Sole source contract awarded to Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission for $7.79M in fisheries monitoring services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,785,732 ($7.8M)

Contractor: Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2027-09-30

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT TO THE ATLANTIC STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION (ASMFC) FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF INVOICE TRACKING AND REIMBURSEMENT FOR AT-SEA AND INDUSTRY-FUNDED MONITORING OBSERVER SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE NORTHEAST FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTE

Place of Performance

Location: EAST FALMOUTH, BARNSTABLE County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02536

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $7.8 million to ATLANTIC STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION for work described as: SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT TO THE ATLANTIC STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION (ASMFC) FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF INVOICE TRACKING AND REIMBURSEMENT FOR AT-SEA AND INDUSTRY-FUNDED MONITORING OBSERVER SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE NORTHEAST FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTE Key points: 1. Contract focuses on invoice tracking and reimbursement for observer support services. 2. Sole source award indicates a lack of competitive bidding for these specific services. 3. The contract duration is two years, ending September 30, 2027. 4. Services are for the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, supporting critical data collection. 5. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, providing cost certainty. 6. This award represents a significant investment in the operational aspects of fisheries management.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this sole source contract is challenging without competitive data. The fixed price nature provides some cost control. However, the absence of competition raises questions about whether the government secured the best possible price. Further analysis would require understanding the specific services provided and comparing them to similar administrative support contracts, if available.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission was likely selected due to a specific existing relationship, unique capabilities, or a determination that no other entity could fulfill the requirement. The lack of competition limits the government's ability to leverage market forces to drive down costs or improve service offerings.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the best value due to the absence of a competitive bidding process, which typically leads to lower prices and more innovative solutions.

Public Impact

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission benefits through continued funding and operational support. The contract ensures the continuation of invoice tracking and reimbursement for essential observer services. These services are critical for the management and sustainability of Northeast fisheries. The contract supports the operational infrastructure of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center. It indirectly impacts the fishing industry by facilitating the reimbursement process for observer support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole source award limits price discovery and potential cost savings.
Lack of competition may reduce incentives for innovation or service improvement.
Dependence on a single entity for critical administrative functions poses a risk.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides budget certainty.
The contractor, ASMFC, has a specific mission related to fisheries management, suggesting relevant expertise.
Contract duration allows for stable planning and execution of services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' category, specifically supporting fisheries management. The market for such specialized administrative and technical support services within government is often characterized by a mix of competitive and sole-source awards, depending on the unique requirements and existing relationships. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more granular data on the scope of services.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The focus on a specific commission suggests that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may be limited unless they provide specialized support services to the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) contracting officers and program managers. Transparency is dependent on public reporting of contract actions. Accountability measures are inherent in the contract terms and performance expectations, with potential for review by NOAA's Inspector General if performance issues arise.

Related Government Programs

Fisheries Observer Programs
Marine Fisheries Management
Scientific and Technical Services
Federal Grant and Reimbursement Administration

Risk Flags

Sole Source Award
Potential Lack of Competition
Limited Transparency on Value for Money

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $7.8 million to ATLANTIC STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION. SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT TO THE ATLANTIC STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION (ASMFC) FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF INVOICE TRACKING AND REIMBURSEMENT FOR AT-SEA AND INDUSTRY-FUNDED MONITORING OBSERVER SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE NORTHEAST FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ATLANTIC STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION.

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 $7.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2027-09-30.

What is the specific nature of the 'at-sea and industry-funded monitoring observer support services' covered by this contract?

The contract details pertain to the administration of invoice tracking and reimbursement for observer support services. This implies that the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is responsible for managing the financial aspects of services provided by observers. These observers are likely deployed on commercial fishing vessels to collect data on catch, bycatch, and other fisheries-dependent information. The 'industry-funded' aspect suggests that a portion of the costs for these observers are borne by the fishing industry itself, and ASMFC's role involves processing and reconciling these payments and reimbursements, ensuring compliance with funding agreements and accurate financial record-keeping for the Northeast Fisheries Science Center's monitoring programs.

Why was this contract awarded on a sole-source basis to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission?

Sole-source awards are typically justified when a specific entity possesses unique capabilities, existing infrastructure, or a statutory mandate that makes competition impractical or not in the government's best interest. For the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), its established role in interstate fisheries management and its existing relationships with both federal agencies like NOAA and the fishing industry likely position it as the most suitable entity to administer these complex invoice tracking and reimbursement functions. Without further documentation from the awarding agency, the precise justification remains speculative, but it likely centers on ASMFC's specialized expertise and established operational framework for managing fisheries-related financial and administrative processes.

How does the $7.79 million contract value compare to historical spending on similar services?

Direct historical spending comparisons for this specific sole-source contract are difficult without access to detailed historical contract data for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center. However, the $7.79 million over two years (approximately $3.9 million annually) represents a significant allocation for administrative and financial support services. To benchmark this value, one would need to analyze the scope and volume of observer activities supported, the complexity of the invoice tracking and reimbursement processes, and compare these to administrative costs of similar monitoring programs or contracts for financial management services within other federal agencies or scientific bodies. The absence of competition makes a direct 'value for money' comparison challenging.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source contract for essential administrative functions?

The primary risk of a sole-source contract is the potential for inflated costs due to the lack of competitive pressure. Without competing bids, the government may not achieve the most favorable pricing. Additionally, there's a risk of complacency from the contractor, as there is no immediate threat of losing the contract to a competitor, which could potentially lead to reduced service quality or innovation over time. Dependence on a single entity also creates a vulnerability; if the contractor faces financial difficulties, operational disruptions, or fails to meet performance expectations, the government has limited immediate alternatives for continuity of essential services like invoice tracking and reimbursement for critical monitoring programs.

What is the track record of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission in managing federal contracts and financial administration?

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is a quasi-governmental agency established by Congress to manage and conserve coastal fisheries resources in the Atlantic. Its track record in managing federal contracts and financial administration is generally considered robust, given its long-standing role and responsibilities. ASMFC routinely manages complex interstate fisheries management plans, coordinates with state agencies, and handles significant funding streams, including federal grants and industry contributions. Its mission inherently involves financial oversight and administrative coordination. While specific performance metrics for this particular contract are not publicly detailed, ASMFC's institutional history suggests a capacity for handling the administrative and financial tasks outlined in this agreement.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 1305M325R0056

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1050 N HIGHLAND ST STE 200, ARLINGTON, VA, 22201

Business Categories: Category Business, Government, U.S. Interstate Government Entity, U.S. Local Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $35,000,000

Exercised Options: $14,161,880

Current Obligation: $7,785,732

Actual Outlays: $1,149,252

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline