DHS awarded $28.9M for technical assistance, with a significant portion spent on architectural services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,948,655 ($28.9M)

Contractor: National Istac

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2005-09-06

End Date: 2006-12-31

Contract Duration: 481 days

Daily Burn Rate: $60.2K/day

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: TECH ASSISTANCE

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22031

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $28.9 million to NATIONAL ISTAC for work described as: TECH ASSISTANCE Key points: 1. Contract value of $28.9M for technical assistance and architectural services. 2. Services were procured under a Time and Materials contract type. 3. The contract duration was 481 days, indicating a short-term engagement. 4. The award was made to NATIONAL ISTAC, a single contractor. 5. The contract was awarded by the Department of Homeland Security (FEMA). 6. Geographic location of performance was Virginia. 7. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541310 for Architectural Services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total contract value of $28.9 million for technical assistance and architectural services over approximately 1.3 years appears to be within a reasonable range for such specialized services. However, without specific details on the scope of work and deliverables, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar contracts for architectural services within FEMA or DHS would provide better context for pricing efficiency. The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully, suggesting a need for robust oversight.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The competition level for this contract is not explicitly stated in the provided data. If this was a sole-source or limited competition award, it could indicate a lack of available qualified bidders or a specific need that only one contractor could fulfill. Conversely, if it was competed broadly, the number of bidders would be a key indicator of market interest and potential price competitiveness. The absence of this information limits the ability to assess if the government received the best possible pricing through adequate market engagement.

Taxpayer Impact: The level of competition directly impacts taxpayer value. Limited or sole-source awards may result in higher prices compared to full and open competition, as the government may have less leverage to negotiate favorable terms.

Public Impact

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) benefits from technical and architectural expertise. Services likely support disaster preparedness, response, or recovery efforts. Workforce implications are minimal as this is a service contract, not direct hiring. Geographic impact is focused on Virginia, where the services were performed.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost creep due to Time and Materials contract type if not closely monitored.
Lack of transparency regarding the competition process hinders assessment of best value.
Limited duration may indicate a need for follow-on contracts, raising questions about long-term strategy.

Positive Signals

Award to a single contractor suggests a focused relationship for specific technical needs.
The contract addresses critical technical assistance and architectural services for a key agency.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically architectural services. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. Federal spending in this area often supports infrastructure projects, facility management, and planning initiatives. The $28.9 million value is moderate for a federal contract of this nature, suggesting it was likely for a specific project or a defined period of technical support rather than a large-scale, multi-year program.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate whether this contract included small business set-asides or subcontracting goals. Without this information, it is difficult to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem. Typically, federal agencies strive to award a portion of their contracting dollars to small businesses, either directly or through subcontracting requirements on larger prime contracts.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) contracting officers and program managers. The Time and Materials contract type necessitates diligent monitoring of labor hours and material costs to ensure compliance and prevent overspending. Transparency regarding performance metrics and financial expenditures would be crucial for accountability. The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General may also have jurisdiction for audits and investigations if concerns arise.

Related Government Programs

Architectural Services Contracts
Technical Assistance Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Contracts
Federal Emergency Management Agency Contracts

Risk Flags

Time and Materials Contract Type
Limited Competition Potential
Lack of Detailed Scope of Work

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $28.9 million to NATIONAL ISTAC. TECH ASSISTANCE

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 $28.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-09-06. End: 2006-12-31.

What specific technical assistance and architectural services were provided under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract was for 'TECH ASSISTANCE' and falls under NAICS code 541310, 'Architectural Services'. While the specific deliverables are not detailed, this suggests the contract likely involved providing expert advice, consulting, and design or planning services related to facilities, infrastructure, or specific projects managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This could range from assessing building codes and safety standards to developing architectural plans for recovery or new construction projects, or providing technical guidance on emergency management facilities and operations.

How does the $28.9 million contract value compare to similar architectural services contracts awarded by FEMA or DHS?

Benchmarking the $28.9 million contract value requires comparing it to similar architectural services contracts awarded by FEMA or DHS within a comparable timeframe and scope. Without access to a comprehensive database of federal contract spending with detailed service descriptions, a precise comparison is difficult. However, $28.9 million over approximately 1.3 years is a substantial award, suggesting it was for a significant project or a comprehensive set of services. Contracts for major infrastructure design or large-scale disaster recovery planning can reach these figures. Smaller, more routine architectural support contracts would typically be valued much lower.

What are the potential risks associated with the Time and Materials (T&M) contract type used for this award?

The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract is the potential for cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for direct labor hours at specified rates and for the actual cost of materials. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M offers less cost certainty for the government. Effective risk mitigation requires stringent oversight, including detailed tracking of labor hours, verification of material costs, and clear definition of the 'level of effort' expected. Without robust management, T&M contracts can incentivize longer project durations or less efficient work, potentially leading to higher overall costs than initially anticipated.

What was the track record of NATIONAL ISTAC prior to receiving this $28.9M contract?

Information regarding NATIONAL ISTAC's specific track record prior to this $28.9 million contract is not provided in the data. To assess their performance history, one would typically look at past federal contract awards, their performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), any past performance issues, and their experience with similar types of technical assistance and architectural services. A strong track record with successful past performance on relevant contracts would indicate a lower risk for this award. Conversely, a history of performance issues or limited relevant experience might raise concerns.

How does the contract duration of 481 days impact the assessment of this award?

The contract duration of 481 days (approximately 1.3 years) suggests this was a medium-term engagement rather than a long-term strategic partnership or a very short-term task order. This duration is typical for specific project phases, technical support initiatives, or defined periods of architectural design work. It implies that the services were needed for a substantial but finite period. The relatively short duration also means that the agency likely had a clear scope of work and expected outcomes within this timeframe. It may also indicate a need for future procurements if the requirement extends beyond this period.

What is the significance of the NAICS code 541310 (Architectural Services) in the context of this contract?

The assignment of NAICS code 541310 signifies that the primary purpose of this contract was to procure architectural services. This includes activities such as designing buildings and other structures, preparing architectural plans and specifications, and providing construction-related services. While the contract also mentions 'TECH ASSISTANCE,' the specific NAICS code points to a strong emphasis on architectural expertise. This suggests that the services rendered were likely related to the planning, design, or oversight of physical structures or facilities, which are critical for agencies like FEMA, especially in contexts of disaster preparedness, response, and infrastructure resilience.

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

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: $29,535,500

Exercised Options: $29,535,500

Current Obligation: $28,948,655

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSFEHQ04D0127

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline