NOAA awards $99K emergency order for research planning services to Research Planning, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $99,348 ($99.3K)
Contractor: Research Planning, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2026-03-05
End Date: 2026-04-03
Sector: R&D
Official Description: BLOCK 59 LOOP SPILL EMERGENCY ORDER OR APPROVAL OR-FY26-01596
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $99,347.94 to RESEARCH PLANNING, INC. for work described as: BLOCK 59 LOOP SPILL EMERGENCY ORDER OR APPROVAL OR-FY26-01596 Key points: 1. Contract awarded via BPA call, indicating a pre-negotiated agreement. 2. Short performance period suggests an urgent or immediate need. 3. No small business set-aside noted, potentially limiting small business participation.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount is relatively small, suggesting a focused scope of work. The contract was awarded to a single vendor, Research Planning, Inc., which may indicate specialized expertise or a pre-existing relationship.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The contract was awarded via a BPA call, which can be used for various contract types. Further details on the specific call and its justification are needed to determine the full and open nature of the competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential research planning services.
Public Impact
Supports critical oceanic and atmospheric research planning. Ensures continuity of essential NOAA operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential lack of competition due to BPA call mechanism.
- Urgency of the need may lead to less rigorous review.
Positive Signals
- Addresses an emergency need, preventing potential disruptions.
- Leverages existing BPA to expedite service acquisition.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the scientific research and development sector, specifically supporting the Department of Commerce's mission in oceanic and atmospheric studies.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the vendor is not listed as a small business. This suggests larger businesses or specific BPA holders were considered.
Oversight & Accountability
The award is a BPA call, which relies on the oversight established during the initial BPA creation. The short performance period warrants monitoring to ensure timely and effective completion.
Related Government Programs
- BLOCK 59 LOOP SPILL EMERGENCY ORDER OR APPROVAL OR-FY26-01596
- Research Planning Services
Risk Flags
- Emergency Procurement
- BPA Call
Tags
emergency-order, research-planning, department-of-commerce, noaa, research-planning-inc, bpa-call, fy26
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $99,347.94 to RESEARCH PLANNING, INC.. BLOCK 59 LOOP SPILL EMERGENCY ORDER OR APPROVAL OR-FY26-01596
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RESEARCH PLANNING, INC..
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 $99,347.94.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-03-05. End: 2026-04-03.
Analysis insight 1
The 'emergency order' designation implies a time-sensitive requirement.
Analysis insight 2
Understanding the nature of the 'BLOCK 59 LOOP SPILL' is key to assessing the necessity of this award.
Analysis insight 3
The BPA call mechanism suggests a streamlined procurement process for pre-qualified vendors.