DHS FEMA Awards $18.18M for Infrastructure Support Services, Primarily Architectural Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,177,327 ($18.2M)
Contractor: National Istac
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2004-10-15
End Date: 2011-10-06
Contract Duration: 2,547 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT - BRIDGE
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22201
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $18.2 million to NATIONAL ISTAC for work described as: INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT - BRIDGE Key points: 1. Contract value of $18.18M for infrastructure support. 2. Primarily architectural services (NAICS 541310). 3. Awarded by DHS FEMA, a significant federal agency. 4. Long contract duration of 2547 days (approx. 7 years).
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value is substantial, but without specific unit costs or detailed service breakdowns, a precise value assessment is difficult. The firm fixed-price structure suggests some cost certainty for the government.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad outreach to potential contractors. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to secure the best possible pricing for taxpayers by leveraging market forces.
Public Impact
Supports critical infrastructure, potentially impacting public safety and resilience. Long-term nature of the contract suggests ongoing needs for architectural services. Federal Emergency Management Agency's involvement highlights disaster preparedness and response.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or outdated services if not managed.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition promotes competitive pricing.
- Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically architectural services. Federal spending in this area is crucial for government infrastructure projects, from design to oversight.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the competition was open to all qualified offerors, and small businesses may not have been specifically targeted or successful in this instance.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has established oversight mechanisms for its procurements. The long duration necessitates ongoing monitoring to ensure performance and value.
Related Government Programs
- Architectural Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration (7 years) may lead to service obsolescence or cost inefficiencies.
- No indication of small business participation.
- Limited detail on specific services provided for the substantial award amount.
- Potential for scope creep over the extended period.
Tags
architectural-services, department-of-homeland-security, va, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $18.2 million to NATIONAL ISTAC. INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT - BRIDGE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NATIONAL ISTAC.
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 $18.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-10-15. End: 2011-10-06.
What specific architectural services were rendered under this contract, and how did they align with FEMA's mission objectives?
The contract primarily covered architectural services under NAICS code 541310. While the data doesn't detail specific services, it's reasonable to infer they supported FEMA's mission related to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. This could include design, planning, and consultation for facilities, infrastructure assessments, or mitigation projects.
Given the 7-year duration, what mechanisms were in place to ensure the services remained relevant and cost-effective throughout the contract term?
The firm fixed-price contract provides a baseline for cost predictability. However, for such a long duration, effective contract management, including regular performance reviews, potential for contract modifications for evolving needs, and market analysis to ensure continued fair pricing, would be crucial for maintaining relevance and cost-effectiveness.
How did the full and open competition process ensure the best value was achieved for these architectural services?
Full and open competition allows a wide range of qualified contractors to bid, fostering a competitive environment. This process typically involves evaluating proposals based on technical merit and price, aiming to select the offeror that provides the best overall value to the government, thereby maximizing taxpayer benefit.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Architectural Services
Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ARCHITECT-ENGINEER FAR 6.102
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Dewberry Companies LC, the (UEI: 621316814)
Address: 8401 ARLINGTON BLVD, FAIRFAX, VA, 11
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $29,522,927
Exercised Options: $29,522,927
Current Obligation: $18,177,327
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HSFEHQ04D0128
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-10-15
Current End Date: 2011-10-06
Potential End Date: 2011-10-06 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2011-10-07
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