FAA Spends $11.8M on Midwest Weather Services, Awarded via Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,795,469 ($11.8M)

Contractor: Midwest Weather, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2007-12-14

End Date: 2012-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,752 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: WEATHER OBSERVATION SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT PETERS, SAINT CHARLES County, MISSOURI, 63376

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $11.8 million to MIDWEST WEATHER, INC. for work described as: WEATHER OBSERVATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Midwest Weather, Inc. for weather observation services. 2. Total contract value of $11.8 million over nearly 5 years. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 4. Services fall under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330).

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $11.8 million over 1752 days averages to approximately $6,733 per day. Benchmarking against similar engineering services contracts is difficult without more specific data on the scope and deliverables.

Cost Per Unit: $6,733/day (average)

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows any interested contractor to bid. This method is expected to yield fair market prices.

Taxpayer Impact: Awarded through open competition, this contract likely secured a reasonable price for the government, minimizing potential overspending for taxpayers.

Public Impact

Ensures critical weather data for aviation safety and operations. Supports the Federal Aviation Administration's mission in the Midwest region. Contract duration of nearly 5 years provides stability for service provision.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics or quality data.
Limited insight into the specific services provided for the cost.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Firm Fixed Price contract type limits cost overrun risk.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on project complexity and duration. The FAA's need for continuous weather observation services is a critical component of air traffic management.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if they had an opportunity to compete for this contract. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a structured procurement process. However, details on ongoing oversight and performance monitoring are not provided in this data.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics.
Limited information on specific services rendered.
Potential for technological obsolescence over contract duration.
No explicit mention of small business subcontracting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $11.8 million to MIDWEST WEATHER, INC.. WEATHER OBSERVATION SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MIDWEST 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 $11.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-12-14. End: 2012-09-30.

What specific weather observation technologies and data processing capabilities are included in this contract to justify the $11.8 million expenditure?

The provided data lacks specifics on the technological scope. To justify the $11.8 million, the contract likely encompasses advanced meteorological equipment, real-time data transmission, sophisticated analysis software, and potentially specialized forecasting services tailored to aviation needs. A detailed statement of work would clarify the exact deliverables and technological investments.

Are there any identified risks associated with the continuity or accuracy of weather data provided by Midwest Weather, Inc. given the contract duration?

While the firm fixed price and full and open competition suggest a stable procurement, risks could include vendor performance degradation over time, technological obsolescence, or unforeseen environmental factors impacting data collection. The FAA would typically have performance monitoring mechanisms and contingency plans in place to mitigate such risks.

How effectively does this contract contribute to the FAA's overall mission of ensuring aviation safety and efficiency in the Midwest region?

This contract is likely highly effective as accurate and timely weather data is fundamental to aviation safety. It enables air traffic control to manage flight paths, issue warnings, and make critical decisions, directly supporting the FAA's core mission. The long-term nature of the contract suggests a recognized need for these ongoing services.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering 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: 28 HARMONY CROSSING DR, SAINT PETERS, MO, 63376

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,795,469

Exercised Options: $11,795,469

Current Obligation: $11,795,469

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline