Interior Dept. Awards $3.07M Contract for Carlsbad Caverns Water System Telemetry Upgrade
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $30,730 ($30.7K)
Contractor: Branif Systems Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2026-04-02
End Date: 2027-05-31
Contract Duration: 424 days
Daily Burn Rate: $72/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: UPGRADE WATER SYSTEM TELEMETRY FOR CARLSBAD CAVERNS NATIONAL PARK
Place of Performance
Location: CARLSBAD, EDDY County, NEW MEXICO, 88220
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $30,730 to BRANIF SYSTEMS INC. for work described as: UPGRADE WATER SYSTEM TELEMETRY FOR CARLSBAD CAVERNS NATIONAL PARK Key points: 1. The contract focuses on upgrading critical water system telemetry at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. 2. Branif Systems Inc. secured the award, indicating potential market concentration or specialized capabilities. 3. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but the duration and specific scope warrant scrutiny. 4. This upgrade falls under 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing', a broad sector with varying cost benchmarks.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award amount of $3.07M for a 424-day duration appears reasonable for a specialized infrastructure upgrade. However, without specific per-unit data or detailed scope, a precise comparison to similar telemetry projects is challenging.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential infrastructure maintenance and modernization at a national park, ensuring operational efficiency and resource management.
Public Impact
Ensures reliable water management and monitoring within a significant national park. Supports the operational integrity of Carlsbad Caverns National Park's infrastructure. Modernizes outdated systems, potentially improving efficiency and reducing future maintenance costs. Contributes to the preservation of natural resources through effective water system control.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 72 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if proprietary technology is used.
- Scope creep could increase costs beyond the initial $3.07M.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical infrastructure components.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Firm fixed-price contract helps manage cost overruns.
- Addresses essential infrastructure needs for a national park.
Sector Analysis
The 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing' sector is diverse. Telemetry systems for infrastructure often require specialized integration and maintenance, which can influence pricing. Benchmarks are difficult without specific technical details.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in the subcontracting or prime contracting. Further investigation would be needed to assess small business participation in this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The National Park Service, under the Department of the Interior, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms should apply to ensure successful execution and accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- National Park Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of detailed technical specifications.
- Potential for scope creep impacting budget.
- Limited information on small business participation.
- Dependency on a single vendor for critical system components.
Tags
other-communications-equipment-manufactu, department-of-the-interior, nm, delivery-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $30,730 to BRANIF SYSTEMS INC.. UPGRADE WATER SYSTEM TELEMETRY FOR CARLSBAD CAVERNS NATIONAL PARK
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BRANIF SYSTEMS INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (National Park Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $30,730.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2027-05-31.
What specific technologies are included in the telemetry upgrade, and how do they compare to industry standards for similar park infrastructure?
The specific technologies are not detailed in the provided data. A thorough review of the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) is necessary to identify the exact telemetry components, software, and integration requirements. Comparing these to industry standards for water management systems in similar environmental and operational contexts (e.g., other national parks, large municipal water systems) would reveal if the chosen solution is cost-effective and technologically sound.
What are the potential risks associated with the 424-day duration and the firm fixed-price contract for this infrastructure upgrade?
A 424-day duration for an infrastructure upgrade carries risks of potential delays due to unforeseen site conditions, weather, or supply chain issues, which could strain the fixed-price budget if not managed proactively. The firm fixed-price nature means the contractor bears cost overruns, but could also lead to reduced quality or scope if margins become too tight. Effective project management and contingency planning are crucial.
How will the effectiveness of the upgraded telemetry system be measured to ensure it meets the park's operational and resource management goals?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) outlined in the contract, such as system uptime, data accuracy, response times for alerts, and reduction in manual monitoring efforts. Post-implementation reviews and user feedback from park staff will be critical. Success hinges on the system reliably providing accurate, real-time data to optimize water usage and detect potential issues promptly.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT › INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 44038422
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 24411 RIDGE ROUTE DRIVE SUITE 105, LAGUNA HILLS, CA, 92653
Business Categories: Category Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $30,730
Exercised Options: $30,730
Current Obligation: $30,730
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS07F0185X
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-02
Current End Date: 2027-05-31
Potential End Date: 2027-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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