Interior's $3.3M contract for lidar mapping services awarded to NV5 GEOSPATIAL, INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,323,590 ($3.3M)

Contractor: NV5 Geospatial, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2029-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,271 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NH_STATEWIDELIDAR_INTERIOREDH_B26

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT PETERSBURG, PINELLAS County, FLORIDA, 33716

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $3.3 million to NV5 GEOSPATIAL, INC. for work described as: NH_STATEWIDELIDAR_INTERIOREDH_B26 Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of 1271 days indicates a significant, long-term project. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541360 points to specialized geophysical surveying and mapping services. 5. The contract is for delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 6. The award is for services in Florida, indicating a specific geographic focus.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.32 million for geophysical surveying and mapping services appears reasonable given the project's scope and duration. Without specific benchmarks for statewide lidar interior mapping projects, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the price was determined upfront and is less susceptible to cost escalations, which is a positive indicator for value. The award to NV5 GEOSPATIAL, INC. through full and open competition implies that pricing was likely vetted against multiple proposals.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The open competition suggests that the agency sought the best value proposition from the market.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at competitive market rates and encourages a wider range of contractors to participate, potentially leading to innovation and cost savings.

Public Impact

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) within the Department of the Interior is the primary beneficiary, utilizing the data for its mapping and resource management initiatives. The services delivered include advanced lidar interior mapping, crucial for understanding terrain, infrastructure, and environmental conditions. The geographic impact is focused on Florida, where the lidar data will be collected and applied. This contract supports specialized geospatial professionals and technicians within NV5 GEOSPATIAL, INC. and potentially its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the number of bidders in the full and open competition limits the assessment of competitive intensity.
The duration of the contract (over 3 years) requires ongoing monitoring to ensure performance remains aligned with objectives.
The specific technical requirements and deliverables are not detailed, making it difficult to assess the complexity and potential for unforeseen challenges.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty and reduces financial risk for the government.
The contract is for specialized geophysical surveying and mapping services, indicating a focus on critical data acquisition.
The project has a defined end date, allowing for clear project management and evaluation.

Sector Analysis

The geophysical surveying and mapping services sector is a critical component of the broader geospatial industry, which supports a wide range of government functions including environmental monitoring, infrastructure development, and national security. This contract falls under the NAICS code 541360, 'Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services.' The market for lidar data acquisition and processing is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized technologies and expertise. Government agencies are significant consumers of these services, often procuring them through IDIQ vehicles or specific task orders like this delivery order.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (sb) is false and there is no indication of a small business set-aside (ss) for this contract. This suggests that the contract was not specifically targeted towards small businesses. Therefore, the primary impact on the small business ecosystem would likely be through potential subcontracting opportunities, if NV5 GEOSPATIAL, INC. chooses to engage small businesses for any portion of the work. Without further information on subcontracting plans, the direct impact on small businesses remains unclear.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily reside with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) within the Department of the Interior. The agency is responsible for monitoring contract performance, ensuring deliverables meet specifications, and managing payments. As a federal contract, it is also subject to general government oversight mechanisms, including potential reviews by Inspectors General and compliance with federal procurement regulations. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics are typically internal.

Related Government Programs

National Geospatial Program
USGS Lidar Programs
Federal Geospatial Data Committee initiatives

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep if project requirements are not clearly defined.
Dependence on contractor's technical expertise and equipment reliability.
Risk of schedule slippage due to unforeseen environmental or logistical challenges.
Data quality assurance and validation processes are critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $3.3 million to NV5 GEOSPATIAL, INC.. NH_STATEWIDELIDAR_INTERIOREDH_B26

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NV5 GEOSPATIAL, 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 $3.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2029-09-30.

What is the track record of NV5 GEOSPATIAL, INC. with federal contracts, particularly for similar geospatial services?

NV5 GEOSPATIAL, INC. has a history of performing federal contracts, including those related to geospatial services. A review of federal procurement data would reveal the extent and nature of their past performance. Key indicators to examine would include contract values, agencies served, types of services rendered (e.g., lidar, photogrammetry, surveying), and past performance ratings. A strong track record with positive past performance reviews would suggest a lower risk for this current contract. Conversely, any history of performance issues, disputes, or contract terminations would raise concerns and warrant closer scrutiny of their capacity to meet the requirements of this new award.

How does the awarded price compare to similar lidar mapping contracts awarded by the federal government?

Benchmarking the price of this $3.32 million contract against similar federal lidar mapping projects requires access to a comprehensive database of contract awards. Factors such as geographic area, resolution of lidar data, project complexity (e.g., terrain type, existing infrastructure), and the specific deliverables (e.g., point clouds, digital elevation models) significantly influence pricing. Generally, full and open competition aims to achieve prices aligned with market rates. If this contract's pricing falls within the typical range for comparable projects of similar scope and complexity, it suggests good value. Deviations significantly above or below the norm would necessitate further investigation into the underlying reasons, such as unique project requirements or exceptional market conditions.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Primary risks for this lidar mapping contract include potential technical challenges in data acquisition (e.g., weather, terrain accessibility), data processing complexities, and schedule delays. The mitigation strategies are embedded within the contract structure and agency oversight. The firm fixed-price nature helps mitigate cost overrun risks. The contract duration of over three years allows for phased execution, potentially reducing the impact of any single delay. The U.S. Geological Survey's oversight is crucial for monitoring progress, ensuring adherence to technical specifications, and proactively addressing any emerging issues. The contractor's experience and the competitive award process also serve as risk-reduction factors, assuming a thorough vetting process was conducted.

How effective is the U.S. Geological Survey in managing and overseeing geospatial data acquisition contracts?

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has a long-standing reputation and extensive experience in managing and overseeing geospatial data acquisition contracts, including lidar projects. They are a primary agency responsible for the National Geospatial Program and have developed robust technical standards and management protocols. Their expertise in defining data requirements, evaluating proposals, and monitoring project execution is generally considered high. Effectiveness is demonstrated through the consistent delivery of high-quality geospatial data that supports numerous federal, state, and local government applications. However, like any large organization, effectiveness can vary depending on specific project management teams and resource allocation.

What has been the historical spending trend for geophysical surveying and mapping services by the Department of the Interior?

Historical spending by the Department of the Interior (DOI) on geophysical surveying and mapping services, categorized under NAICS code 541360, would likely show a consistent need for these services due to the agency's broad mandate over natural resources, land management, and environmental monitoring. Spending trends are influenced by factors such as congressional appropriations, specific program needs (e.g., geological surveys, mapping for resource exploration, disaster response mapping), and technological advancements in surveying. Analyzing past spending patterns would reveal the typical annual investment in this area, the primary bureaus utilizing these services (like USGS), and the common contract types and competition levels employed. This context helps in evaluating the current $3.32 million award as part of a larger, ongoing federal requirement.

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: ARCHITECT-ENGINEER FAR 6.102

Solicitation ID: 140G0226F0070

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10033 DR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR ST N STE 200, SAINT PETERSBURG, FL, 33716

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,533,514

Exercised Options: $3,323,590

Current Obligation: $3,323,590

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140G0221D0012

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline