DOT's $37.3M engineering services contract with JMA SOLUTIONS LLC awarded under SAP, lasting over 6 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $37,311,348 ($37.3M)

Contractor: JMA Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2014-09-19

End Date: 2020-09-21

Contract Duration: 2,194 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.0K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: EFAST FIN&ANC IGF::OT::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73101

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $37.3 million to JMA SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: EFAST FIN&ANC IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the duration and scope of engineering services. 2. Competition dynamics are unclear due to award under SAP, potentially limiting price discovery. 3. Performance history and risk indicators are not detailed in the provided data. 4. This contract supports critical engineering services for the FAA, contributing to aviation infrastructure. 5. The sector for engineering services is broad, with this contract likely focusing on specialized aviation needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total contract value of $37.3 million over approximately six years suggests an average annual spend of around $6.2 million. Without specific deliverables or comparable contracts, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult. However, the duration indicates a sustained need for these engineering services. The Time and Materials pricing structure can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly, but it also offers flexibility for evolving project requirements.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Small Acquisition Program), which typically involves simplified acquisition procedures for purchases below certain thresholds. While this indicates some level of competition, the specific number of bidders and the extent of the competition are not detailed. Limited competition under SAP can sometimes result in less aggressive pricing compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition under SAP means taxpayers may not have benefited from the most competitive pricing achievable through a broader solicitation process.

Public Impact

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) benefits from specialized engineering expertise. Services delivered likely include design, analysis, and technical support for aviation projects. Geographic impact is likely national, supporting FAA operations across the United States. Workforce implications include the employment of engineers and technical specialists by JMA SOLUTIONS LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess contractor effectiveness.
Time and Materials contract type carries inherent risk of cost escalation if not closely monitored.
Limited competition under SAP may have resulted in a higher price than a fully competed contract.

Positive Signals

Contract awarded to JMA SOLUTIONS LLC, indicating a potentially established relationship or capability.
The contract duration suggests a stable and ongoing need for the services provided.
Awarded by the Department of Transportation, a major federal agency with significant oversight.

Sector Analysis

Engineering services (NAICS 541330) represent a significant sector within federal contracting, encompassing a wide range of specialized technical expertise. This contract likely falls within the aerospace or transportation infrastructure sub-sectors, supporting the FAA's mission. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar engineering support contracts within the federal government vary widely based on scope and duration, but the $37.3 million over six years indicates a substantial, long-term engagement.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a small business set-aside. The primary contractor, JMA SOLUTIONS LLC, is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data, so its size status would need further investigation to understand its impact on the broader small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Federal Aviation Administration. Accountability measures would be tied to the contract's performance work statement and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, where basic award information is publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

FAA Engineering and Technical Services
Department of Transportation Professional Services Contracts
Federal Aviation Administration Support Services
Engineering Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
Limited competition may have impacted price competitiveness.
Lack of detailed performance metrics hinders full assessment.
Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting potentially less robust competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $37.3 million to JMA SOLUTIONS LLC. EFAST FIN&ANC 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 $37.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-09-19. End: 2020-09-21.

What is the specific nature of the engineering services provided under this contract?

The provided data indicates the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541330, which corresponds to 'Engineering Services'. While the specific sub-disciplines are not detailed, common services under this code for the FAA could include aerospace engineering, structural engineering, systems engineering, air traffic control systems design, airport infrastructure planning, and safety analysis. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure suggests that the scope might have been flexible or evolved over the contract's duration, requiring adaptable engineering support rather than a fixed-price deliverable.

How does the $37.3 million contract value compare to similar engineering services contracts awarded by the FAA?

Benchmarking the $37.3 million contract value requires comparing it to similar engineering services contracts awarded by the FAA over comparable periods. Without access to a detailed database of comparable contracts with specific scopes of work, a precise comparison is challenging. However, for a contract spanning over six years (2014-2020), an average annual value of approximately $6.2 million is substantial, suggesting a significant and ongoing need for specialized engineering expertise. This level of funding is consistent with major support contracts for critical infrastructure agencies like the FAA, which often require long-term technical support.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract of this magnitude?

The primary risk with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract, especially one valued at $37.3 million, is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts pay the contractor for the actual time and materials used. If not managed diligently with strict oversight, labor hour tracking, and material cost controls, the total cost can exceed initial estimates. For the FAA, this could mean higher-than-anticipated expenditures for engineering services. Effective risk mitigation involves robust monitoring of labor rates, hours worked, and material costs, along with clear definitions of what constitutes a billable hour and necessary material.

What does 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' imply about the competition and potential value for taxpayers?

'COMPETED UNDER SAP' signifies that the contract was awarded using Simplified Acquisition Procedures, typically for purchases below certain dollar thresholds (which have evolved over time but were generally lower during the award period). While this implies some form of competition, it is usually less extensive than full and open competition. This can mean fewer bidders, potentially less aggressive pricing, and possibly less transparency in the selection process. For taxpayers, this could translate to a less optimal price compared to what might have been achieved through a broader, more competitive solicitation, although SAP is designed to streamline procurement for smaller acquisitions.

What is the track record of JMA SOLUTIONS LLC in performing federal contracts, particularly with the FAA?

The provided data indicates JMA SOLUTIONS LLC was awarded this $37.3 million contract by the Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration. To assess their track record, one would need to examine their performance history on this and other federal contracts. Key indicators include on-time delivery, quality of work, adherence to budget (especially relevant for T&M contracts), and any past performance reviews or disputes. Without access to detailed performance reports or contract histories beyond this single award, it's difficult to definitively assess JMA SOLUTIONS LLC's track record. However, securing a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and capabilities.

How has federal spending on engineering services, specifically for the FAA, trended over the period of this contract (2014-2020)?

Federal spending on engineering services, particularly by the FAA, generally trends based on infrastructure needs, technological advancements, and regulatory requirements. During the 2014-2020 period, the FAA was likely focused on modernizing air traffic control systems (e.g., NextGen), maintaining airport infrastructure, and ensuring aviation safety. Spending on engineering services would fluctuate based on the initiation and progress of major projects. While this specific contract represents $37.3 million, overall FAA engineering service expenditures would be part of a much larger budget, influenced by congressional appropriations and national aviation policy priorities.

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: 700 7TH ST SW STE 506, 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: $41,813,435

Exercised Options: $37,311,348

Current Obligation: $37,311,348

Actual Outlays: $6,353,955

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DTFAWA10A00211

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline