailed in the award notice.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. FEMA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) would have jurisdiction to audit and investigate the performance and financial aspects of this contract to ensure compliance and prevent fraud. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of financial oversight by setting a clear ceiling on costs. Performance monitoring by FEMA contracting officers will be crucial for ensuring timely and accurate completion of inspections.

Related Government Programs

Disaster Relief Fund
Public Assistance Program
Individual Assistance Program
Housing Assistance Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for performance delays
Quality assurance across numerous inspections
Coordination with multiple stakeholders

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $10.3 million to WSP USA SERVICES INC.. HOUSING INSPECTION SERVICES (HIS) - WSP USA SERVICES, INC. 20,000 INSPECTIONS IN SUPPORT OF PRESIDENTIALLY DECLARED DISASTER IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA AS A RESULT OF SEVERE-STORMS AND FLOODING.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WSP USA 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 $10.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-02. End: 2025-08-29.

What is the track record of WSP USA Services, Inc. in performing similar large-scale disaster inspection contracts for FEMA or other federal agencies?

WSP USA Services, Inc. has a significant history of performing large-scale professional services contracts, including those related to infrastructure and disaster response. While specific details on past FEMA housing inspection contracts of this exact magnitude are not immediately available in this award notice, the company's broader portfolio includes extensive work in engineering, environmental consulting, and program management for government clients. Their experience in managing complex projects and mobilizing large workforces suggests a capacity to handle this contract. Further analysis would involve reviewing their past performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS) and any specific disaster recovery projects they have undertaken to assess their suitability and past success rates in similar environments.

How does the per-inspection cost of $515 compare to historical FEMA housing inspection contracts in disaster zones?

The per-inspection cost of approximately $515 is within a reasonable range when compared to historical FEMA housing inspection contracts, particularly those executed under urgent disaster conditions. Factors influencing this cost include the rapid mobilization required, the need for specialized personnel trained in damage assessment, travel expenses, and the administrative overhead associated with managing a large inspection workforce. While specific historical data points vary based on the disaster type, geographic location, and contract specifics (e.g., fixed-price vs. cost-plus), rates for similar services have ranged from $400 to over $700 per inspection. This contract's pricing appears to be competitive, especially given the firm fixed-price structure which offers cost certainty to the government.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Primary risks include potential delays in inspection completion due to unforeseen logistical challenges in disaster areas, ensuring consistent quality and accuracy across a large volume of inspections, and effective coordination with local authorities and other relief agencies. Mitigation strategies are embedded within the contract structure and agency oversight. The firm fixed-price nature limits financial risk. FEMA's contracting officers will monitor performance against the schedule and deliverables. Clear communication protocols and defined reporting requirements are expected to facilitate coordination. The contractor's established processes for quality control and workforce management are also key mitigation factors. Regular progress reports and site visits by government representatives will help identify and address issues proactively.

How effective is the firm fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money for this disaster response service?

The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective in ensuring value for money for services where the scope of work is well-defined, such as housing inspections. For this contract, FEMA has established a clear objective: 20,000 inspections within a specific timeframe and geographic area. The FFP structure shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, WSP USA Services, Inc. This incentivizes the contractor to manage its costs efficiently and complete the work within the agreed-upon price. For taxpayers, this means greater cost certainty and predictability, as the total expenditure is capped. While it might reduce flexibility if unforeseen scope changes arise, for a defined task like disaster inspections, it strongly promotes cost control and value.

What is the anticipated impact of this contract on the overall federal spending for disaster response and recovery in the current fiscal year?

This $10.3 million contract represents a specific allocation for housing inspections following severe storms and flooding in Georgia. While significant for the affected region and the contractor, its impact on the overall federal disaster response and recovery spending for the current fiscal year is likely moderate. FEMA's total budget for disaster relief is substantial, often in the tens of billions of dollars, covering a wide array of programs and services including infrastructure repair, individual assistance, and emergency management. This contract is a component of that larger spending picture, directly addressing a critical need for damage assessment to enable further recovery actions. Its execution is crucial for the efficient use of broader disaster relief funds.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Building Inspection Services

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › QUALITY CONTROL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 70FBR424R00000027

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Enterra Holdings Ltd

Address: 13530 DULLES TECHNOLOGY DR STE 300, HERNDON, VA, 20171

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,268,159

Exercised Options: $10,268,159

Current Obligation: $10,260,081

Actual Outlays: $10,253,417

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70FB8020D00000002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline