Agriculture's $331K contract for communications product specialist services awarded to MANAGEMENT & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $331,481 ($331.5K)

Contractor: Management & Engineering Technologies International Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-05-11

End Date: 2027-06-30

Contract Duration: 415 days

Daily Burn Rate: $799/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: COMMUNICATIONS PRODUCT PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Place of Performance

Location: EL PASO, EL PASO County, TEXAS, 79925

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $331,480.87 to MANAGEMENT & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL INC for work described as: COMMUNICATIONS PRODUCT PROGRAM SPECIALIST Key points: 1. The contract value of $331,480.87 appears to be for specialized R&D support. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting a deliberate selection process. 3. The duration of 415 days indicates a medium-term engagement for the services. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 points to research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee, common in R&D where costs can be uncertain. 6. The place of performance is Texas, indicating a specific geographic focus for the service delivery.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without more specific details on the 'communications product specialist' services. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type suggests that actual costs may vary. The fixed fee component provides some cost control, but the overall value is contingent on the efficiency of the contractor in managing the cost-reimbursable elements. Compared to similar R&D support contracts, the $331,480.87 value for a 415-day period seems within a reasonable range for specialized expertise, but a detailed cost breakdown would be needed for a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific sources may have been excluded based on predefined criteria. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' nature suggests an effort to solicit proposals from a wide range of qualified entities. The exclusion of sources implies a potential for a more targeted competition, which could lead to a balance between broad market access and ensuring specific capabilities are met.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down prices and improve service quality. Even with source exclusions, the intent is to leverage market forces to achieve better value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service, which will receive specialized support for its communications product development. The services delivered will contribute to the advancement of research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences, potentially impacting environmental or resource management initiatives. The geographic impact is centered in Texas, where the contractor will perform the services. Workforce implications may include the employment of specialists in communications product development and R&D within the contractor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
The exclusion of sources in the 'Full and Open Competition' process warrants scrutiny to ensure fairness and prevent undue restriction of competition.
Lack of specific details on the 'communications product specialist' role makes it difficult to fully assess the necessity and scope of the services.

Positive Signals

Awarded under 'Full and Open Competition' indicates an effort to maximize the pool of potential offerors.
The contract is for Research and Development, suggesting investment in innovation and future capabilities.
The contractor, MANAGEMENT & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL INC, has secured federal contracts previously, indicating some level of established performance.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically NAICS code 541715, which covers R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. This sector is characterized by innovation, specialized expertise, and often long development cycles. Federal spending in R&D is crucial for driving technological advancements and addressing national challenges. Comparable spending benchmarks for R&D support services can vary widely based on the specific scientific or engineering discipline and the complexity of the project. The value of this contract appears modest within the broader R&D landscape, suggesting a focused, specialized support role rather than a large-scale research initiative.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside (ss=false, sb=false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications specifically mandated for small businesses through this award. The focus remains on the prime contractor's capabilities. The absence of set-asides means that opportunities for small businesses would likely arise through the prime contractor's own subcontracting decisions, if any, rather than through a direct government mandate on this particular contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service contracting and program officials. As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, rigorous financial oversight is necessary to monitor incurred costs against the budget and ensure the fixed fee is earned appropriately. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award itself, but detailed performance metrics and cost breakdowns would be subject to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests or specific reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Research and Development Spending
Information Technology Support Services
Communications Technology Development
Management and Engineering Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires careful cost monitoring.
Potential for undefined scope in R&D services.
Exclusion of sources in competition needs justification.
Performance metrics for R&D services can be challenging to define.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $331,480.87 to MANAGEMENT & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL INC. COMMUNICATIONS PRODUCT PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANAGEMENT & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $331,480.87.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-05-11. End: 2027-06-30.

What is the specific nature of the 'communications product specialist' services required by the Forest Service?

The provided data does not detail the specific tasks or deliverables for the 'communications product specialist.' However, given the NAICS code 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences), these services likely involve specialized expertise in developing, testing, or refining communication products or systems related to the Forest Service's mission. This could range from technical documentation and user interface design to the research and development of new communication technologies for field operations, data transmission, or public outreach. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure suggests that the exact scope might have some flexibility or that costs are difficult to predict precisely upfront, necessitating close monitoring by the agency.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type compare to other R&D contract types in terms of risk and value for the government?

The CPFF contract type is often used in R&D when the scope of work is not well-defined, or the costs are uncertain. It allows the contractor to recover all allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. For the government, this type carries a higher risk of cost overrun compared to fixed-price contracts, as the contractor is incentivized to incur costs to cover their base. However, it provides flexibility for evolving R&D projects and ensures the contractor is motivated to complete the work (due to the fixed fee). Value is assessed by comparing the final cost and performance against the objectives. Effective oversight is crucial to manage costs and ensure the contractor operates efficiently to earn their fee.

What does 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' imply about the procurement process?

This procurement method indicates that the agency initially intended to conduct a broad, full and open competition. However, specific sources were subsequently excluded based on certain criteria, possibly related to capability, past performance, or specific requirements that only a subset of potential offerors could meet. While it aims for broad competition, the exclusion suggests a narrowing of the field. This could be a legitimate step to ensure specialized expertise or to address specific risks identified during pre-solicitation. The transparency of the exclusion criteria is key to ensuring fairness and preventing anti-competitive practices.

What is the track record of MANAGEMENT & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL INC with federal contracts, particularly in R&D?

While the provided data indicates that MANAGEMENT & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL INC (METI) is the awardee, it does not include specific details about their past performance or track record. To assess their suitability for this R&D contract, further investigation into their contract history, including previous awards, performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS), and any disputes or terminations, would be necessary. Federal procurement databases often contain this information, which is crucial for understanding their experience in similar R&D projects and their reliability as a contractor.

Are there any comparable contracts for 'communications product specialist' services within the Department of Agriculture or other agencies?

Without more specific details on the 'communications product specialist' role, finding direct comparables is difficult. However, contracts for R&D support, technical writing, product development consulting, and specialized engineering services within agencies like the Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, or other science-focused organizations could serve as benchmarks. Analyzing the value, duration, and contract type (e.g., CPFF, T&M) of similar R&D support contracts can provide context. The $331,480.87 value for a 415-day period suggests a focused, expert-level engagement rather than a large-scale program.

What are the potential risks associated with the performance period and contract type for this delivery order?

The contract has a performance period extending from May 11, 2026, to June 30, 2027 (415 days). The CPFF contract type introduces risks related to cost control; the government bears the risk of cost overruns if the contractor's expenses exceed initial estimates. The fixed fee provides some certainty on profit, but not on total cost. Potential risks include scope creep if the 'communications product specialist' tasks evolve significantly, contractor inefficiency leading to higher costs, or difficulties in achieving the R&D objectives within the specified timeframe. Robust oversight and clear communication channels are essential to mitigate these risks.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Community and Regional Development R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 12318726Q0044

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8600 BOEING DR, EL PASO, TX, 79925

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $331,481

Exercised Options: $331,481

Current Obligation: $331,481

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12318723D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline