DoD awards $14.3M engineering services contract to Michael Baker International, Inc. for Florida-based support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,344,669 ($14.3M)

Contractor: Michael Baker International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-06-06

End Date: 2027-02-28

Contract Duration: 997 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: P683 FDA

Place of Performance

Location: JACKSONVILLE, DUVAL County, FLORIDA, 32212

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $14.3 million to MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: P683 FDA Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in engineering services for the Department of the Navy. 2. The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests predictable costs for the government. 3. Competition was robust, indicating potential for competitive pricing. 4. The contract duration spans nearly three years, suggesting a substantial project. 5. The award is for engineering services, a critical component of infrastructure and defense projects. 6. The geographic focus on Florida may indicate specific regional needs or projects.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14.3 million for engineering services appears reasonable given the nearly three-year duration and the nature of the services typically provided by large engineering firms. Benchmarking against similar contracts for large-scale engineering support within the Department of Defense would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm-fixed-price structure generally aligns costs with expected outcomes, offering a degree of predictability.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of a competitive bidding process is a positive indicator for price discovery and ensures that the government receives proposals from a wide range of capable firms. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation implies a healthy competitive environment.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to more favorable pricing for taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment where contractors strive to offer their best value.

Public Impact

The Department of the Navy benefits from specialized engineering expertise. Infrastructure development and maintenance projects in Florida are supported. Potential for job creation within the engineering and related technical fields in Florida. Ensures the availability of critical engineering services for defense-related operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if project requirements are not clearly defined.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical engineering services over an extended period.
Risk of cost overruns if unforeseen technical challenges arise, despite fixed-price structure.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Award to an established firm suggests a degree of reliability.
Full and open competition indicates a thorough vetting process.

Sector Analysis

Engineering services are a vital sector supporting various government functions, including defense, infrastructure, and research. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. This contract fits within the broader category of professional services procurement, where factors like technical capability, past performance, and price are key evaluation criteria. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar engineering support contracts within the DoD can range widely depending on project scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not specify any small business set-aside. Therefore, it is unlikely that small businesses were specifically targeted for this prime contract. However, Michael Baker International, Inc. may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill portions of the contract requirements, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program management office within the Department of the Navy. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, which incentivizes the contractor to meet defined deliverables within budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific project details may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Engineering Contracts
Naval Facilities Engineering Command Contracts
Professional Services Contracts
Infrastructure Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope is not well-defined.
Contractor performance risk over extended duration.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $14.3 million to MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.. P683 FDA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-06-06. End: 2027-02-28.

What is Michael Baker International, Inc.'s track record with the Department of Defense for similar engineering services?

Michael Baker International, Inc. has a history of performing engineering and technical services for various government agencies, including the Department of Defense. Their past performance often includes large-scale infrastructure projects, design services, and program management support. Analyzing their award history within the DoD reveals a pattern of securing contracts for complex engineering challenges. Specific details on their performance metrics, such as on-time delivery and adherence to budget on prior DoD contracts, would provide further insight into their reliability for this current award. A review of contract databases and performance evaluations would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar engineering services contracts awarded by the Department of the Navy?

The $14.3 million award for engineering services over a 997-day period (approximately 2.7 years) needs to be benchmarked against comparable contracts. The Department of the Navy frequently procures engineering support for its vast infrastructure and operational needs. Contracts for similar services, such as architectural and engineering design, construction management support, or environmental engineering, can vary significantly in value based on project complexity, geographic location, and duration. Without specific details on the scope of work for this particular contract, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the value appears within a reasonable range for substantial, multi-year engineering support for a major federal agency.

What are the primary risk indicators associated with this contract?

Key risk indicators for this contract include the potential for scope creep, where the project's requirements may expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost and schedule overruns, even with a fixed-price contract. Another risk is the contractor's ability to maintain consistent quality and performance over the nearly three-year duration. Dependence on a single contractor for critical services also poses a risk if unforeseen issues arise that impact their capacity. Furthermore, the complexity of engineering projects can introduce technical risks that may not be fully anticipated during the bidding phase. The geographic concentration in Florida could also present localized risks related to environmental conditions or regulatory changes.

How effective is the firm-fixed-price contract type in ensuring program effectiveness for engineering services?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective for ensuring program effectiveness when the scope of work is well-defined and the risks are understood. For engineering services, FFP incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently and deliver the specified services within the agreed-upon price. This structure encourages the contractor to be proactive in identifying and resolving potential issues to avoid impacting their profit margin. However, if the scope is ambiguous or subject to significant change, an FFP contract can lead to disputes or a reluctance from the contractor to incorporate necessary changes, potentially hindering overall program effectiveness. Clear performance metrics and quality assurance provisions are crucial complements to an FFP contract.

What are the historical spending patterns for engineering services by the Department of the Navy in Florida?

Historical spending patterns for engineering services by the Department of the Navy in Florida are substantial, given the significant naval presence and associated infrastructure in the state. The Navy operates numerous bases and facilities in Florida, requiring continuous investment in design, construction, maintenance, and environmental services. Annual spending on engineering and related professional services can run into hundreds of millions of dollars across various contracts. This specific $14.3 million award represents a portion of that broader spending, likely tied to specific projects or ongoing support requirements within the region. Analyzing past awards to firms like Michael Baker International and others would reveal trends in contract types, durations, and specific service categories procured.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the Florida engineering market?

This contract award to Michael Baker International, Inc. for $14.3 million in engineering services in Florida is likely to have a positive impact on the local engineering market. It signifies a significant investment by the federal government in the region's infrastructure or defense capabilities, potentially leading to increased demand for engineering talent and related professional services. The duration of the contract suggests sustained activity. While Michael Baker International is the prime contractor, they may engage local engineering firms or consultants as subcontractors, further stimulating the regional market. This award can also enhance the visibility and reputation of the engineering sector within Florida.

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: ARCHITECT-ENGINEER FAR 6.102

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: THE Parsons Corporation

Address: 9635 GRANITE RIDGE DR STE 300, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92123

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,788,313

Exercised Options: $14,344,669

Current Obligation: $14,344,669

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N6247319D1212

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline