DHS FEMA awards $19.16M for Infrastructure Support Services, including bridge design, via full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,162,943 ($19.2M)

Contractor: National Istac

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2005-01-14

End Date: 2005-12-31

Contract Duration: 351 days

Daily Burn Rate: $54.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT - BRIDGE

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20472

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $19.2 million to NATIONAL ISTAC for work described as: INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT - BRIDGE Key points: 1. Contract awarded for architectural services related to infrastructure, specifically bridges. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract value is substantial, indicating significant project scope. 4. The contract duration is approximately one year.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $19.16M for architectural services is difficult to benchmark without specific project details. However, for a one-year duration, it appears to be within a reasonable range for complex infrastructure projects.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically allows for the widest possible range of bidders. This method is expected to promote price discovery and potentially lead to more competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment for service providers.

Public Impact

Supports critical infrastructure projects, potentially improving public safety and transportation. The contract's focus on bridge design highlights investment in essential public works. Awarded by FEMA, suggesting a connection to disaster preparedness or recovery efforts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract awarded in 2005, historical data may not reflect current market rates.
Limited information on specific deliverables and performance metrics.
No indication of small business participation.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition utilized.
Clear contract type (Firm Fixed Price) for cost certainty.
Specific NAICS code provided for clarity.

Sector Analysis

The architectural services sector is crucial for infrastructure development. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on project complexity, location, and duration. This contract falls within the broader professional services category for government spending.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this award, as the 'sb' field is false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if opportunities were missed or if the scope was unsuitable for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of Homeland Security (FEMA) and utilized a standard procurement process. Oversight would typically involve contract management by FEMA to ensure deliverables are met and costs are controlled.

Related Government Programs

Architectural Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Historical award date (2005) limits current relevance.
Lack of detailed project scope and deliverables.
No mention of small business participation.
Potential for cost escalation if project scope expanded beyond initial fixed price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $19.2 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 $19.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-01-14. End: 2005-12-31.

What specific bridge infrastructure was supported by this contract, and what was the ultimate impact on public safety or transportation?

The provided data lacks specifics on the exact bridge projects. To assess impact, one would need to review contract deliverables, project completion reports, and any post-construction assessments. Understanding the scope of 'infrastructure support services' beyond just design is also key to evaluating the full value.

Given the 2005 award date, how does the awarded price compare to current market rates for similar architectural services for bridge projects?

Direct comparison is challenging due to inflation and market shifts since 2005. However, a retrospective analysis using historical cost indices for construction and architectural services could provide an adjusted benchmark. Without knowing the specific project complexity, a precise comparison remains difficult.

Were there any performance issues or contract modifications that impacted the final cost or delivery timeline for this $19.16M award?

The data does not detail contract performance or modifications. A thorough review of contract modification history, performance reports, and any associated change orders would be necessary to identify potential issues. The firm fixed price structure suggests a focus on cost control, but unforeseen circumstances can always arise.

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: $22,029,143

Exercised Options: $22,029,143

Current Obligation: $19,162,943

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSFEHQ04D0128

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline