DOI Awards $2.86M for Geophysical Surveying, Boosting Mapping Capabilities
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,857,155 ($2.9M)
Contractor: Merrick-Surdex Joint Venture LLP
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2025-08-05
End Date: 2028-05-31
Contract Duration: 1,030 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: MT_PORPHYRYBELT_MAG_RAD_D25
Place of Performance
Location: GREENWOOD VILLAGE, ARAPAHOE County, COLORADO, 80111
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $2.9 million to MERRICK-SURDEX JOINT VENTURE LLP for work described as: MT_PORPHYRYBELT_MAG_RAD_D25 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Merrick-Surdex Joint Venture LLP for geophysical surveying. 2. Full and open competition ensures market-driven pricing. 3. Potential for improved geological data collection and analysis. 4. Spending aligns with USGS's mission for resource assessment.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $2.86M for a 1030-day duration appears reasonable for specialized geophysical surveying services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale mapping contracts would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, allowing multiple qualified vendors to bid. This method is expected to drive competitive pricing and ensure the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used efficiently through a competitive bidding process for essential geological mapping services.
Public Impact
Enhances understanding of geological resources in Colorado. Supports infrastructure planning and natural hazard assessment. Provides valuable data for scientific research and development.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in geophysical data acquisition.
- Reliance on a single joint venture for critical services.
Positive Signals
- Clear contract duration and delivery dates.
- Use of firm-fixed-price contract type limits cost overruns.
Sector Analysis
Geophysical surveying and mapping services fall under the broader professional, scientific, and technical services sector. Spending in this area supports critical data collection for resource management and environmental monitoring.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to a joint venture, and there is no specific indication of small business participation in this particular award. Future contracts should explore opportunities for small business involvement.
Oversight & Accountability
The U.S. Geological Survey is responsible for overseeing this contract, ensuring adherence to scope, quality, and delivery timelines. Regular performance reviews are crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- U.S. Geological Survey Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for schedule delays due to complex fieldwork.
- Data accuracy and interpretation are critical success factors.
- Dependence on specific technological capabilities of the joint venture.
Tags
geophysical-surveying-and-mapping-servic, department-of-the-interior, co, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $2.9 million to MERRICK-SURDEX JOINT VENTURE LLP. MT_PORPHYRYBELT_MAG_RAD_D25
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MERRICK-SURDEX JOINT VENTURE LLP.
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 $2.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-08-05. End: 2028-05-31.
What specific geophysical methods will be employed, and how do they compare to industry standards for similar projects?
The contract specifies geophysical surveying and mapping services, likely involving techniques such as magnetic and radiometric surveys. The effectiveness and cost-efficiency will depend on the specific methodologies chosen by Merrick-Surdex Joint Venture LLP and their alignment with industry best practices for the Porphyry Belt region.
What are the potential risks associated with relying on a joint venture for such a critical mapping project?
Risks include potential coordination challenges between the joint venture partners, which could impact project timelines or data quality. Ensuring clear communication channels and performance metrics for each partner within the joint venture is essential for mitigating these risks.
How will the data collected be integrated into existing USGS databases and made accessible for future research and public use?
The contract should outline data deliverables and formats. Effective integration requires adherence to USGS data standards and metadata requirements. Making the data publicly accessible, where appropriate, maximizes its value for scientific research, resource management, and economic development.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services
Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 140G0225F0168
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 5970 GREENWOOD PLZ BLVD, GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO, 80111
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $6,068,425
Exercised Options: $2,857,155
Current Obligation: $2,857,155
Actual Outlays: $82,842
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 140G0221D0011
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-08-05
Current End Date: 2028-05-31
Potential End Date: 2028-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-29
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