LAWA Moves to MATOC: New Method, Benefits, and Opportunities
- Matthew Costabile
- Aug 1, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 10
The latest on LAWA's Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) for Design Build and Construction Services.
Update: This article has been revised to reflect the release of the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) for Design Build and Construction Services as of July 30. For more information, please see updated links below.
Although Southern California provides a wealth of public sector opportunities, only a few projects promise to be as diverse and rewarding as the current Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) for Design Build and Construction Services from Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA).
The initiative is a part of LAWA's broader $15B Capital Improvement Program and will encapsulate a myriad of projects, from infrastructure upgrades to new civil and vertical projects, designed to elevate the operational capacity and efficiency of one of the world's busiest airports.
This MATOC for Design Build and Construction Services follows the On-Call Program Services MATOCs procured in 2023. These earlier MATOC procurements included essential services such as project management, construction management, project controls, inspection, and testing.
Four Things You Need To Know
What is a MATOC?
A MATOC—Multiple Award Task Order Contract—is a procurement vehicle that facilitates the delivery of various projects ("task orders") under a single umbrella contract. Although not exclusive to federal agencies, the MATOC delivery method is often thought of as a federal procurement and delivery tool. Beginning in the 1980s, expanding military needs, legislative changes, and evolving procurement practices all influenced the development and refinement of the MATOC model to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government contracting. Today, the Department of Defense (DoD), the General Services Administration (GSA), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) all use MATOCs to manage large-scale construction and service programs effectively.
Building the success of MATOC delivery at the federal level, LAWA is adopting the MATOC model to facilitate the execution of civil and vertical construction projects, reflecting the extensive needs of the ever-evolving landside and airside environments. The model will accommodate various project sizes and complexities, providing both horizontal and vertical construction opportunities for diverse small, medium, and large firms. This inclusive approach helps foster a competitive environment where different-sized entities can find niche opportunities aligned with their capabilities.
How does a MATOC procurement work?
The MATOC (Multiple Award Task Order Contract) procurement process begins with an agency inviting contractor or professional services teams to compete for a spot in an overarching contract. Individual firms or teams submit proposals demonstrating their qualifications and capabilities. A select pool of those scoring the highest in the qualifications-based criteria is awarded a place on the MATOC.
Once firms secure a place on the MATOC, they become eligible to compete for individual task orders issued under the umbrella contract. These task orders can cover a wide range of projects and services, tailored to the specific needs of the agency. The process optimizes the matching of pre-qualified, highly capable firms to the needs and demands of each task order while reducing overall procurement costs.
How is the MATOC for Design Build and Construction Services structured?
LAWA's MATOC is an innovative hybrid model, where task orders will utilize both traditional Design-Bid-Build and Progressive Design-Build delivery models. This diversity in project delivery methods allows LAWA to tailor the contracting approach to each project's demands and risks. This hybrid MATOC model also provides LAWA the flexibility to meet changing needs quickly and efficiently by issuing task orders incorporating distinct scope groups (roadway, utilities, water/wastewater, vertical facilities), often resulting in faster project initiation and completion.
The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process for LAWA’s MATOC begins with publishing the final RFQ, followed by a pre-proposal conference where potential bidders can gain insights into the project scope and expectations. Firms then submit their Statements of Qualifications (SOQs), which are evaluated by a scoring committee. Evaluation criteria are designed to ensure the selection of the most capable teams. Key areas of focus include team experience, team structure, past performance, work plan and approach, and a strong emphasis on safety. These criteria ensure that the selected firms possess the necessary expertise and track record and adhere to the highest standards of operational safety and efficiency.
Based on these evaluations, shortlisted firms proceed to final interviews, which are also assessed with a weighted score. This thorough process culminates in LAWA awarding firms a place in the construction and design-build benches. From here, firms or teams can bid on individual projects ("task orders") issued by the agency, competing based on specific project requirements and specifications outlined in each task order solicitation.
These task orders can encompass a wide range of horizontal and vertical projects, allowing firms to leverage their specific expertise. This structure ensures that both small and medium firms, with gross receipts up to $45 million and $250 million respectively, can compete alongside larger firms exceeding $250 million in gross receipts, fostering an inclusive and competitive environment that accommodates diverse project sizes and complexities.
How will LAWA's MATOC for Design Build and Construction Services expand market diversity?
LAWA's MATOC for Design Build and Construction Services will enhance diversity participation in construction and professional services by providing multiple award opportunities that lower barriers for emerging, disadvantaged, and minority- and women-owned businesses. The MATOC will also include a strong business diversity goal.
As independent submitters or part of a larger constructor team, smaller or specialized firms will gain increased access to individual task orders, allowing them to showcase their capabilities on smaller components of larger projects without meeting the full resource requirement of larger contracts alone. This system fosters broader inclusion and provides valuable experience and visibility to help these businesses grow and gain further opportunities, including collaborations with prime contractors.
Inclusivity and workforce development initiatives will include XBE participation requirements (SBE, LSBE, LBE, DVBE, DBE, MBE, WBE, LGBTQ-BE), ensuring diverse business participation across all project tiers. Transformational programs for airport impact area residents will focus on workforce development, internship programs, and scholarships. Community investment will prioritize initiatives targeting K-12 Title 1 schools and the community-at-large. Additionally, local craft worker requirements will mandate 30% local worker participation at all tiers, including hiring a minimum number of HireLAX graduates, ensuring that local residents benefit directly from these opportunities.
Looking Ahead
As Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) advances its $15B Capital Improvement Program with the introduction of the MATOC for Design Build and Construction Services, a broad spectrum of opportunities unfolds for firms of all sizes. This MATOC framework ensures a wide range of construction needs are met with the appropriate expertise and efficiency while involving a diverse array of the construction community in substantial, high-value projects.
Current Links (Updated 08/01) Use the links below to access the current MATOC procurement documents as well as several resources for firms seeking further information:
MATOC for Design Build and Construction Services
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