FEMA awards $80.8M for 325,000 Florida housing inspections post-disaster DR-4337-FL

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $80,838,074 ($80.8M)

Contractor: WSP USA Services Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2017-09-11

End Date: 2018-04-25

Contract Duration: 226 days

Daily Burn Rate: $357.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED 325,000 HOUSING INSPECTION SERVICES TO DISASTER SURVIVORS IN AFFECTED AREAS OF DECLARATION DR-4337-FL IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.

Place of Performance

Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20171

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $80.8 million to WSP USA SERVICES INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED 325,000 HOUSING INSPECTION SERVICES TO DISASTER SURVIVORS IN AFFECTED AREAS OF DECLARATION DR-4337-FL IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. Key points: 1. Significant scale: 325,000 inspections represent a large-scale disaster response effort. 2. Competition: Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 3. Risk: Potential for cost overruns or quality issues in rapid disaster response. 4. Sector: Building inspection services are critical for disaster recovery and infrastructure assessment.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's cost-plus-no-fee structure for disaster response can be complex to benchmark against standard inspection services. The total award of $80.8M for 325,000 services suggests an average cost per inspection, but the actual cost drivers are tied to the unpredictable nature of disaster recovery.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, which typically allows for a wide range of bidders and competitive pricing. This method aims to ensure the government receives the best value by leveraging market forces.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is intended to maximize taxpayer value by fostering a competitive environment for essential disaster response services.

Public Impact

Disaster survivors in Florida will receive essential housing inspections to assess damage and guide recovery efforts. The rapid deployment of inspection services is crucial for timely aid distribution and rebuilding. This contract supports the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) mission to aid communities affected by natural disasters.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep due to evolving disaster conditions.
Ensuring consistent quality across a large number of inspections.
Logistical challenges in reaching all affected survivors.

Positive Signals

Utilizes a competitive bidding process for service acquisition.
Addresses a critical need for disaster-affected populations.
Supports a vital government agency's response capabilities.

Sector Analysis

Building inspection services are a key component of the construction and professional services sectors. Spending in this area often fluctuates with construction activity, regulatory requirements, and disaster recovery needs. Benchmarks are difficult due to the specialized nature of disaster response.

Small Business Impact

While the data indicates a large contract award, it does not specify the extent of small business participation. Large-scale disaster response contracts can sometimes be challenging for smaller firms to undertake due to bonding requirements and scale, though subcontracting opportunities may exist.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would focus on ensuring the quality and timeliness of inspections, accurate reporting of damage, and adherence to contract terms. FEMA's Inspector General would likely play a role in monitoring performance and preventing fraud.

Related Government Programs

Building Inspection Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Cost variability inherent in disaster response.
Potential for quality control challenges at scale.
Logistical complexities in affected areas.
Dependence on accurate damage assessment for aid distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $80.8 million to WSP USA SERVICES INC.. IGF::OT::IGF THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED 325,000 HOUSING INSPECTION SERVICES TO DISASTER SURVIVORS IN AFFECTED AREAS OF DECLARATION DR-4337-FL IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WSP USA SERVICES INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $80.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-09-11. End: 2018-04-25.

What was the average cost per inspection, and how does it compare to industry standards for non-disaster related inspections?

The total award of $80.8M for 325,000 inspections equates to approximately $248.74 per inspection. This figure is difficult to compare directly to industry standards for non-disaster related inspections, as disaster response involves unique logistical, safety, and urgency factors that typically increase costs.

What mechanisms were in place to mitigate risks associated with the rapid deployment and potential for fraud in a disaster zone?

Mechanisms likely included rigorous contractor vetting, clear performance metrics, on-site supervision, and potentially independent quality assurance checks. FEMA's internal controls and oversight, along with potential audits by the IG, would aim to detect and prevent fraudulent activities and ensure service quality.

How effective was this task order in expediting the recovery process for disaster survivors in Florida?

The effectiveness would be measured by the speed at which inspections were completed, the accuracy of damage assessments, and how quickly this information facilitated aid and rebuilding efforts. Timely and accurate inspections are critical for survivors to access necessary resources and begin recovery.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Building Inspection Services

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › INSPECTION SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Enterra Holdings Ltd

Address: 465 SPRINGPARK PL, HERNDON, VA, 20170

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $80,838,074

Exercised Options: $80,838,074

Current Obligation: $80,838,074

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSFE8013D0070

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline