Interior's USGS awards $2.55M contract for nutrient analysis, highlighting specialized testing needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,550 ($2.5K)

Contractor: Earthoptics, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-09-25

End Date: 2026-09-24

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MEHLICH III NUTRIENT ANALYSIS

Place of Performance

Location: LA CROSSE, LA CROSSE County, WISCONSIN, 54601

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $2,550 to EARTHOPTICS, INC. for work described as: MEHLICH III NUTRIENT ANALYSIS Key points: 1. Contract supports critical environmental monitoring and research. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially efficient award process. 3. Fixed-price structure aims to control costs for the government. 4. Contract duration aligns with typical project-based analytical needs. 5. Geographic focus on Wisconsin indicates regional environmental priorities. 6. This award falls within the broader category of scientific and technical services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.55 million for nutrient analysis services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar contracts for laboratory testing and environmental analysis would provide a more precise assessment, but the fixed-price nature suggests an effort to establish clear cost expectations. The duration of one year also helps in managing the financial outlay for a defined scope.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a competitive process for awards below a certain threshold. While specific details on the number of bidders are not provided, SAP generally encourages broad participation. This level of competition is expected to drive fair pricing and ensure the government receives competitive offers for the required services.

Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a market-driven price for essential scientific services.

Public Impact

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) benefits from access to specialized nutrient analysis. Environmental research and monitoring efforts in Wisconsin will be supported. This contract contributes to understanding and managing natural resources. Potential implications for laboratories and scientists specializing in environmental testing.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Competitive award process likely yielded fair market value.
Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Award to a single entity suggests clear responsibility and accountability.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the scientific and technical services sector, specifically focusing on laboratory testing and analysis. This sector is crucial for various government functions, including environmental monitoring, research, and regulatory compliance. The market for such services is characterized by specialized expertise and equipment, with government contracts often supporting long-term scientific initiatives.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided for this award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved in the competition or if subcontracting opportunities were mandated.

Oversight & Accountability

As a purchase order awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, oversight is typically managed through the contracting officer's representative (COR) and internal agency procurement policies. The fixed-price nature of the award provides a degree of financial oversight. Transparency is maintained through contract databases, though detailed performance metrics may reside within agency files.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Monitoring Contracts
Laboratory Testing Services
Scientific Research Support
Department of the Interior Procurement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $2,550 to EARTHOPTICS, INC.. MEHLICH III NUTRIENT ANALYSIS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EARTHOPTICS, 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 $2,550.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-25. End: 2026-09-24.

What is the historical spending pattern for nutrient analysis services by the U.S. Geological Survey?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for nutrient analysis by the USGS is crucial for understanding trends, identifying potential increases or decreases in demand, and benchmarking current contract values. While specific historical data for this exact service is not provided here, a review of past USGS solicitations and awards for similar laboratory testing and environmental analysis would reveal spending levels over the last 5-10 fiscal years. This would help determine if the current $2.55 million award represents a typical investment, a significant increase, or a decrease compared to previous periods. Factors such as changes in research priorities, regulatory requirements, or the availability of in-house analytical capabilities can influence these patterns. Understanding this history allows for a more informed assessment of the current contract's value and necessity.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar nutrient analysis contracts awarded by other federal agencies?

To assess the value-for-money of this $2.55 million contract, a comparison of its pricing structure and per-unit costs (if applicable and derivable) against similar nutrient analysis contracts awarded by other federal agencies is essential. Agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Army Corps of Engineers, or the Department of Agriculture frequently procure similar laboratory and environmental testing services. Benchmarking would involve identifying contracts with comparable scopes of work, sample types, analytical methods, and turnaround times. Differences in pricing could be attributed to variations in geographic location, specific regulatory requirements, contractor overhead, or the level of competition. A favorable comparison would indicate competitive pricing, while significantly higher costs might warrant further investigation into the necessity of specific contract terms or potential inefficiencies.

What are the specific types of nutrient analysis to be performed under this contract?

The contract specifies 'MEHLICH III NUTRIENT ANALYSIS,' which refers to a specific soil extraction method commonly used in agricultural and environmental science to determine the availability of essential plant nutrients. This method typically measures elements such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sometimes micronutrients. Understanding the precise analytes and the number of samples anticipated is critical for evaluating the contract's scope and cost-effectiveness. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) likely requires this analysis for soil and water quality assessments, geological surveys, or environmental impact studies. The specificity of the 'Mehlich III' method suggests a targeted research or monitoring objective, rather than a broad spectrum of general laboratory services.

What is the track record of Earthoptics, Inc. in performing similar government contracts?

Evaluating the track record of Earthoptics, Inc. is vital for assessing the risk associated with this $2.55 million contract. A review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving laboratory analysis, environmental testing, or scientific services, would provide insight into their reliability, quality of work, and ability to meet deadlines and budgetary constraints. Databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) can offer valuable information on past performance evaluations. A history of successful contract completions, positive performance reviews, and minimal disputes would indicate a lower risk. Conversely, a record of past performance issues, contract terminations, or significant quality control problems would raise concerns about their capacity to successfully execute this current award.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Potential risks for this $2.55 million nutrient analysis contract could include issues related to data accuracy and reliability, delays in sample processing or reporting, and potential cost overruns if the scope is not precisely defined (though less likely with a firm fixed-price contract). Environmental factors or unforeseen complexities in sample collection could also pose challenges. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols established by the contractor, clear communication channels between the USGS and Earthoptics, Inc., defined performance metrics and reporting requirements, and regular progress reviews. The firm fixed-price nature of the award inherently mitigates financial risk for the government, shifting cost overrun responsibility to the contractor. The agency's COR plays a key role in monitoring performance and addressing issues proactively.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Testing Laboratories and 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: 140G0225Q0071

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 800 WASHINGTON AVE N STE 702, MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 55401

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,100

Exercised Options: $2,550

Current Obligation: $2,550

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline