DOI's USGS Awards $9M for Field Work to Logan Jones, Competed Under SAP
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,996 ($9.0K)
Contractor: Logan Jones
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2026-05-18
End Date: 2028-05-17
Contract Duration: 730 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS
Sector: Other
Official Description: NEW SSC LOGAN JONES FIELD WORK
Place of Performance
Location: BOISE, ADA County, IDAHO, 83702
State: Idaho Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $8,995.62 to LOGAN JONES for work described as: NEW SSC LOGAN JONES FIELD WORK Key points: 1. The contract value is $8.99M for 730 days of service. 2. Competition was limited to Small Business Set-Aside (SAP) under the "All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services" NAICS code. 3. The award is a Purchase Order, indicating a specific need for services. 4. The contract is for labor hours, suggesting flexibility in task execution.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $8.99M for 730 labor hours is difficult to benchmark without specific task details. However, the average daily rate implied is approximately $12,322, which seems high for professional services without further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP (Small Business Set-Aside), indicating limited competition among small businesses. This method aims to support small businesses but may not always yield the lowest price.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP limits the pool of potential bidders, which could lead to a higher price than a full and open competition. Taxpayers may be paying a premium for small business set-aside.
Public Impact
Supports scientific research and data collection by the U.S. Geological Survey. Provides essential technical services for environmental and geological studies. Impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of federal scientific endeavors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for higher cost due to limited competition (SAP).
- Lack of detailed tasking makes per-unit cost assessment difficult.
- Long duration (730 days) could lead to scope creep or changing requirements.
Positive Signals
- Supports a critical federal agency (USGS).
- Awarded to a small business, aligning with federal procurement goals.
- Clear contract end date provides a defined service period.
Sector Analysis
The "All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services" sector is broad, encompassing a wide range of specialized expertise. Federal spending in this area often supports research, consulting, and technical support functions across various agencies. Benchmarks are highly variable due to the diverse nature of services.
Small Business Impact
This contract was set aside for small businesses, indicating a deliberate effort to award to smaller entities. The specific impact on small business growth and market participation depends on the number of bidders and the nature of the services provided.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure the quality and cost-effectiveness of the labor hours provided. The U.S. Geological Survey will need to monitor task completion and contractor performance closely against the purchase order terms.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- U.S. Geological Survey Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition (SAP).
- High implied daily rate.
- Vague service description ('All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services').
- Labor hours contract type requires strong oversight.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-the-interior, id, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $8,995.62 to LOGAN JONES. NEW SSC LOGAN JONES FIELD WORK
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LOGAN JONES.
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 $8,995.62.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-05-18. End: 2028-05-17.
What specific field work tasks will Logan Jones perform, and how do these align with USGS's mission objectives?
The contract specifies "All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services" for field work. Without a detailed Statement of Work, it's unclear if these tasks involve geological surveys, environmental monitoring, data collection, or other scientific support. Alignment with USGS objectives would depend on the specific nature of these tasks and their contribution to the agency's research and mapping mandates.
How does the implied daily labor rate of $12,322 compare to industry benchmarks for similar professional, scientific, and technical services?
The implied daily labor rate of approximately $12,322 is high for general professional services. Benchmarking requires detailed task descriptions, required skill sets, and geographic location. If the services involve highly specialized scientific expertise or complex fieldwork in remote areas, this rate might be justifiable. However, without that context, it raises a flag for potential overpricing.
What measures are in place to ensure effective task management and prevent cost overruns given the "labor hours" contract type?
Effective task management for a labor hours contract relies heavily on robust oversight by the contracting agency. The USGS must establish clear performance metrics, regular progress reviews, and potentially labor hour ceilings within the purchase order. Strong communication channels and a well-defined scope of work are essential to prevent scope creep and ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently for the intended services.
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: 140G0326P0105
Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 303 STYNER AVE, MOSCOW, ID, 83843
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $8,996
Exercised Options: $8,996
Current Obligation: $8,996
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-05-18
Current End Date: 2028-05-17
Potential End Date: 2028-05-17 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
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