DOI Awards $247,500 for Diatom Identification Services to Eileen M. Hemphill-Haley

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,750 ($24.8K)

Contractor: Eileen M Hemphill-Haley

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-04-23

End Date: 2027-04-22

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $34/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IDENTIFICATION AND PHOTOMICROSCOPY OF DIATOMS IN SEDIMENTARY DEPOSITS

Place of Performance

Location: EUGENE, LANE County, OREGON, 97401

State: Oregon Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $24,750 to EILEEN M HEMPHILL-HALEY for work described as: IDENTIFICATION AND PHOTOMICROSCOPY OF DIATOMS IN SEDIMENTARY DEPOSITS Key points: 1. The contract focuses on specialized scientific consulting for diatom analysis. 2. Limited competition is noted, with the award going to a specific individual. 3. The risk appears low given the specialized nature and fixed price. 4. The sector is scientific research and consulting.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $247,500 over two years for specialized scientific consulting is difficult to benchmark without more data on similar contracts. The fixed-price nature of the purchase order provides cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under SAP, suggesting a limited competition approach. This may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to a fully competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer impact is likely minimal given the relatively small contract value, but the lack of full competition could represent a missed opportunity for cost savings.

Public Impact

Supports scientific research and data collection for geological surveys. Diatom analysis can be crucial for understanding past environmental conditions. The award benefits a specific scientific consultant in Oregon.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Lack of detailed justification for limited competition

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract
Clear scope of work

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the scientific and technical consulting services sector, specifically focusing on geological and environmental research. Spending in this area often supports data collection and analysis for government agencies.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this procurement. The award was made to an individual consultant.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of a purchase order suggests a streamlined process. Oversight would focus on the delivery of the scientific analysis and adherence to the contract terms.

Related Government Programs

Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Department of the Interior Contracting
U.S. Geological Survey Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for higher cost due to lack of competition
Lack of small business participation
No clear justification for limited competition provided

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $24,750 to EILEEN M HEMPHILL-HALEY. IDENTIFICATION AND PHOTOMICROSCOPY OF DIATOMS IN SEDIMENTARY DEPOSITS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EILEEN M HEMPHILL-HALEY.

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 $24,750.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-23. End: 2027-04-22.

What is the specific scientific value of this diatom analysis to the USGS mission?

The specific scientific value lies in the detailed identification and photomicroscopy of diatoms within sedimentary deposits. Diatoms are microfossils that serve as excellent paleoenvironmental indicators, helping scientists reconstruct past climate, water quality, and ecological conditions. This data can inform geological surveys, environmental impact assessments, and long-term resource management strategies for the U.S. Geological Survey.

What are the risks associated with limited competition for specialized scientific services?

Limited competition for specialized scientific services carries risks such as potentially inflated pricing due to a lack of market pressure, reduced innovation from a smaller pool of bidders, and the possibility that the government may not secure the most cost-effective solution. It can also raise concerns about fairness and equal opportunity for other qualified providers.

How effective is a fixed-price contract in ensuring value for specialized scientific consulting?

A fixed-price contract can be effective in ensuring value for specialized scientific consulting by providing cost certainty to the government. It shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. However, its effectiveness in achieving the best value depends on the accuracy of the initial cost estimate and the clarity of the statement of work. If the scope is well-defined, it can prevent unexpected cost increases.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 695 OAKWAY RD, EUGENE, OR, 97401

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,750

Exercised Options: $24,750

Current Obligation: $24,750

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline