FAA's $20.7M R&D Contract with Booz Allen Hamilton: A 6-Year Task Order
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,755,538 ($20.8M)
Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2010-09-15
End Date: 2016-05-31
Contract Duration: 2,085 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TASK ORDER 0002 TAS::69 8107::TAS
Place of Performance
Location: PHILADELPHIA, PHILADELPHIA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19103
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $20.8 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: TASK ORDER 0002 TAS::69 8107::TAS Key points: 1. Significant R&D investment by FAA in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Booz Allen Hamilton, a large established contractor, secured this task order. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract spanned over six years, indicating a long-term project.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more detailed scope information.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The use of full and open competition is positive for price discovery. However, the effectiveness of this competition in achieving the best value for this specific R&D task order is not fully evident from the data.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds were used for a significant R&D effort. The value for money depends on the successful outcomes of the research and development.
Public Impact
Supports advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences research. Potential for technological innovation and improved FAA operations. Long-term engagement with a major contractor for critical research.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can incentivize higher spending.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.
- Long duration may not align with rapidly evolving R&D needs.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Contract awarded to a reputable firm.
- Significant investment in R&D.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Federal R&D spending is crucial for innovation, but often faces challenges in demonstrating direct ROI due to the nature of discovery.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as indicated by 'sb': false.
Oversight & Accountability
The task order was awarded under a larger contract (implied by 'task order'). Oversight would typically be managed by the FAA contracting officer and program managers to ensure progress and adherence to the fixed fee.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Transportation Contracting
- Federal Aviation Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type.
- Lack of specific performance metrics.
- Long contract duration.
- No small business participation noted.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-transportation, pa, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $20.8 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. TASK ORDER 0002 TAS::69 8107::TAS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $20.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-09-15. End: 2016-05-31.
What were the specific research objectives and deliverables for this task order, and how were they measured to determine success and value for money?
The provided data lacks specific details on the research objectives and deliverables. To assess value, one would need to examine the final reports, prototypes, or implemented solutions resulting from the R&D. Without this, it's difficult to quantify the return on the $20.7 million investment beyond the completion of the contracted research activities.
Given the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure and the R&D nature, what mechanisms were in place to mitigate cost overruns and ensure efficient use of funds?
Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts require robust oversight. Mechanisms likely included regular progress reviews, budget tracking, and defined ceilings. However, the inherent uncertainty in R&D can still lead to cost increases if scope expands or unforeseen challenges arise. The fixed fee component provides some incentive for the contractor to manage costs within the agreed-upon parameters.
How did the 'full and open competition' process ensure the best possible technical approach and pricing for this specific R&D requirement?
Full and open competition allows any responsible source to submit an offer, theoretically leading to a wider range of technical solutions and competitive pricing. For R&D, the evaluation criteria would focus not just on price but also on the proposer's technical expertise, past performance, and proposed approach to the research challenges. The effectiveness hinges on how well the evaluation board assessed these factors against the stated requirements.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation (UEI: 964725688)
Address: 8283 GREENSBORO DR, MCLEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $63,195,129
Exercised Options: $21,619,275
Current Obligation: $20,755,538
Actual Outlays: $5,338
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: DTFAWA10D00030
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-09-15
Current End Date: 2016-05-31
Potential End Date: 2016-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-11-07
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