Interior Department Awards $192K R&D Contract to Jodi Burshia for Research in New Mexico
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,200 ($19.2K)
Contractor: Jodi Burshia
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2025-03-31
End Date: 2026-04-30
Contract Duration: 395 days
Daily Burn Rate: $49/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TCRGP II RESEARCH PROJECT, JODI BURSHIA
Place of Performance
Location: ALBUQUERQUE, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87120
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $19,200 to JODI BURSHIA for work described as: TCRGP II RESEARCH PROJECT, JODI BURSHIA Key points: 1. Contract awarded for R&D services in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Sole source award to Jodi Burshia raises questions about competition. 3. Potential for higher costs due to lack of competitive bidding. 4. Focus on research and development aligns with agency goals.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $192,000 is relatively small. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to assess if this price is optimal compared to similar R&D contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in the government paying more than necessary for these R&D services.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may not receive the best value due to the absence of competitive bidding. Limited transparency in the procurement process for this R&D project. Potential for missed opportunities to engage with a wider range of innovative firms.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpayment
Positive Signals
- Supports R&D initiatives
- Specific expertise potentially met
Sector Analysis
The contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but requires careful oversight to ensure value.
Small Business Impact
The contract does not indicate any specific provisions for small business participation. The sole-source nature of the award may limit opportunities for small businesses in this sector.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source award warrants further review to ensure proper justification and adherence to procurement regulations. Oversight is needed to confirm the necessity and value of this contract.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks transparency.
- Potential for inflated pricing due to no competition.
- Limited opportunity for small businesses.
- Unclear R&D project objectives and expected outcomes.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-the-interior, nm, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $19,200 to JODI BURSHIA. TCRGP II RESEARCH PROJECT, JODI BURSHIA
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is JODI BURSHIA.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $19,200.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-03-31. End: 2026-04-30.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps were taken to ensure fair pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities or circumstances. Without competitive bidding, ensuring fair pricing relies heavily on the agency's internal cost analysis and negotiation. Further documentation would be needed to confirm the specific rationale and the rigor of the price assessment process.
What are the potential risks associated with awarding R&D contracts without competition?
Awarding R&D contracts without competition carries risks such as inflated prices, reduced innovation due to lack of diverse approaches, and potential for substandard quality if the sole provider lacks sufficient oversight. It also limits opportunities for emerging businesses and can create a perception of favoritism.
How does this contract contribute to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education's mission, and is the value commensurate with the expected outcomes?
The specific contribution of this R&D project to the BIA/BIE mission is not detailed in the provided data. Assessing value requires understanding the project's objectives, expected deliverables, and their alignment with agency goals. Without this context, it's difficult to determine if the $192,000 investment is justified.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3222 SIERRA DR NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87110
Business Categories: American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $38,400
Exercised Options: $19,200
Current Obligation: $19,200
Actual Outlays: $14,400
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-03-31
Current End Date: 2026-04-30
Potential End Date: 2027-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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