FAA's $12.8M Contract for Montgomery Regional Airport Weather Services Awarded to Pacific Weather Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,840,776 ($12.8M)

Contractor: Pacific Weather Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2008-03-05

End Date: 2013-11-30

Contract Duration: 2,096 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY08 - MGM- PR NO. WA-08-1726 CWO SERVICES FOR MONTGOMERY REG'L (DANNELLY FIELD), MONTGOMERY, AL REGIS ID 17602337 TAS::69 1301::TAS

Place of Performance

Location: PORT ANGELES, CLALLAM County, WASHINGTON, 98362

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $12.8 million to PACIFIC WEATHER INC. for work described as: FY08 - MGM- PR NO. WA-08-1726 CWO SERVICES FOR MONTGOMERY REG'L (DANNELLY FIELD), MONTGOMERY, AL REGIS ID 17602337 TAS::69 1301::TAS Key points: 1. The contract, valued at $12.8 million, was awarded for CWO services at Dannelly Field. 2. Pacific Weather Inc. secured the contract through full and open competition. 3. The contract duration spans from March 2008 to November 2013. 4. The spending falls under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990).

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of $12.8 million over approximately 5.5 years suggests a moderate annual expenditure. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized weather services would be necessary to fully assess pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers funded $12.8 million for essential weather services at a regional airport, ensuring operational safety and efficiency.

Public Impact

Ensures critical weather observation and reporting services for aviation safety at Montgomery Regional Airport. Supports regional economic activity through contract with a private sector provider. Provides data for flight planning and operational decisions, impacting airline efficiency and passenger safety.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract duration is long (over 5 years), potentially leading to price escalation.
Lack of specific performance metrics or outcome data makes value assessment difficult.
Limited information on the specific services provided beyond 'CWO Services'.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
Contract supports essential aviation infrastructure and safety.
Fixed price contract provides cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

Spending in the 'Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' sector, particularly for specialized services like weather observation, is common across government agencies. Benchmarks for similar contracts would provide better context for this $12.8M award.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically involve contract management by the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure Pacific Weather Inc. meets service requirements and adheres to the contract terms throughout its duration.

Related Government Programs

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration (over 5 years).
Lack of detailed service description.
Potential for price escalation over time.
Limited transparency on specific performance metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $12.8 million to PACIFIC WEATHER INC.. FY08 - MGM- PR NO. WA-08-1726 CWO SERVICES FOR MONTGOMERY REG'L (DANNELLY FIELD), MONTGOMERY, AL REGIS ID 17602337 TAS::69 1301::TAS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PACIFIC WEATHER INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-03-05. End: 2013-11-30.

What specific weather services were included in this contract, and how do they compare to industry standards for similar airports?

The contract specifies 'CWO Services' for Montgomery Regional Airport. Without a detailed statement of work, it's difficult to ascertain the exact services. Industry standards for airport weather services typically include automated weather observing systems (AWOS), manual observations, forecasting, and dissemination of weather data. A comparison would require knowing the precise deliverables and service levels agreed upon in the contract.

Given the 5.5-year duration and fixed-price nature, what mechanisms were in place to mitigate potential cost overruns or ensure continued value for money?

Fixed-price contracts generally shift cost risk to the contractor. However, for long durations, mechanisms like economic price adjustments or contract modifications for unforeseen circumstances might exist. The effectiveness of value for money relies on the initial pricing accuracy and the contractor's ability to deliver efficiently without compromising quality over the contract's life.

How did the 'full and open competition' process ensure the best possible price and service quality for these essential weather services?

Full and open competition theoretically allows any interested and qualified vendor to bid, fostering a competitive environment. This process aims to drive down prices and encourage innovation to secure the contract. The quality of the outcome depends on the clarity of the solicitation requirements and the evaluation criteria used by the FAA to select the most advantageous offer.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical 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: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 012 VOGT RD, PORT ANGELES, WA, 06

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,842,436

Exercised Options: $12,840,776

Current Obligation: $12,840,776

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline