NASA's $20.6M Facilities Contract with EMCOR Government Services: A Deep Dive into Value and Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,661,730 ($20.7M)
Contractor: Emcor Government Services, Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2009-10-01
End Date: 2014-05-31
Contract Duration: 1,703 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.1K/day
Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: NASA DFRC FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS&MAINTENANCE CONTRACT
Place of Performance
Location: EDWARDS, KERN County, CALIFORNIA, 93523
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $20.7 million to EMCOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES, INC for work described as: NASA DFRC FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS&MAINTENANCE CONTRACT Key points: 1. Analysis reveals a competitive landscape for this facilities support services contract. 2. Pricing appears reasonable when benchmarked against similar government contracts. 3. The contract's duration and scope suggest a moderate level of performance risk. 4. This contract positions EMCOR Government Services as a key provider for NASA's operational needs. 5. The fixed-price structure offers cost certainty for the government. 6. The contract was awarded via a competitive delivery order, indicating a degree of market vetting.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The total value of $20.6 million over approximately five years suggests a reasonable annual spend for comprehensive facilities support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for large-scale federal facilities indicates that the pricing is within expected ranges. The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability, which is a positive indicator of value management. While specific cost breakdowns are not available, the overall expenditure appears aligned with the scope of services typically required for maintaining significant operational facilities.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded as a competitive delivery order, implying that it was competed under a broader indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar full-and-open solicitation. The presence of multiple bidders (indicated by 'no': 4) suggests a healthy level of competition for this requirement. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and ensures that the government receives offers from multiple qualified vendors, fostering a more efficient marketplace.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down costs through vendor rivalry. It ensures that NASA is not locked into a single provider without market-tested pricing, maximizing the value of federal funds.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC) personnel and operations, ensuring a functional and safe working environment. Services delivered include comprehensive facilities maintenance, operations, and support, crucial for the center's research and development activities. The geographic impact is concentrated at NASA DFRC in California, supporting a key federal research installation. Workforce implications include the employment of skilled trades and facility management professionals by EMCOR Government Services to fulfill the contract requirements.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if maintenance needs exceed initial projections.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical facility operations could pose a risk if performance falters.
- Ensuring consistent quality across all maintenance and operational tasks requires diligent oversight.
Positive Signals
- The firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty and incentivizes contractor efficiency.
- Awarding through a competitive process suggests a vetted and capable contractor was selected.
- The long-term nature of the contract allows for specialized knowledge development and operational continuity.
Sector Analysis
Facilities Support Services (NAICS 561210) is a significant sector within the government contracting landscape, encompassing a wide range of services from routine maintenance to complex building operations. This contract fits within the broader category of support services for government installations, which are essential for the functioning of agencies like NASA. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar facilities management contracts often range from millions to tens of millions annually, depending on the size and complexity of the facility. The market is characterized by both large, diversified service providers and smaller, specialized firms.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor, EMCOR Government Services, Inc., is a large entity. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific prime contract is likely limited unless subcontracting opportunities were pursued independently by the prime contractor.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by NASA contracting officers and technical representatives responsible for ensuring performance standards are met. Accountability measures are embedded within the contract terms, including performance metrics and payment schedules tied to successful service delivery. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Facilities Maintenance Contracts
- Federal Building Operations and Maintenance
- Government-wide Facilities Support Services
- Aerospace Research Facility Support
Risk Flags
- Potential for performance issues if contractor capabilities are misjudged.
- Risk of cost increases due to unforeseen facility maintenance needs.
- Dependency on a single contractor for critical infrastructure operations.
Tags
nasa, facilities-support-services, california, competitive-delivery-order, large-contract, firm-fixed-price, operations-and-maintenance, aerospace, research-and-development, emcor-government-services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $20.7 million to EMCOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES, INC. NASA DFRC FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS&MAINTENANCE CONTRACT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is EMCOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES, INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $20.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-10-01. End: 2014-05-31.
What is the historical spending trend for facilities and operations maintenance at NASA DFRC?
Historical spending data for facilities and operations maintenance at NASA DFRC prior to this $20.6 million contract (2009-2014) would provide crucial context. Without specific prior contract values, it's difficult to ascertain if this award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment. Analyzing spending over a longer period (e.g., 5-10 years before and after) would reveal trends in resource allocation for facility upkeep and operational support, helping to understand if NASA DFRC's maintenance budget has been consistent or fluctuating. This context is vital for assessing the long-term financial commitment and operational strategy for the facility.
How does the per-square-foot maintenance cost of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar research facilities?
To assess the value-for-money, a comparison of the per-square-foot maintenance cost against industry benchmarks for similar government research facilities is essential. This requires knowing the total square footage of the facilities covered under the contract. If, for example, the contract covers 1 million square feet and the total value is $20.6 million over five years, the annual cost is approximately $4.12 million, or $4.12 per square foot. Benchmarking this figure against average costs for facilities of comparable size, age, and technical complexity in the aerospace or research sector would indicate whether NASA is receiving competitive pricing. Deviations from the benchmark could signal either exceptional value or potential overspending.
What specific performance metrics were included in the contract, and how did EMCOR Government Services perform against them?
The contract likely included specific performance metrics (e.g., response times for service calls, preventative maintenance completion rates, energy efficiency targets) to ensure service quality. Detailed performance data, often found in contract performance reports or award fee determinations, would reveal how effectively EMCOR Government Services met these obligations. A review of these metrics would indicate the contractor's reliability and the overall success of the service delivery. Consistent achievement of high performance ratings would suggest good value and effective management, while repeated failures might point to underlying issues with the contractor's capabilities or the contract's structure.
Were there any significant contract modifications or change orders issued during the contract period, and what was their impact?
Analyzing contract modifications and change orders provides insight into the contract's flexibility and potential cost overruns. If numerous modifications were issued, especially those increasing the contract value, it could indicate initial under-scoping, unforeseen requirements, or scope creep. Conversely, modifications might reflect necessary adjustments to evolving operational needs. Understanding the nature and financial impact of these changes is crucial for assessing the overall cost-effectiveness and management of the contract throughout its lifecycle. Significant increases in cost due to modifications might warrant a closer look at the initial bidding process and requirements definition.
What is EMCOR Government Services' overall track record with NASA and other federal agencies for similar facilities support contracts?
Evaluating EMCOR Government Services' past performance with NASA and other federal agencies provides a crucial indicator of their reliability and capability. A review of their contract history, including past performance evaluations, any disputes, or contract terminations, would offer valuable context. Strong performance on previous, similar contracts suggests a lower risk profile for this award. Conversely, a history of performance issues or contract disputes could raise concerns about the contractor's ability to meet NASA's requirements effectively and efficiently, potentially impacting service quality and cost.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services
Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Roberts Immigration LAW Group, LLC (UEI: 017106386)
Address: 2800 CRYSTAL DR STE 600, ARLINGTON, VA, 22202
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $26,499,295
Exercised Options: $20,661,730
Current Obligation: $20,661,730
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: SERVICES PURSUANT TO FAR 12.102(G)
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS06F0035R
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-10-01
Current End Date: 2014-05-31
Potential End Date: 2014-08-25 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-05-24
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