Federal Employee SmartBenefits Transit Subsidy

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Synopsis of Contract Action for award number 1333ND26PNB190017. It details the Federal Employee SmartBenefits Transit Subsidy for the NIST Gaithersburg Campus, Building-302.

This document provides key information about a contract award, including:

• Awarded Service: Federal Employee SmartBenefits Transit Subsidy.
• Contracting Office: National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, MD.
• Contractor: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
• Contract Value: Base Period Award Value of $1,149,720.00 for 12 months, with a Total Contract Value of $6,735,300.00.
• Contract Dates: Awarded January 29, 2026, with a Base Period Start Date of February 1, 2026.
• Classification Code: V999 - Transportation/Travel/Relocation- Other: Other.
• NAICS Code: 485111 - Mixed Mode Transit Systems.

This information is relevant for understanding the scope, value, and parties involved in this specific contract action.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for commercial items, specifically for the "Federal Workforce Transportation Subsidy Program" managed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The program aims to encourage NIST federal employees at the Gaithersburg, Maryland campus to use public transportation by providing monthly subsidies.

• The contractor shall maintain and manage the Federal Workforce Transportation Subsidy program.

• Provide monthly fare media (subsidies) for qualified participants via the SmartBenefits website.

• Funds shall be uploaded to individual NIST employee's Smartrip cards.

• The contractor shall deliver fare media no later than the 1st of every month.

• The contractor shall provide monthly fare for riders of area mass transportation (METRO, MARC, commuter buses, and vanpools).

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price

• Period of Performance: Base Period (02/01/2026 – 01/31/2027) plus four 1-year Option Periods (through 01/31/2031), with a possible 6-month Extension Period (through 07/31/2031).

• Total Award Amount: $1,149,720.00 (This appears to be for the first year or a portion of the total contract value).

• Offer Due Date: December 16, 2025, 3:00 PM ET.

• The solicitation incorporates by reference FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4, and 52.212-5. FAR 52.212-3 is also attached.

• This acquisition is listed as "Unrestricted."

• The document includes various FAR clauses and NIST local clauses related to contract performance, payment, compliance, and other terms and conditions.

• Contact for solicitation information: Tony Schmidt (TNS16@NIST.GOV, 303-497-3141).

• Contracting Officer's Representative (COR): John Wedge (john.wedge@nist.gov, 301-975-5926).

Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition

This document justifies a noncompetitive contract for commercial transit subsidy payment services for NIST employees working at the NIST campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This program is intended to comply with Executive Order 13150, which requires Federal agencies to implement a transportation fringe benefit program for qualified employees.

• The contractor will provide transit subsidy payments to eligible NIST employees who commute to the NIST campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

• The service involves providing fare media products for employees to use for mass transportation and vanpools.

• The contract period of performance is one (1) year Base Period (February 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027), with four (4) one-year option periods, plus a possible 6-month extension.

• The estimated value, including options, is $6,735,300.00.

• This is a justification for a sole-source award, not a solicitation for proposals.

• The contracting officer will determine the price to be fair and reasonable at the time of award.

• Not applicable, as this is a justification for other than full and open competition.

• The justification cites Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) 12.102 and 41 U.S.C. 1901 as the statutory authority.

• Market research indicates that the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is the only capable provider of these services, as their SmartBenefits program is integrated with NIST's existing systems and does not require employees to apply for a separate debit card, unlike the alternative TRANServe option.

• A Sources Sought Notice (SSN) was posted, but no responses were received.

• NIST is exploring expanding its ability to utilize TRANServe for personnel outside the NCR commuting area in the future.