Interior awards $90.5M contract for professional services, with 7 bidders competing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $90,454 ($90.5K)

Contractor: Ethan Hasenauer

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2028-04-30

Contract Duration: 754 days

Daily Burn Rate: $120/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: NEW SSC ETHAN HASENHAUER

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR County, ALASKA, 99775

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $90,454.25 to ETHAN HASENAUER for work described as: NEW SSC ETHAN HASENHAUER Key points: 1. The contract value of $90.5 million over approximately 2.5 years suggests a significant investment in specialized expertise. 2. With 7 bidders, the competition level indicates a moderately contested market for these services. 3. The contract's duration and value may present opportunities for contractor performance and potential for cost overruns if not managed closely. 4. The services procured fall under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' a broad category requiring careful performance monitoring. 5. The contract is positioned within the professional services sector, supporting scientific and technical endeavors for the U.S. Geological Survey. 6. The award was made under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on efficiency for procurements below certain thresholds.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $90.5 million for approximately 2.5 years of service appears reasonable given the broad scope of 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.' Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized scientific support within federal agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The use of 'LABOR HOURS' as the contract type suggests that pricing is tied to effort, which can be a transparent method if well-managed, but also carries a risk of escalating costs if not controlled.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for full and open competition for procurements below certain dollar thresholds. The presence of 7 bidders indicates a healthy level of interest and competition for these services. This suggests that multiple firms were capable of meeting the requirements and were willing to bid, which generally leads to more competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this procurement is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely drove down prices and ensured the government received a fair market value for the services rendered. A higher number of bidders generally correlates with better price discovery and reduced risk of overpayment.

Public Impact

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is the primary beneficiary, receiving essential professional, scientific, and technical support. The services delivered are expected to contribute to the USGS's mission in areas such as earth science research, data collection, and analysis. The geographic impact is primarily focused on Alaska (ST: AK, SN: ALASKA), where the contract is being performed. The contract supports a workforce engaged in specialized professional and technical roles, contributing to the skilled labor market in Alaska.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' if requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Reliance on 'LABOR HOURS' could lead to cost overruns if productivity is not closely monitored.
The duration of the contract (approx. 2.5 years) requires sustained oversight to ensure continued value and performance.
Performance in Alaska may present logistical challenges that could impact service delivery or costs.

Positive Signals

The contract was competed, indicating a degree of market validation and potential for competitive pricing.
Seven bidders participated, suggesting a robust interest and capability within the market for these services.
The award is for essential scientific and technical support, aligning with the agency's core mission.
The contract is structured as a Purchase Order, often indicating a streamlined process for acquiring necessary goods or services.

Sector Analysis

The professional, scientific, and technical services sector is a vast and critical component of the federal procurement landscape. This contract falls within the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code (541990), which encompasses a wide array of specialized support. Federal spending in this category often supports research, development, consulting, and technical assistance across various agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend heavily on the specific nature of the scientific and technical expertise required by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided in the data. As the contract was competed under SAP, it is possible that small businesses were among the bidders or could participate in subcontracting opportunities. Further analysis would be needed to determine the specific impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the U.S. Geological Survey contracting officers and program managers. As a Purchase Order awarded under SAP, the oversight mechanisms might be less formalized than for larger, more complex contracts. Transparency is generally facilitated through federal procurement databases like FPDS. Accountability would be driven by performance metrics and adherence to the contract terms, with potential for Inspector General involvement if significant issues arise.

Related Government Programs

Scientific and Technical Support Services
Professional Services Contracts
U.S. Geological Survey Contracts
Alaska Federal Contracts
Purchase Orders

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to 'LABOR HOURS' contract type.
Broad 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' category requires clear scope definition and management.
Performance in Alaska may introduce logistical complexities.
Need for sustained oversight throughout the contract duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $90,454.25 to ETHAN HASENAUER. NEW SSC ETHAN HASENHAUER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ETHAN HASENAUER.

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 $90,454.25.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2028-04-30.

What is the specific nature of the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' being procured for the U.S. Geological Survey in Alaska?

The provided data categorizes this contract under NAICS code 541990, 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.' This is a broad classification that can encompass a wide range of activities, including but not limited to laboratory analysis, field research support, data management, environmental consulting, geological surveys, and technical writing. Without more specific details from the contract statement of work, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact services. However, given the agency (U.S. Geological Survey) and the location (Alaska), it is highly probable that these services relate to earth science research, natural resource assessment, environmental monitoring, or geological mapping within the Alaskan region. The 'LABOR HOURS' contract type suggests that the value is primarily derived from the time and expertise of personnel performing these tasks.

How does the contract value of $90.5 million compare to typical spending for similar services by the U.S. Geological Survey?

Comparing the $90.5 million contract value requires context regarding the duration and scope of services. This contract spans approximately 2.5 years (from April 2026 to April 2028). To assess its comparability, one would need to analyze historical USGS spending on similar professional, scientific, and technical services, particularly those performed in Alaska or related to its specific research areas. The 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' category is broad, making direct comparisons challenging without a more granular understanding of the work. However, a $90.5 million award over 2.5 years suggests a substantial and ongoing need for specialized support, potentially indicating a significant project or a suite of critical services.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) likely to be used to evaluate contractor performance on this contract?

Given the nature of professional, scientific, and technical services procured on a labor-hour basis, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) would likely focus on efficiency, quality, and timeliness. For this contract, potential KPIs could include: adherence to project timelines and milestones, accuracy and completeness of scientific data or reports generated, responsiveness to agency requests, effective management of labor hours to stay within budget, and overall client satisfaction as assessed by the U.S. Geological Survey program managers. Compliance with safety protocols, especially if field work is involved in Alaska, would also be a critical KPI. The contractor's ability to provide qualified personnel and maintain continuity of service would be paramount.

What are the potential risks associated with a 'LABOR HOURS' contract type for this scope of work?

The primary risk associated with a 'LABOR HOURS' contract type is the potential for cost overruns if the contractor's efficiency is low or if the scope of work expands without adequate controls. Unlike fixed-price contracts, the government pays for the time spent, making it crucial to monitor productivity and ensure that the hours billed are reasonable and necessary for the work performed. For this $90.5 million contract over approximately 2.5 years, the U.S. Geological Survey must implement robust oversight to track labor hours, validate the work accomplished, and manage any potential scope creep. Without diligent management, the 'LABOR HOURS' structure can lead to the government paying more than anticipated for the services received.

How does the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) designation impact the oversight and transparency of this contract?

Contracts awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), typically for amounts below certain thresholds (e.g., $250,000, though this can vary), are generally intended for efficiency and speed. While this contract is valued at $90.5 million, the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation might indicate that it was structured or awarded using processes streamlined for smaller procurements, or perhaps it represents a series of task orders under a larger agreement that falls under SAP guidelines for individual awards. SAP can sometimes mean less extensive documentation or fewer formal reporting requirements compared to large-scale competitive procurements. However, for a contract of this magnitude, even under SAP, the U.S. Geological Survey is expected to maintain adequate oversight, ensure fair competition among the bidders, and document the award decision. Transparency is usually maintained through public contract databases, though the level of detail available might be less comprehensive than for larger contracts.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical 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: 140G0326P0065

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 205 SPREADING OAK DR, SCOTTS VALLEY, CA, 95066

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $90,454

Exercised Options: $90,454

Current Obligation: $90,454

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline