NOAA awards $25.3M for monitoring and research support, with Azura Consulting LLC as prime

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,302,477 ($25.3M)

Contractor: Azura Consulting LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2020-06-03

End Date: 2026-01-30

Contract Duration: 2,067 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: NOAA FISHERIES/NEFSC,PROTECTED SPECIES BRANCH (PSB), MONITORING AND RESEARCH SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WOODS HOLE, BARNSTABLE County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02543

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $25.3 million to AZURA CONSULTING LLC for work described as: NOAA FISHERIES/NEFSC,PROTECTED SPECIES BRANCH (PSB), MONITORING AND RESEARCH SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value of $25.3M over its period of performance. 2. Services include monitoring and research support for protected species. 3. Awarded to Azura Consulting LLC under full and open competition. 4. Contract type is Time and Materials, indicating flexibility in scope. 5. Performance period spans from June 2020 to January 2026. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541990. 7. The contract is a Delivery Order, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of $25.3M over approximately six years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking this against similar contracts for scientific and technical services requires more granular data on the specific services provided. The Time and Materials pricing structure can lead to cost overruns if not carefully managed, which warrants scrutiny. Without specific performance metrics or comparable contract data, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This method is generally preferred for ensuring fair pricing and access to a wide range of qualified contractors. The presence of 5 bids suggests a competitive environment, which should theoretically drive down costs and improve service quality.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive marketplace that can lead to more cost-effective solutions and a broader selection of service providers.

Public Impact

Benefits NOAA Fisheries' Protected Species Branch by providing essential monitoring and research support. Services contribute to the understanding and conservation of protected marine species. Geographic impact is likely national, focusing on areas relevant to protected species research. Workforce implications include employment for scientific and technical personnel at Azura Consulting LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost uncertainty if not managed closely.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess efficiency and effectiveness.
The broad NAICS code (541990) suggests a wide range of potential services, requiring careful oversight to ensure focus on core mission needs.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process.
Contract duration provides stability for NOAA's monitoring and research efforts.
Azura Consulting LLC's role as prime contractor suggests established capabilities in this service area.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically related to environmental and biological consulting. The market for such services is driven by regulatory requirements, scientific research needs, and conservation efforts. NOAA's spending in this area is crucial for fulfilling its mandate to protect marine life. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific nature of the monitoring and research activities undertaken.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of small business subcontracting requirements. This suggests that the prime contractor, Azura Consulting LLC, is likely a larger entity or that the scope of work did not lend itself to small business participation as a primary strategy. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the performance of this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight of this contract would typically be managed by NOAA's contracting officers and program managers, ensuring adherence to the terms and conditions, and monitoring performance. The Time and Materials nature of the contract necessitates diligent oversight to control costs and ensure that work performed aligns with the stated objectives. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases and reporting, though specific performance data may not always be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

NOAA Fisheries Research Contracts
Protected Species Management Programs
Scientific and Technical Support Services
Environmental Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
Need for robust oversight to manage scope and ensure efficiency.
Broad NAICS code requires careful monitoring of service delivery alignment with mission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $25.3 million to AZURA CONSULTING LLC. NOAA FISHERIES/NEFSC,PROTECTED SPECIES BRANCH (PSB), MONITORING AND RESEARCH SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AZURA CONSULTING LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $25.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-06-03. End: 2026-01-30.

What specific monitoring and research activities are covered under this contract?

The contract, awarded to Azura Consulting LLC, provides 'Monitoring and Research Support Services' for NOAA Fisheries' Protected Species Branch (PSB). While the specific details of the monitoring and research activities are not fully elaborated in the provided data, such services typically encompass data collection, analysis, field surveys, laboratory work, and reporting related to the status, threats, and conservation of protected marine species. This could include activities like population assessments, habitat monitoring, threat identification, and contributing to recovery plans. The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type suggests that the scope might be flexible, adapting to evolving research needs or unforeseen monitoring requirements within the PSB's mandate.

How does the $25.3M contract value compare to historical spending for similar NOAA research support services?

To accurately compare the $25.3M contract value to historical spending, one would need to identify comparable contracts awarded by NOAA Fisheries or other agencies for similar 'Monitoring and Research Support Services' for protected species. Factors such as the duration of the contract (approximately six years), the specific scientific disciplines involved, the geographic scope of the research, and the complexity of the monitoring required would be crucial for a meaningful comparison. Without access to a comprehensive database of NOAA's historical procurement data for analogous services, it is difficult to definitively state whether this contract represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment. However, the value suggests a significant and ongoing commitment to supporting the PSB's critical mission.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract of this magnitude?

The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract of this magnitude ($25.3M) is the potential for cost overruns due to the lack of a fixed ceiling on labor hours and material costs. If not managed diligently, the contractor could incur significant hours or expenses, leading to a final cost exceeding initial expectations. Another risk is scope creep, where the work expands beyond the original intent without adequate adjustments to the contract's objectives or pricing. For NOAA, this necessitates robust oversight, detailed tracking of labor hours and materials, and clear communication with Azura Consulting LLC to ensure that all work is necessary, efficient, and aligned with the project's goals. The government must actively manage the T&M aspect to ensure it remains cost-effective.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the conservation efforts for protected marine species?

This contract is expected to have a direct and positive impact on the conservation efforts for protected marine species by ensuring that NOAA Fisheries' Protected Species Branch (PSB) has the necessary scientific and technical support. The monitoring and research services funded by this contract will likely provide critical data on species populations, health, habitats, and threats. This data is essential for informed decision-making regarding species management, regulatory actions, and the development of effective conservation strategies. By supporting ongoing research and monitoring, the contract helps NOAA fulfill its legal and scientific obligations to protect and recover these vulnerable marine populations, contributing to their long-term survival.

How does the selection of Azura Consulting LLC, as opposed to other potential contractors, reflect on the government's procurement strategy?

The selection of Azura Consulting LLC through full and open competition suggests that the agency assessed multiple proposals and determined Azura's offer to be the most advantageous. This procurement strategy aims to leverage market competition to secure the best value, which includes a balance of technical capability, past performance, and price. By opening the competition broadly, NOAA signals its intent to explore a wide range of expertise and potentially innovative solutions. The fact that Azura Consulting LLC was awarded the contract indicates they met or exceeded the evaluation criteria set forth in the solicitation. This approach aligns with federal procurement principles that prioritize fairness, transparency, and achieving mission objectives through competitive means.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 446 TRAIL VIEW LANE, GARLAND, TX, 75043

Business Categories: Category Business, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $30,356,952

Exercised Options: $30,356,952

Current Obligation: $25,302,477

Actual Outlays: $9,682,135

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1305M418DNFFK0013

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline