DOI awards $178K for NV PAHRANAGAT NWR Tracking Transmitters to Cellular Tracking Technologies LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $178,520 ($178.5K)
Contractor: Cellular Tracking Technologies LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2026-04-08
End Date: 2026-07-22
Contract Duration: 105 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.7K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: NV PAHRANAGAT NWR TRACKING TRANSMITTERS
Place of Performance
Location: ALAMO, LINCOLN County, NEVADA, 89001
State: Nevada Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $178,520 to CELLULAR TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES LLC for work described as: NV PAHRANAGAT NWR TRACKING TRANSMITTERS Key points: 1. Spending focuses on specialized tracking equipment for wildlife management. 2. Sole-source award to Cellular Tracking Technologies LLC raises competition concerns. 3. Potential for higher costs due to limited competition. 4. Sector is niche, focusing on specialized electronics for environmental applications.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The award of $178,520 for tracking transmitters appears high given the limited scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar specialized wildlife tracking equipment is difficult without more detailed specifications, but the lack of competition suggests potential overpricing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was awarded sole-source, indicating no competition was sought. This method limits price discovery and may result in the government paying a premium for the equipment.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for this specialized equipment, and the lack of competition means a potentially higher cost than if multiple vendors had bid.
Public Impact
Enhances wildlife monitoring capabilities in Nevada's Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. Supports conservation efforts by providing crucial data on animal movements. Funds specialized technology, potentially leading to advancements in wildlife tracking.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Potential for overpayment due to lack of competitive bidding.
- Short contract duration may indicate a pilot or specific project need.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical wildlife conservation efforts.
- Acquires specialized technology for environmental monitoring.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing sector, specifically for specialized tracking devices. Spending in this niche area is typically driven by specific agency needs for monitoring and data collection, rather than broad market trends.
Small Business Impact
The award was made to Cellular Tracking Technologies LLC, and there is no indication that small businesses were involved in this sole-source procurement.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants oversight to ensure the price is fair and reasonable, and that future needs are competed more broadly if possible.
Related Government Programs
- Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of competition
- Potential for inflated pricing
- Limited transparency on vendor capabilities
Tags
radio-and-television-broadcasting-and-wi, department-of-the-interior, nv, purchase-order, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $178,520 to CELLULAR TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES LLC. NV PAHRANAGAT NWR TRACKING TRANSMITTERS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CELLULAR TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES LLC.
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 $178,520.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-07-22.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and were alternatives explored?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities or proprietary technology held by a single vendor. Agencies must document why other sources cannot meet the requirement. Exploring alternatives, even if ultimately deemed unsuitable, is crucial for demonstrating due diligence and ensuring fair pricing.
How does the unit cost of these transmitters compare to similar commercially available wildlife tracking devices?
Without specific technical details of the transmitters, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the lack of competition suggests the government may not have achieved the best possible price. A review of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) wildlife tracking devices with comparable features and battery life would be necessary to assess value.
What is the long-term strategy for acquiring these tracking transmitters, and will future procurements be competed?
The short duration of this purchase order suggests it may be for an immediate need or a pilot project. Agencies should outline a long-term strategy that includes competitive bidding for future requirements to ensure cost-effectiveness and access to technological advancements from a wider range of suppliers.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - NETWORK
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: DOIFFBO260055
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1293 HORNET RD UNIT 1, RIO GRANDE, NJ, 08242
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $178,520
Exercised Options: $178,520
Current Obligation: $178,520
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-08
Current End Date: 2026-07-22
Potential End Date: 2026-07-22 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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