FEMA's $142M Map Modernization Contract Awarded to Michael Baker Jr., Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $142,259,550 ($142.3M)
Contractor: Michael Baker JR., Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2007-09-29
End Date: 2010-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,097 days
Daily Burn Rate: $129.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: Engineering Services
Official Description: CORE YEAR 5 OF MAP MODERNIZATION
Place of Performance
Location: ALEXANDRIA, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20598
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $142.3 million to MICHAEL BAKER JR., INC. for work described as: CORE YEAR 5 OF MAP MODERNIZATION Key points: 1. Contract value: $142.26 million over 3 years. 2. Competition: Full and open competition was utilized. 3. Risk: Cost-plus award fee contract type introduces potential for cost overruns. 4. Sector: Engineering services for a critical government function.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) type, which can incentivize contractor performance but also carries a risk of higher costs compared to fixed-price contracts. Benchmarking against similar large-scale engineering services contracts is difficult without more granular cost data.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the CPAF structure may allow costs to escalate beyond initial expectations if not closely managed.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a critical infrastructure modernization project. The CPAF structure necessitates vigilant oversight to ensure cost efficiency and value for money.
Public Impact
Modernization of FEMA's flood maps impacts disaster preparedness and insurance rates nationwide. Engineering services are crucial for accurate and up-to-date hazard mapping. The contract duration of three years suggests a significant, ongoing project.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee contract type
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Critical infrastructure modernization
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the engineering services sector, specifically supporting government infrastructure and disaster management. Benchmarks for similar large-scale federal engineering contracts vary widely based on scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and does not specify any subcontracting goals for small businesses. Further investigation would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires robust oversight from FEMA to ensure the contractor meets performance objectives and manages costs effectively. Regular audits and performance reviews are essential.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited insight into specific performance metrics
- No indication of small business subcontracting goals
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-homeland-security, va, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $142.3 million to MICHAEL BAKER JR., INC.. CORE YEAR 5 OF MAP MODERNIZATION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MICHAEL BAKER JR., 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 $142.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-09-29. End: 2010-09-30.
What specific performance metrics are tied to the 'award fee' component of this contract, and how are they measured?
The provided data does not detail the specific performance metrics or award fee structure. Typically, CPAF contracts link award fees to achieving defined performance objectives, quality standards, and timely delivery. FEMA's contracting officers would have established these metrics, which are crucial for ensuring value and incentivizing contractor performance beyond basic requirements.
What is the potential cost overrun risk associated with this CPAF contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
CPAF contracts inherently carry a risk of cost escalation as the government reimburses allowable costs plus an award fee. Mitigation strategies would include clearly defined performance standards, rigorous cost monitoring by FEMA, and potentially established fee caps. Without specific details on FEMA's oversight mechanisms, the exact risk level remains uncertain.
How does the successful completion of this map modernization project contribute to FEMA's overall mission effectiveness?
Accurate and up-to-date flood maps are fundamental to FEMA's mission. They inform floodplain management, guide mitigation efforts, and are critical for determining flood insurance premiums and disaster relief eligibility. Modernizing these maps enhances FEMA's ability to predict risks, allocate resources efficiently, and protect communities from the impacts of flooding.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Michael Baker International, LLC (UEI: 079171269)
Address: 4301 DUTCH RIDGE ROAD, BEAVER, PA, 15009
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,196,070,981
Exercised Options: $1,660,601,638
Current Obligation: $142,259,550
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HSFEHQ04D0025
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-09-29
Current End Date: 2010-09-30
Potential End Date: 2010-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-05-26
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