Commerce Awards $134.6M for NDBC Technical Services to PAE Applied Technologies
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $134,627,618 ($134.6M)
Contractor: PAE Applied Technologies LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2012-05-30
End Date: 2020-08-31
Contract Duration: 3,015 days
Daily Burn Rate: $44.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: NDBC TECHNICAL SERVICES SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: FORT WORTH, TARRANT County, TEXAS, 76102
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $134.6 million to PAE APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES LLC for work described as: NDBC TECHNICAL SERVICES SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to PAE Applied Technologies LLC for $134.6M. 2. Services fall under Facilities Support Services (NAICS 561210). 3. Full and open competition was utilized. 4. Contract duration spans over 8 years (3015 days). 5. The award is a definitive contract type.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The awarded amount of $134.6M over 8 years suggests a significant investment in technical support services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment among potential contractors.
Public Impact
Supports critical technical services for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Ensures continuity of operations for vital oceanic and atmospheric data collection and analysis. PAE Applied Technologies LLC, a significant government contractor, will provide these services. The long duration of the contract suggests a sustained need for these specialized support functions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
- Long contract duration may not reflect current market prices.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess value.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Awarded to a known entity with experience.
- Supports critical NOAA infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Facilities Support Services, a broad category that includes a wide range of services necessary for the operation of facilities. Benchmarks for this sector vary widely based on the specific services provided.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a stated factor in this contract award, as the 'sb' field is false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were available.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a structured procurement process. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure warrants close oversight to manage costs effectively.
Related Government Programs
- Facilities Support Services
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.
- Long contract duration.
- Lack of detailed service description.
- Potential for cost escalation.
- Limited insight into performance metrics.
Tags
facilities-support-services, department-of-commerce, tx, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $134.6 million to PAE APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES LLC. NDBC TECHNICAL SERVICES SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PAE APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $134.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-05-30. End: 2020-08-31.
What specific technical services are included under this contract, and how do they align with NOAA's mission objectives?
The contract encompasses technical support services for the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC). This likely includes maintenance, operation, and technical assistance for data buoys, sensors, and associated systems that collect critical oceanic and atmospheric data. These services are fundamental to NOAA's mission of understanding and predicting changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, supporting scientific research and public safety.
What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for long-term technical support?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts carry inherent risks, primarily the potential for cost overruns. While the fee is fixed, the government bears the risk of increased costs for labor, materials, and overhead. For long-term support, this structure can incentivize contractors to be less efficient if oversight is lax, as their profit margin is guaranteed regardless of cost efficiencies. This necessitates robust government oversight and performance monitoring.
How does the $134.6M award compare to similar facilities support contracts awarded by NOAA or other federal agencies?
Without specific details on the scope of services, a direct comparison is challenging. However, $134.6M over eight years for technical support services for a critical agency like NOAA is substantial. Benchmarking would require analyzing contracts for similar complexity, duration, and service types within the facilities support sector, considering factors like the number of personnel, specialized equipment, and geographic coverage.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Amentum Government Services Holdings LLC
Address: 6500 WEST FREEWAY STE 600, FORT WORTH, TX, 76116
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $148,899,360
Exercised Options: $142,356,919
Current Obligation: $134,627,618
Actual Outlays: $1,265,276
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-05-30
Current End Date: 2020-08-31
Potential End Date: 2020-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-09-07
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