Transportation's $16.1M Facilities Support Contract Awarded to Raven Services Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,096,352 ($16.1M)

Contractor: Raven Services Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2009-09-16

End Date: 2015-12-31

Contract Duration: 2,297 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.0K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FACILITY SERVICE

Place of Performance

Location: MC LEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22101

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $16.1 million to RAVEN SERVICES CORP for work described as: FACILITY SERVICE Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the 6-year duration and firm-fixed-price structure. 2. Competition dynamics were not fully open, indicating potential for price optimization. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a long performance period requiring ongoing oversight. 4. Performance context suggests a need for consistent service delivery across the contract term. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the broader facilities management services for government agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of approximately $16.1 million over six years for facilities support services suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for facilities management indicates that pricing is within a typical range, though specific performance metrics and service scope would be needed for a precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government, but requires careful scope definition to avoid change orders.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was awarded as a competitive delivery order, suggesting it was part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar vehicle that underwent some level of competition. However, the term 'limited competition' implies that not all potential offerors were considered, or that the pool of bidders was restricted. Further details on the specific IDIQ or procurement vehicle would clarify the extent of competition and the number of bidders involved.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition can sometimes lead to higher prices for taxpayers compared to a full and open competition, as it may reduce the incentive for contractors to offer their most competitive rates.

Public Impact

Federal employees at the Department of Transportation benefit from maintained and functional facilities. Essential services such as building operations, maintenance, and potentially janitorial services are delivered. The geographic impact is concentrated in Virginia, where the facilities are located. Workforce implications include the potential for direct and indirect employment opportunities for service personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if service requirements are not clearly defined.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical facility operations poses a risk if performance falters.
Limited competition may result in less favorable pricing over the contract's lifespan.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the agency.
Long-term contract allows for stable service provision and potential for contractor expertise development.
Award to an established entity like Raven Services Corp. may indicate a track record of capability.

Sector Analysis

Facilities Support Services fall under the broader commercial real estate and professional services sector. This contract represents a typical government expenditure for maintaining its physical infrastructure. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous providers ranging from large corporations to smaller specialized firms. Government contracts often constitute a significant portion of revenue for companies in this space, requiring adherence to specific procurement regulations and performance standards.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary set-aside consideration for this specific award. This suggests that the prime contractor, Raven Services Corp., is likely a larger entity. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses, which could represent a missed opportunity to engage the small business ecosystem in supporting federal facilities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Federal Highway Administration (part of the Department of Transportation), with a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) responsible for monitoring performance and ensuring compliance. The firm-fixed-price nature of the award simplifies some aspects of financial oversight but places greater emphasis on performance monitoring. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports may not always be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules for Facilities Maintenance
Department of Defense Facilities Management Contracts
Public Building Service (PBS) Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price competitiveness.
Long contract duration increases exposure to changing requirements and market conditions.
Performance monitoring is critical due to the essential nature of facilities services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $16.1 million to RAVEN SERVICES CORP. FACILITY SERVICE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RAVEN SERVICES CORP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-09-16. End: 2015-12-31.

What is Raven Services Corp.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly in facilities support?

Raven Services Corp. has a history of securing federal contracts, including those related to facilities support services. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts awarded by agencies like the Department of Transportation or others would provide insight into their reliability, quality of service, and ability to manage complex requirements. Examining contract close-out data, any past performance evaluations, or documented disputes can offer a more comprehensive view of their capabilities and potential risks associated with this award. Their sustained presence in the federal contracting space suggests a level of established competency.

How does the $16.1 million value compare to similar facilities support contracts awarded by the Department of Transportation?

The $16.1 million value for a 6-year facilities support contract represents an average annual expenditure of approximately $2.68 million. To benchmark this effectively, one would compare it to other contracts of similar scope, duration, and geographic location awarded by the Department of Transportation or other federal agencies. Factors such as the specific services included (e.g., janitorial, HVAC, groundskeeping, security), the size and complexity of the facilities managed, and the prevailing market rates for such services in Virginia are crucial for a precise comparison. Without these granular details, it's challenging to definitively state if this represents a particularly high or low value.

What are the primary risk indicators associated with this contract award?

Key risk indicators for this contract include the long performance period (over 6 years), which increases the potential for unforeseen challenges or changes in requirements. The 'limited competition' aspect suggests a potential risk of suboptimal pricing or reduced contractor responsiveness compared to a fully competed contract. Furthermore, reliance on a single entity for essential facilities operations carries inherent risks if the contractor's performance degrades or if they face financial instability. The specific nature of 'Facilities Support Services' can also involve risks related to safety, environmental compliance, and the need for specialized personnel.

How effective has Raven Services Corp. been in delivering facilities support services in the past?

Assessing the effectiveness of Raven Services Corp. in delivering facilities support services requires access to performance evaluations and historical data from their previous contracts. Publicly available information, such as contract award databases and agency reports, may offer some insights, but detailed performance metrics are often internal. A thorough analysis would involve reviewing past performance reviews, customer satisfaction surveys, and any instances of contract modifications, disputes, or terminations. The fact that they were awarded this significant contract suggests they met the agency's minimum requirements and likely possess a satisfactory performance record.

What are the historical spending patterns for facilities support services within the Department of Transportation?

Historical spending patterns for facilities support services within the Department of Transportation (DOT) can be analyzed by examining aggregate data over several fiscal years. This would involve identifying all contracts awarded for similar services (NAICS code 561210) across various DOT administrations and offices. Trends in total spending, average contract values, and the distribution of awards between competitive and non-competitive procurements would reveal the agency's investment in maintaining its infrastructure. Understanding these patterns helps contextualize the $16.1 million award to Raven Services Corp. within the DOT's broader facilities management budget and procurement strategies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 9626 CENTER ST # 200, MANASSAS, VA, 20110

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,096,352

Exercised Options: $16,096,352

Current Obligation: $16,096,352

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS06F0051P

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline