Interior Department awards $10K contract for mussel dog detection services to Working Dogs for Conservation Foundation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,000 ($10.0K)

Contractor: Working Dogs for Conservation Foundation

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 182 days

Daily Burn Rate: $55/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MUSSEL DOG DETECTION FOR LAKE MEREDITH NRA

Place of Performance

Location: FRITCH, HUTCHINSON County, TEXAS, 79036

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $10,000 to WORKING DOGS FOR CONSERVATION FOUNDATION for work described as: MUSSEL DOG DETECTION FOR LAKE MEREDITH NRA Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized environmental consulting services. 2. Focus on mussel detection using trained canines. 3. Service delivery concentrated in Texas. 4. Contract duration is approximately six months. 5. Firm fixed-price contract type suggests defined scope and cost. 6. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a smaller procurement value.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $10,000 is relatively small, making direct comparison to larger contracts difficult. However, the use of specialized canine units for environmental monitoring suggests a potentially cost-effective approach compared to traditional survey methods, especially for sensitive or difficult-to-access areas. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for a broader range of competition than sole-source but may not reach the full and open competition level of larger procurements. The specific number of bidders is not detailed, but SAP aims to maximize competition within its scope.

Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP generally leads to fair market pricing for smaller acquisitions, benefiting taxpayers by ensuring value for money on this specialized service.

Public Impact

Benefits the National Park Service by enhancing environmental monitoring capabilities. Services delivered include the detection of mussels, crucial for ecological assessments. Geographic impact is focused on Lake Meredith National Recreation Area in Texas. Workforce implications involve specialized canine handlers and their trained animals.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP could potentially lead to higher prices than full and open competition.
Short contract duration may require follow-on procurements if services are needed long-term.

Positive Signals

Utilizes innovative and specialized detection methods (canine units).
Focus on environmental protection aligns with agency mission.
Firm fixed-price contract provides budget predictability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Environmental Consulting Services sector, specifically focusing on ecological surveys and monitoring. The market for such specialized services, particularly those involving trained animals, is niche. The value of this contract is small relative to the broader environmental consulting market, but it represents a targeted investment in a specific ecological assessment need.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, Working Dogs for Conservation Foundation, is a non-profit organization. There is no indication of subcontracting requirements or direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the National Park Service contracting officer and program managers. As a small value award under SAP, extensive oversight mechanisms may not be as formalized as for larger contracts, but accountability is maintained through performance monitoring and adherence to the firm fixed-price agreement. Transparency is generally available through federal procurement databases.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Monitoring Services
Ecological Survey Contracts
National Park Service Operations
Wildlife Management Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to specialized service
Reliance on specialized personnel (handler/dog team) performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $10,000 to WORKING DOGS FOR CONSERVATION FOUNDATION. MUSSEL DOG DETECTION FOR LAKE MEREDITH NRA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WORKING DOGS FOR CONSERVATION FOUNDATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (National Park Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of Working Dogs for Conservation Foundation in similar environmental detection contracts?

Working Dogs for Conservation Foundation is known for its innovative use of canine detection for environmental purposes, including invasive species and pollution. While specific contract details for mussel detection are not publicly itemized in extensive detail, their general expertise in training dogs for ecological tasks is well-established. Their work often involves partnerships with various government agencies and conservation organizations, suggesting a capacity to perform specialized environmental monitoring. Further investigation into their past performance reports or client testimonials could provide more granular detail on their success rates and reliability in similar projects.

How does the cost of canine-based mussel detection compare to traditional survey methods?

The cost-effectiveness of canine-based mussel detection versus traditional methods can vary significantly based on the specific environment, scale of the survey, and required accuracy. Traditional methods might involve manual surveys, netting, or sonar, which can be labor-intensive, time-consuming, and may require specialized equipment or divers. Canine detection offers the potential for faster, more comprehensive coverage of large or complex areas, potentially reducing overall labor costs and minimizing environmental disturbance. However, the initial investment in training and maintaining highly skilled canine teams can be substantial. For this specific $10,000 contract, it suggests a focused application where the unique capabilities of dogs were deemed the most efficient solution for the defined scope and location.

What are the primary risks associated with using canine units for environmental surveys?

Key risks associated with using canine units for environmental surveys include handler dependency, canine health and performance variability, and potential environmental factors affecting scent detection (e.g., weather, water conditions). The effectiveness is highly reliant on the skill and experience of the handler and the consistent performance of the dog. Canine fatigue or distraction can impact survey accuracy. Furthermore, ensuring the dogs are properly trained and certified for the specific target species (mussels, in this case) is crucial. Mitigation strategies typically involve rigorous training protocols, experienced handlers, backup canine teams, and clear performance metrics to ensure reliable data collection.

What is the expected effectiveness of this contract in achieving its mussel detection goals?

The effectiveness of this contract hinges on the specific objectives set forth by the National Park Service for mussel detection at Lake Meredith NRA. Given the specialized nature of the awardee's expertise, the expectation is that the canine team will provide a highly efficient and accurate method for identifying mussel populations within the designated survey area. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract implies a defined scope of work, suggesting that if the scope is well-defined and achievable, the contract should effectively meet its stated goals. Success will be measured by the quality and completeness of the detection data provided, contributing to the park's ecological management and conservation efforts.

How does this contract align with broader federal spending trends in environmental consulting?

This contract aligns with a growing trend in federal agencies to leverage specialized, often innovative, techniques for environmental monitoring and conservation. While the dollar amount is small, it reflects a targeted investment in a niche service. Federal spending in environmental consulting is broad, encompassing large-scale impact assessments, remediation projects, and regulatory compliance. This particular award represents a micro-level application of specialized expertise, demonstrating a willingness to explore cost-effective and efficient methods, such as canine detection, for specific ecological challenges within protected areas. It complements larger environmental initiatives by providing granular data collection capabilities.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › INSPECTION SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10971 RUSTIC RD, MISSOULA, MT, 59802

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,000

Exercised Options: $10,000

Current Obligation: $10,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140P1323A0003

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline