Interior's USGS Awards $11.4M for Innovasea Transmitters & Receivers to Innovasea Marine Systems

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,408 ($11.4K)

Contractor: Innovasea Marine Systems Canada Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2026-06-02

Contract Duration: 56 days

Daily Burn Rate: $204/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: INNOVASEA TRANSMITTERS & RECEIVERS

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $11,408 to INNOVASEA MARINE SYSTEMS CANADA INC for work described as: INNOVASEA TRANSMITTERS & RECEIVERS Key points: 1. The contract value is $11.4 million for transmitters and receivers. 2. Competition was conducted under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures). 3. The award is a Purchase Order with a Firm Fixed Price. 4. The sector is Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $11.4 million for transmitters and receivers appears to be a standard award for specialized equipment. Without specific unit details or historical pricing for similar systems, a precise benchmark is difficult, but the value seems reasonable for the described product category.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP, suggesting a limited competition environment. While SAP aims for efficiency, it may not always yield the most competitive pricing compared to full and open competition, potentially impacting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP for this $11.4 million award means taxpayers may not have benefited from the broadest possible competition, potentially leading to a higher overall cost than if more vendors had been solicited.

Public Impact

This award supports the U.S. Geological Survey's scientific research and data collection efforts. The equipment is crucial for marine environmental monitoring and research. The contract duration is short, indicating a specific project need or equipment refresh cycle.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP.
Lack of detailed cost breakdown for unit pricing.
Short contract duration may indicate urgency or limited scope.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
Award supports critical scientific research for USGS.

Sector Analysis

The 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing' sector encompasses a wide range of specialized devices. Spending in this area can vary significantly based on technological advancements and specific agency needs, with contracts often being project-specific.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the award went to 'INNOVASEA MARINE SYSTEMS CANADA INC', a specific company. There is no explicit information provided regarding small business participation or set-asides in this procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a Purchase Order, which is a common procurement instrument. Oversight would typically involve monitoring delivery schedules, product quality, and adherence to the firm fixed price terms by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Related Government Programs

Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Department of the Interior Contracting
U.S. Geological Survey Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition.
Lack of detailed technical specifications.
Short contract duration.
Potential for higher cost due to SAP.
No explicit small business consideration mentioned.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $11,408 to INNOVASEA MARINE SYSTEMS CANADA INC. INNOVASEA TRANSMITTERS & RECEIVERS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INNOVASEA MARINE SYSTEMS CANADA INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Geological Survey).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11,408.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-06-02.

What is the specific technical capability and expected lifespan of these transmitters and receivers to justify the $11.4 million cost?

The provided data lacks technical specifications for the Innovasea transmitters and receivers. Understanding their advanced features, data transmission capabilities, durability in marine environments, and expected operational lifespan is crucial for assessing the value proposition. Without this, it's difficult to determine if the $11.4 million represents a fair price for the technology's performance and longevity.

How does the pricing of these Innovasea units compare to similar off-the-shelf or custom-developed marine communication equipment available on the market?

Benchmarking the $11.4 million award against comparable equipment is challenging without detailed product specifications and unit costs. The limited competition under SAP suggests a potentially narrower market scan. A thorough analysis would require comparing features, performance metrics, and unit prices from multiple vendors, including those potentially available through full and open competition, to ensure optimal taxpayer value.

What is the USGS's strategy for ensuring the long-term effectiveness and integration of these transmitters and receivers into their ongoing research operations?

The short contract duration (56 days) raises questions about the long-term integration strategy. While it might be for immediate needs or a pilot, the USGS needs a plan for maintenance, upgrades, and compatibility with future systems. Ensuring the effectiveness requires clear performance metrics, user training, and a roadmap for how this equipment will contribute to sustained scientific data collection and analysis.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - NETWORK

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 20 ANGUS MORTON DR, BEDFORD

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,408

Exercised Options: $11,408

Current Obligation: $11,408

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline