Interior's $20M R&D Contract Awarded to Gregory Conner for Physical Sciences Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,998 ($20.0K)
Contractor: Conner Gregory R
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2025-04-02
End Date: 2026-04-30
Contract Duration: 393 days
Daily Burn Rate: $51/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TCRGP RESEARCH PROJECT, DR. GREGORY CONNER'S PART.
Place of Performance
Location: ALBUQUERQUE, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87120
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $19,998 to CONNER GREGORY R for work described as: TCRGP RESEARCH PROJECT, DR. GREGORY CONNER'S PART. Key points: 1. Awarded to a single individual, raising questions about competition. 2. Focuses on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. Contract duration is over a year, suggesting a significant project scope. 4. High value for a sole-source award warrants scrutiny.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $19,998,000 is substantial. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to assess if this price is optimal or if it represents fair market value compared to similar R&D projects.
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 as there was no market pressure to offer the best price.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for a nearly $20 million contract raises concerns about potential overspending and inefficient use of taxpayer funds.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of competitive bidding. The specific R&D outcomes and their public benefit are not detailed. Potential for missed opportunities to engage a wider range of innovative researchers.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 51 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of competition
- High contract value
Positive Signals
- Supports R&D initiatives
- Specific scientific focus
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences category. Spending in this sector can vary widely, but large sole-source awards like this are less common and require justification.
Small Business Impact
The award to an individual, Dr. Gregory Conner, suggests no small business participation was sought or involved in this specific contract. This award does not appear to support small business goals.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this contract necessitates robust oversight to ensure the funds are used effectively and for the intended research purposes. Accountability for deliverables and milestones will be crucial.
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
- Potential for inflated costs due to lack of competition.
- Lack of transparency regarding the justification for sole-source award.
- Unclear public benefit and measurable outcomes.
- No apparent small business involvement.
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 $19,998 to CONNER GREGORY R. TCRGP RESEARCH PROJECT, DR. GREGORY CONNER'S PART.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CONNER GREGORY R.
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 $19,998.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-04-02. End: 2026-04-30.
What specific research outcomes are expected from this $20 million contract, and how will their value to the public be measured?
The contract details do not specify the expected research outcomes or their measurement criteria. Further inquiry is needed to understand the tangible benefits and deliverables anticipated from Dr. Conner's work. Without clear metrics, assessing the return on investment for this significant taxpayer expenditure is challenging.
What justification exists for awarding this substantial R&D contract on a sole-source basis, and were alternative competitive approaches considered?
The provided data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED.' A sole-source award of this magnitude typically requires a strong justification, such as unique expertise or a critical, time-sensitive need. Without this justification, it raises concerns about whether the government missed an opportunity to secure better value through competition.
How will the effectiveness and efficiency of the research conducted under this contract be monitored and evaluated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education?
The contract's effectiveness and efficiency will depend on the oversight mechanisms implemented by the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education. Robust monitoring of milestones, deliverables, and adherence to the research plan is essential. Clear performance metrics and regular progress reviews are critical to ensure taxpayer funds are used wisely.
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: 201 N 1000 E, MAPLETON, UT, 84664
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $39,996
Exercised Options: $19,998
Current Obligation: $19,998
Actual Outlays: $14,999
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-04-02
Current End Date: 2026-04-30
Potential End Date: 2027-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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