NOAA awards $143,500 contract for biological sample collection from endangered leatherback turtles

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,350 ($14.3K)

Contractor: Asociacion Areas Costeras Y Recursos Marinos

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2023-09-14

End Date: 2025-04-30

Contract Duration: 594 days

Daily Burn Rate: $24/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SERVICES TO COLLECT BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES FROM LEATHERBACK TURTLES FORAGING OFF THE COAST OF PERU. INFORMATION GATHERED IN THE STUDY WILL COMPILED IN A FINAL REPORT TO NOAA NMFS WCR.

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $14,350 to ASOCIACION AREAS COSTERAS Y RECURSOS MARINOS for work described as: SERVICES TO COLLECT BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES FROM LEATHERBACK TURTLES FORAGING OFF THE COAST OF PERU. INFORMATION GATHERED IN THE STUDY WILL COMPILED IN A FINAL REPORT TO NOAA NMFS WCR. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical data collection for endangered species conservation. 2. Limited competition raises questions about optimal pricing and value. 3. Potential for future research funding based on study outcomes. 4. Geographic focus on Peru highlights international conservation efforts. 5. Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $143,500 for a 594-day period appears reasonable for specialized biological sample collection. However, without comparable contracts for similar services in the region or for this specific species, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging. The fixed-price nature mitigates cost overrun risks, but the lack of competition could mean the price is not as competitive as it could be.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a sole-source award. The lack of competition means that potential bidders were not solicited, and the government did not explore alternative offers. This approach may be justified if only one entity possesses the unique expertise or access required for this specific research.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price due to the absence of competitive bidding. The government should ensure a strong justification exists for sole-source awards to maintain fiscal responsibility.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are NOAA Fisheries, which will receive crucial data for conservation efforts. The services delivered involve the collection of biological samples from leatherback turtles. The geographic impact is focused on the foraging grounds of leatherback turtles off the coast of Peru. The study contributes to scientific understanding and potentially informs policy for marine wildlife protection.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
Limited transparency in the procurement process due to sole-source award.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical need for data on an endangered species.
Firm fixed-price contract provides budget predictability.
Supports international conservation efforts in collaboration with a foreign entity.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the environmental consulting and scientific research sector, specifically focusing on marine biology and conservation. The market for such specialized services is often niche, with a limited number of organizations possessing the required expertise and logistical capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more specific data on the scope and duration of similar international research projects.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve any small business set-asides or subcontracting opportunities. The nature of the specialized biological research likely requires specific expertise and resources that may not be readily available within the small business ecosystem for this particular project.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) within the Department of Commerce. Accountability will be ensured through the delivery of a final report compiling the gathered information. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award, but the final report should be publicly accessible, providing some level of insight into the research outcomes.

Related Government Programs

Endangered Species Conservation Programs
Marine Mammal Research Grants
International Fisheries Management
Wildlife Biology Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
Limited public information on contractor's specific qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $14,350 to ASOCIACION AREAS COSTERAS Y RECURSOS MARINOS. SERVICES TO COLLECT BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES FROM LEATHERBACK TURTLES FORAGING OFF THE COAST OF PERU. INFORMATION GATHERED IN THE STUDY WILL COMPILED IN A FINAL REPORT TO NOAA NMFS WCR.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ASOCIACION AREAS COSTERAS Y RECURSOS MARINOS.

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 $14,350.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-14. End: 2025-04-30.

What is the specific expertise of ASOCIACION AREAS COSTERAS Y RECURSOS MARINOS in collecting biological samples from leatherback turtles?

The provided data does not detail the specific expertise of ASOCIACION AREAS COSTERAS Y RECURSOS MARINOS. However, the fact that NOAA awarded them this contract, especially on a sole-source basis, suggests they possess unique qualifications, experience, or access necessary for this specialized task. Further investigation into the organization's past performance, publications, and previous work with marine conservation in Peru would be required to fully assess their capabilities. The government's justification for the sole-source award should elaborate on these specific qualifications.

How does the $143,500 contract value compare to similar biological sample collection efforts for endangered marine species?

Benchmarking this $143,500 contract is challenging without access to a database of comparable sole-source or competed contracts for similar biological sample collection from endangered marine species, particularly leatherback turtles in the Pacific. Factors such as the duration (594 days), the complexity of sample collection (e.g., requiring specialized equipment, diving, or remote locations), the number of samples, and the specific analyses to be performed all influence cost. Given the specialized nature and the sole-source award, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents excellent or questionable value without further market research or a detailed cost analysis by NOAA.

What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source contract for NOAA?

The primary risks associated with this sole-source contract are potential overpayment and a lack of innovation. Without competition, NOAA may be paying a higher price than if multiple vendors had bid. Furthermore, the absence of competitive pressure could limit the contractor's incentive to employ the most innovative or cost-effective methods for sample collection. There's also a risk that the contractor may not have the absolute best capabilities available, as alternatives were not explored. Ensuring robust oversight and clear deliverables is crucial to mitigate these risks.

What is the expected impact of the data collected on NOAA's conservation strategies for leatherback turtles?

The data collected from biological samples is expected to provide critical insights into the health, diet, genetic diversity, and population dynamics of leatherback turtles foraging off the coast of Peru. This information is vital for NOAA Fisheries' Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing decisions, recovery plan development, and the implementation of effective conservation and management strategies. Understanding foraging patterns and biological status helps identify threats and prioritize conservation actions, ultimately contributing to the species' long-term survival.

What historical spending patterns exist for NOAA's biological sample collection services, particularly for marine megafauna?

Historical spending patterns for NOAA's biological sample collection services, especially for marine megafauna, are likely diverse, reflecting the varied needs across different species and research objectives. While specific figures for leatherback turtle sample collection aren't readily available, NOAA frequently contracts for ecological surveys, genetic analysis, tagging studies, and health assessments. These contracts can range from small, localized efforts to large, multi-year international projects. The use of sole-source awards for highly specialized research, as seen here, is not uncommon when unique expertise or access is required, but it necessitates careful justification and oversight.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Social Advocacy Organizations › Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: CALLE SAN FRANCISCO 253, OF. 201-B, PISCO

Business Categories: Category Business, International Organization, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,350

Exercised Options: $14,350

Current Obligation: $14,350

Actual Outlays: $14,350

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline