USDA's $51.6M IDIQ for Trout Genotyping Services Awarded to Center for Aquaculture Technologies, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $51,600 ($51.6K)

Contractor: Center for Aquaculture Technologies, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2030-09-24

Contract Duration: 1,630 days

Daily Burn Rate: $32/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: INDEFINITE DELIVERY INDEFINITE QUANTITY (IDIQ) FOR SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISM GENOTYPING AND PARENTAGE ASSIGNMENT SERVICES IN RAINBOW TROUT. THIS IS AN ANNUAL REOCCURRING REQUIREMENT WITH INDEFINITE QUANTITY OF SAMPLES AND INDEFINITE DELIVERY DA

Place of Performance

Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92121

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $51,600 to CENTER FOR AQUACULTURE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: INDEFINITE DELIVERY INDEFINITE QUANTITY (IDIQ) FOR SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISM GENOTYPING AND PARENTAGE ASSIGNMENT SERVICES IN RAINBOW TROUT. THIS IS AN ANNUAL REOCCURRING REQUIREMENT WITH INDEFINITE QUANTITY OF SAMPLES AND INDEFINITE DELIVERY DA Key points: 1. Contract provides essential genetic services for rainbow trout research and aquaculture. 2. Annual recurring requirement indicates sustained demand for these specialized services. 3. Indefinite quantity and delivery terms allow flexibility for research needs. 4. Firms Fixed Price contract type offers cost certainty for the government. 5. Awarded under a Small Acquisition Procedure (SAP) suggests a streamlined procurement process. 6. The contract duration of over 4 years provides long-term support for the program.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $51.6 million over its potential duration appears reasonable for specialized genetic testing services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for aquaculture research or genetic analysis is challenging without more specific data on the scope and volume of services. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control. The indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) structure, while flexible, necessitates careful management to ensure value is realized across all orders.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under a Small Acquisition Procedure (SAP), which typically involves a more limited competition than full and open procedures. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAPs are often used for procurements below certain dollar thresholds where a broader competition might not be cost-effective. The limited competition may mean fewer price points were considered, potentially impacting the government's ability to secure the absolute lowest price.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP may result in slightly higher prices compared to a full and open competition, though the streamlined process can also reduce administrative costs. Taxpayers benefit from a focused approach to acquiring necessary specialized services.

Public Impact

Benefits the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in their mission to advance agricultural knowledge. Provides critical SNP genotyping and parentage assignment services for rainbow trout. Supports research and development in aquaculture, potentially improving fish stocks and breeding programs. Impacts the scientific community involved in fisheries and aquatic research. Facilitates advancements in understanding genetic diversity and health within rainbow trout populations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost creep if not carefully managed due to IDIQ nature.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical service could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost predictability.
Long contract duration ensures continuity of essential services.
Awarded to a specialized firm, suggesting expertise in the required services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader scientific and technical services sector, specifically focusing on biotechnology and genetic analysis within the agricultural and aquaculture industries. The market for specialized genetic testing services is growing, driven by advancements in genomics and the increasing demand for precision in breeding and research. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found within government contracts for biological testing, laboratory services, and agricultural research support.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a set-aside. The primary contractor, Center for Aquaculture Technologies, Inc., is likely a small business itself given the SAP procurement method, but this contract does not mandate small business participation through subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) within the Department of Agriculture. The contract's performance will be monitored through delivery orders issued under the IDIQ. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and payment schedules tied to successful delivery of services. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though specific details of individual delivery orders may be less public.

Related Government Programs

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Contracts
Genetic Testing Services
Aquaculture Research Support
Animal Science Research
Fisheries Management Support

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to IDIQ structure.
Limited competition may impact price discovery.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $51,600 to CENTER FOR AQUACULTURE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. INDEFINITE DELIVERY INDEFINITE QUANTITY (IDIQ) FOR SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISM GENOTYPING AND PARENTAGE ASSIGNMENT SERVICES IN RAINBOW TROUT. THIS IS AN ANNUAL REOCCURRING REQUIREMENT WITH INDEFINITE QUANTITY OF SAMPLES AND INDEFINITE DELIVERY DA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CENTER FOR AQUACULTURE TECHNOLOGIES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Agricultural Research Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $51,600.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2030-09-24.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar SNP genotyping and parentage assignment services for rainbow trout by the USDA?

Historical spending data for similar services by the USDA is not directly available in the provided contract details. However, the issuance of this new IDIQ contract with a potential value of $51.6 million over approximately 4.5 years suggests a sustained and significant need for these specialized genetic services. The annual recurring nature of the requirement indicates that previous, possibly smaller or differently structured, contracts likely existed to fulfill these needs. To ascertain historical patterns, one would need to analyze past USDA procurement databases for contracts with the Agricultural Research Service or related agencies that procured genetic analysis, DNA testing, or aquaculture-specific research support services, looking for trends in contract values, durations, and awarded vendors over time.

How does the per-unit cost of SNP genotyping and parentage assignment under this contract compare to market rates or other government contracts?

A direct comparison of per-unit costs is not feasible with the information provided, as the contract is an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with an unspecified number of samples and an unspecified delivery schedule for individual orders. The total contract value of $51.6 million represents the ceiling, not the guaranteed expenditure. To benchmark per-unit costs, one would need to examine specific delivery orders issued under this IDIQ and compare the price per sample for SNP genotyping and parentage assignment against commercial laboratory price lists or other government contracts for similar services. Factors such as sample volume, turnaround time, and specific genetic markers analyzed significantly influence per-unit pricing in this specialized field.

What is the track record of Center for Aquaculture Technologies, Inc. in performing similar genetic services for government agencies?

The provided data does not include specific details on the track record of Center for Aquaculture Technologies, Inc. (CAT) in performing similar genetic services for government agencies. However, the fact that CAT was awarded this IDIQ contract by the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and capabilities to meet the government's requirements. Further investigation into CAT's past performance, including any prior government contracts, client references, and demonstrated expertise in SNP genotyping and parentage assignment for aquaculture species, would be necessary to fully assess their track record. Publicly available contract databases and contractor performance assessment reporting systems could provide additional insights.

What are the potential risks associated with the indefinite quantity and indefinite delivery nature of this contract?

The primary risks associated with the indefinite quantity and indefinite delivery (IDIQ) nature of this contract revolve around cost management and resource allocation. For the government, there's a risk of overspending if the demand for services significantly exceeds initial projections or if individual delivery orders are not carefully managed and justified. Conversely, if demand is lower than anticipated, the government might not achieve the full value of the contract ceiling. For the contractor, there's uncertainty in workload planning and resource allocation, potentially leading to periods of underutilization or, conversely, the need for rapid scaling of operations. Effective communication and clear task order requirements are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How does this contract contribute to the broader goals of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in aquaculture research?

This contract directly supports the Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) mission by providing essential tools for advancing aquaculture research. SNP genotyping and parentage assignment are critical for modern breeding programs, allowing researchers to identify desirable genetic traits, track lineage, and improve the efficiency and sustainability of rainbow trout production. By enabling precise genetic analysis, the contract facilitates research into disease resistance, growth rates, feed conversion efficiency, and overall genetic diversity within farmed populations. This, in turn, helps ARS contribute to a more robust, productive, and economically viable U.S. aquaculture industry.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Testing Laboratories and Services

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8445 CAMINO SANTA FE, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92121

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $51,600

Exercised Options: $51,600

Current Obligation: $51,600

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1232SA25D0005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline