DHS awarded $27.2M for engineering services to support Louisiana disaster recovery efforts

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,159,188 ($27.2M)

Contractor: Nistac E, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2012-07-01

End Date: 2014-09-26

Contract Duration: 817 days

Daily Burn Rate: $33.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: A&E SERVICES FOR FEMA-1603-DR-LA FOR APPROXIMATELY 78 TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS.

Place of Performance

Location: NEW ORLEANS, ORLEANS County, LOUISIANA, 70114

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $27.2 million to NISTAC E, LLC for work described as: A&E SERVICES FOR FEMA-1603-DR-LA FOR APPROXIMATELY 78 TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized technical expertise to aid in disaster response. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process. 3. Contract duration of over two years indicates a significant, ongoing need. 4. Focus on Louisiana highlights a geographically concentrated area of need. 5. Labor hours pricing model allows for flexibility in resource allocation. 6. The awardee has experience in providing technical services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $27.2 million for 78 technical specialists over roughly two years appears reasonable given the specialized nature of disaster recovery support. Benchmarking against similar A&E services contracts for technical specialists in disaster zones is challenging without more granular data on specific skill sets and duration. However, the scale of the award suggests a substantial requirement for expertise.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and service quality. The number of bidders is not specified, but the method itself suggests a broad outreach.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, driving down costs through market forces and ensuring the government receives the best value.

Public Impact

Residents and businesses in Louisiana affected by disasters benefit from the technical expertise provided. Services include engineering and technical support crucial for recovery and rebuilding. The geographic impact is concentrated in Louisiana, addressing specific disaster-related needs. The contract supports approximately 78 technical specialists, implying a significant workforce engagement.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if disaster conditions evolve unexpectedly.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical technical support.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Contract duration aligns with the long-term nature of disaster recovery.
Clear objective to provide essential technical support for a specific region.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), which encompasses firms that provide engineering consulting and design services. The market for these services is often driven by government infrastructure projects, disaster relief, and specialized technical requirements. The award to NISTAC E, LLC, for disaster recovery support in Louisiana is a typical engagement for firms with expertise in rapid response and technical assessment.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary awardee is likely a larger entity capable of fulfilling the extensive technical requirements independently or through its own resources.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures would include performance reviews, adherence to delivery orders, and financial audits. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

FEMA Disaster Relief Fund
Engineering and Architectural Services Contracts
Technical Support Services Contracts
Post-Disaster Recovery Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if disaster scope expands.
Contractor performance risk.
Dependence on specialized technical expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $27.2 million to NISTAC E, LLC. A&E SERVICES FOR FEMA-1603-DR-LA FOR APPROXIMATELY 78 TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NISTAC E, LLC.

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 $27.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-07-01. End: 2014-09-26.

What is the track record of NISTAC E, LLC in providing disaster recovery engineering services?

NISTAC E, LLC has a history of providing technical and engineering services, often in support of government contracts. While specific details on their disaster recovery project portfolio require deeper investigation into contract databases and company reports, their award for this FEMA contract indicates they possess the requisite qualifications and experience. Analyzing past performance on similar contracts, including client satisfaction, adherence to timelines, and budget management, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their capabilities. Their ability to secure this significant contract suggests a positive track record in meeting government needs for specialized technical support.

How does the cost of this contract compare to similar disaster recovery engineering support contracts?

Directly comparing the cost of this $27.2 million contract for approximately 78 technical specialists to similar disaster recovery engineering support contracts is difficult without access to granular data on the specific skill sets, duration, and geographic scope of comparable awards. However, the contract's value, spread over roughly two years, suggests a daily rate per specialist that would need to be benchmarked against market rates for highly specialized technical expertise in emergency response environments. Factors such as the urgency, the need for cleared personnel, and the specific technical challenges in Louisiana would influence pricing. A comprehensive value assessment would involve comparing the proposed labor rates against industry standards and the rates paid on other FEMA or agency contracts for similar services.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract and how are they being managed?

Key risks include the potential for unforeseen scope expansion due to the dynamic nature of disaster recovery, contractor performance issues, and budget overruns. The dynamic nature of disaster recovery means that the exact needs may evolve, requiring flexibility in the contract's scope and potentially necessitating modifications. Contractor performance risk is mitigated through the selection process and ongoing performance monitoring. Budgetary risks are managed through the fixed ceiling of the contract and the delivery order mechanism, which allows for phased funding and oversight. FEMA's contracting officers are responsible for managing these risks through regular communication, performance reviews, and adherence to contract terms.

How effective is the use of technical specialists in supporting FEMA's disaster recovery operations in Louisiana?

The engagement of approximately 78 technical specialists under this contract suggests that FEMA deems such expertise critical for effective disaster recovery operations in Louisiana. These specialists likely provide essential skills in areas such as damage assessment, engineering analysis, infrastructure evaluation, and program management, which are crucial for coordinating rebuilding efforts and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. The effectiveness is measured by the speed and quality of recovery, the efficient allocation of resources, and the successful restoration of essential services and infrastructure. The contract's duration indicates an expectation of significant and sustained support, highlighting the perceived value of these specialized roles.

What are the historical spending patterns for engineering and technical support services for disaster recovery by FEMA?

FEMA's spending on engineering and technical support services for disaster recovery has historically been substantial and fluctuates significantly based on the frequency and severity of natural disasters. Following major events like hurricanes, FEMA's obligations for such services can increase dramatically. These contracts are essential for assessing damage, planning mitigation efforts, and overseeing reconstruction. Historical data from contract databases would reveal trends in the types of services procured, the average contract values, and the duration of support needed. This contract for Louisiana aligns with a pattern of significant investment in technical expertise following large-scale disaster declarations.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12420 MILESTONE CENTER DRIVE STE 150, GERMANTOWN, MD, 20876

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,400,560

Exercised Options: $31,400,560

Current Obligation: $27,159,188

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSFEHQ12D0882

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline