Interior's $3.4M contract for refuge evaluation and mitigation awarded to Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,399,877 ($3.4M)

Contractor: Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2023-09-11

End Date: 2027-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,480 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.3K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TX-S TX REFUGES COMP-EVAL & MITIGATION

Place of Performance

Location: COLLEGE STATION, BRAZOS County, TEXAS, 77843

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $3.4 million to TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE RESEARCH for work described as: TX-S TX REFUGES COMP-EVAL & MITIGATION Key points: 1. Contract focuses on scientific and technical consulting for environmental services. 2. Awarded to a research institution, suggesting a focus on expertise. 3. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs. 4. Long duration of nearly 5 years indicates a sustained need for services. 5. Competition was conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, implying a focus on smaller value procurements. 6. Geographic focus on Texas suggests localized environmental concerns.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.4 million over approximately 5 years appears reasonable for specialized scientific consulting services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for environmental evaluation and mitigation is challenging without more specific service details. However, the fixed-price nature of the award suggests an effort to manage costs effectively. The award to a research institution like Texas A&M Agrilife Research implies access to specialized knowledge, which can justify the expenditure if the outcomes are valuable.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a broader range of competition for procurements under the federal micro-purchase threshold and simplified acquisition threshold. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, SAP generally encourages competition among qualified vendors. The use of SAP suggests that the agency sought competitive proposals within a streamlined process, aiming for fair market prices.

Taxpayer Impact: Competing under SAP allows for efficient acquisition while still providing opportunities for multiple vendors to bid, potentially leading to better pricing for taxpayers compared to non-competitive awards.

Public Impact

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service benefits from expert evaluation and mitigation strategies for wildlife refuges. Services delivered will likely include scientific research, data analysis, and recommendations for environmental management. The geographic impact is primarily within Texas, addressing specific regional ecological needs. The contract supports scientific and research personnel at Texas A&M Agrilife Research, potentially impacting the workforce in that sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial evaluations reveal unforeseen complexities requiring extended or additional services.
Dependence on the specific expertise and capacity of Texas A&M Agrilife Research for successful project execution.
Ensuring the mitigation strategies recommended are practical, cost-effective, and achieve desired environmental outcomes.

Positive Signals

Award to a reputable research institution suggests a high level of technical competence.
Fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government.
Long-term nature of the contract allows for sustained focus on critical environmental issues.
Competition under SAP indicates an effort to obtain value through a structured bidding process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Scientific Research and Development services sector, specifically focusing on environmental consulting and biological sciences. The market for such services is driven by regulatory requirements, conservation efforts, and the need for specialized expertise in ecological assessment and management. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other federal agencies or state governments procuring similar environmental consulting services for land management and conservation projects.

Small Business Impact

The contract does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. Given the nature of the services and the award to a large research institution, it is unlikely that significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are mandated, though they may arise opportunistically. The primary focus appears to be on specialized scientific expertise rather than broad service delivery where small businesses typically play a larger role.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures will be tied to the deliverables and milestones outlined in the purchase order. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

National Wildlife Refuge System
Endangered Species Act Implementation
Environmental Impact Statements
Ecological Restoration Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope expands beyond initial estimates.
Risk of delays in project completion due to unforeseen environmental or logistical challenges.
Ensuring the scientific rigor and practical applicability of mitigation recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $3.4 million to TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE RESEARCH. TX-S TX REFUGES COMP-EVAL & MITIGATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE RESEARCH.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-11. End: 2027-09-30.

What is the specific scope of work for Texas A&M Agrilife Research under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' related to 'TX-S TX REFUGES COMP-EVAL & MITIGATION'. This suggests the work involves evaluating the condition and effectiveness of wildlife refuges in Texas and potentially developing or implementing mitigation strategies for environmental issues impacting these refuges. Specific tasks could include ecological surveys, habitat assessments, species population studies, impact analyses of external factors (e.g., land use changes, climate), and recommendations for conservation or restoration actions. The exact deliverables, methodologies, and reporting requirements would be detailed in the full contract statement of work.

How does the $3.4 million cost compare to similar environmental consulting contracts awarded by the Department of the Interior?

Benchmarking this $3.4 million contract requires comparing it to similar services procured by the Department of the Interior or its agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Contracts for ecological assessments, environmental impact studies, and mitigation planning can vary widely in cost based on geographic scope, complexity of the ecosystem, duration, and specific scientific expertise required. Without access to a detailed database of comparable contracts, it's difficult to provide a precise comparison. However, for a nearly five-year engagement involving specialized scientific consulting for multiple refuges in a specific state, $3.4 million appears to be within a reasonable range, especially considering the fixed-price nature which aims for cost control.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or success metrics for this contract?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or success metrics for this contract. However, for a contract focused on refuge evaluation and mitigation, typical KPIs would likely revolve around the quality and timeliness of scientific reports, the accuracy of data collected, the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed mitigation strategies, and adherence to the project schedule and budget. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would establish these metrics to ensure the contractor is meeting the objectives of the procurement, such as improving the conservation status of wildlife or enhancing the management effectiveness of the refuges.

What is the track record of Texas A&M Agrilife Research in performing similar federal contracts?

Texas A&M Agrilife Research is a well-established research institution with a strong background in agricultural, environmental, and biological sciences. As part of Texas A&M University, it has a history of undertaking significant research projects, including those funded by federal agencies. While specific details on past federal contracts are not provided here, institutions of this caliber typically have extensive experience in conducting scientific studies, managing large grants, and delivering technical reports. Their track record would generally be considered robust in relevant scientific fields, suggesting a high likelihood of competent performance on this contract.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and how are they being managed?

Potential risks for this contract include the possibility of unforeseen environmental complexities requiring scope adjustments, delays in data collection or analysis due to weather or field conditions, and challenges in developing universally accepted mitigation strategies. The fixed-price nature of the contract helps mitigate financial risks for the government by capping costs. The long duration allows for adaptive management if initial findings necessitate changes. The selection of a reputable research institution like Texas A&M Agrilife Research also reduces performance risk. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's oversight will be crucial in monitoring progress and addressing any emerging issues proactively.

How does this contract align with the broader mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?

This contract directly aligns with the core mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), which is to conserve the nation's fish, wildlife, and their habitats. By funding evaluations and mitigation strategies for Texas refuges, the USFWS is actively working to protect biodiversity, manage natural resources, and ensure the ecological health of critical landscapes. The scientific expertise provided by Texas A&M Agrilife Research will support informed decision-making for refuge management, contributing to the long-term conservation goals of the agency and the preservation of natural heritage.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140F0S23Q0017

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Texas a & M University System

Address: 2147 TAMU, COLLEGE STATION, TX, 77843

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government, Veterinary College

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,399,877

Exercised Options: $3,399,877

Current Obligation: $3,399,877

Actual Outlays: $1,800,457

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline