DOT's FAA awards $48.8M for TFMS&CATMT Program Management and Engineering Support to JMA Solutions LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $48,833,328 ($48.8M)

Contractor: JMA Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2014-07-21

End Date: 2020-12-31

Contract Duration: 2,355 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.7K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Engineering Services

Official Description: "PROVIDE PROGRAM MGMT, ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SUSTAINMENT SUPPORT TO THE TFMS&CATMT PROGRAMS" IGF::OT::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20024

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $48.8 million to JMA SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: "PROVIDE PROGRAM MGMT, ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SUSTAINMENT SUPPORT TO THE TFMS&CATMT PROGRAMS" IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $48.8M over 6 years. 2. Competition was limited, awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 3. Risk of cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing. 4. Engineering Services sector, NAICS 541330.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's Time and Materials pricing structure presents a risk for cost control. Without a fixed ceiling or more defined deliverables, it's difficult to benchmark against similar contracts without further data on labor rates and hours.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating limited competition. While the BPA call mechanism can be efficient, it may not always yield the best price discovery compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition and T&M pricing structure raise concerns about potential overspending of taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Ensures continuity of critical program management and engineering support for TFMS&CATMT. Supports the Federal Aviation Administration's operational and technological advancements. Potential for increased costs due to contract type and limited competition.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials pricing
Limited competition
Long contract duration

Positive Signals

Supports critical FAA programs
Established contractor

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), which is crucial for government infrastructure and technology projects. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on project complexity and duration.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to JMA SOLUTIONS LLC, and there is no indication of small business subcontracting participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were excluded or had opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Awarded under a BPA Call, suggesting some level of pre-competition or established framework. However, the limited competition and T&M pricing warrant closer oversight to ensure value for money.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
Limited competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
Lack of transparency on small business participation.
Long contract duration increases exposure to scope creep and cost escalation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $48.8 million to JMA SOLUTIONS LLC. "PROVIDE PROGRAM MGMT, ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SUSTAINMENT SUPPORT TO THE TFMS&CATMT PROGRAMS" IGF::OT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JMA SOLUTIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $48.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-07-21. End: 2020-12-31.

What specific engineering and technical sustainment tasks are included under the TFMS&CATMT programs, and how are they critical to FAA operations?

The TFMS&CATMT programs likely encompass a range of activities critical to the Federal Aviation Administration's mission, such as maintaining and upgrading air traffic management systems and command and control technologies. This includes ensuring the reliability, security, and efficiency of systems that are fundamental to safe air travel and national airspace management. The sustainment support ensures these complex systems remain operational and adapt to evolving technological and regulatory requirements.

What are the primary risks associated with the Time and Materials (T&M) contract type for this program, and how can they be mitigated?

The primary risk with T&M contracts is the potential for cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for actual labor and material costs plus a fee, without a fixed ceiling. Mitigation strategies include robust oversight, detailed tracking of hours and materials, clear performance metrics, and potentially negotiating cost-plus-fixed-fee or firm-fixed-price elements for specific tasks to introduce more cost certainty.

How does the limited competition under SAP impact the overall value and effectiveness of this $48.8M contract for the FAA?

Limited competition under SAP may reduce the pressure on JMA SOLUTIONS LLC to offer the most competitive pricing, potentially leading to a higher overall cost for the FAA compared to a fully competed contract. While SAP can expedite acquisition, it might not fully explore the market for the best value. Effectiveness could be maintained if JMA is highly specialized and efficient, but the lack of robust competition raises questions about optimal resource utilization.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 600 MARYLAND AVE SW STE 800E, WASHINGTON, DC, 20024

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $48,845,555

Exercised Options: $48,833,328

Current Obligation: $48,833,328

Actual Outlays: $11,730,732

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DTFAWA10A00211

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline