Nuwc Keyport Awards $2.7M for Undersea Cables and Kits to Birns Oceanographics Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,388 ($27.4K)

Contractor: Birns Oceanographics Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 182 days

Daily Burn Rate: $150/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NUWC KEYPORT UNDERSEA CABLES AND CABLE PLUG KITS

Place of Performance

Location: KEYPORT, KITSAP County, WASHINGTON, 98345

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $27,388 to BIRNS OCEANOGRAPHICS INC for work described as: NUWC KEYPORT UNDERSEA CABLES AND CABLE PLUG KITS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to BIRNS OCEANOGRAPHICS INC for undersea cables and cable plug kits. 2. The contract value is $2,738,800. 3. The awarding agency is the Department of the Interior. 4. The contract duration is 182 days. 5. This is a Firm Fixed Price contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $2.7M for undersea cables and plug kits is significant. Without comparable contract data or detailed scope, it's difficult to assess if this pricing is competitive. The lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was not competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating a limited competition approach. This method may not yield the best price discovery, potentially leading to higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition approach could result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these critical undersea cable components.

Public Impact

Ensures operational readiness for undersea systems requiring specialized cables and connectors. Supports critical infrastructure for naval underwater warfare capabilities. Potential for increased costs due to lack of competitive bidding.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Lack of price benchmark
Potential for overpricing

Positive Signals

Specific need for specialized equipment
Clear contract duration

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction' category. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on project complexity and material costs. The $2.7M award suggests a significant procurement for specialized undersea components.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a Purchase Order, which is a common method for acquiring goods and services. Oversight would focus on ensuring the delivered product meets specifications and the price is justified, especially given the limited competition.

Related Government Programs

Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction
Department of the Interior Contracting
Departmental Offices Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Lack of price competition
Potential for cost overruns
No clear justification for sole-source

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $27,388 to BIRNS OCEANOGRAPHICS INC. NUWC KEYPORT UNDERSEA CABLES AND CABLE PLUG KITS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BIRNS OCEANOGRAPHICS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $27,388.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the justification for limiting competition on this $2.7M contract for undersea cables and plug kits?

The justification for limiting competition is not provided in the data. Typically, limited competition is used when only one source can fulfill the requirement due to unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs. Without this justification, it's difficult to assess the necessity and potential impact on pricing and value for taxpayers.

What are the risks associated with procuring specialized undersea cables and plug kits through limited competition?

The primary risk is the potential for inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive pressure. Other risks include receiving suboptimal technology or quality if the sole-source provider is not the most capable. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in, making future procurements more expensive and less flexible.

How does this procurement contribute to the overall effectiveness of NUWC Keyport's mission?

Undersea cables and plug kits are essential components for various underwater systems and testing facilities at NUWC Keyport. Ensuring access to reliable and high-quality components is critical for maintaining operational readiness, supporting research and development, and executing their mission effectively in the undersea domain.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Utility System Construction › Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › NON-NUCLEAR SHIP REPAIR

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: 1720 FISKE PL, OXNARD, CA, 93033

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,388

Exercised Options: $27,388

Current Obligation: $27,388

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline