DOI awards $980K contract for NAGPRA compliance at Yosemite NP to Bernstein & Associates
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $98,080 ($98.1K)
Contractor: Bernstein & Associates, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2023-09-15
End Date: 2026-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,203 days
Daily Burn Rate: $82/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: NAGPRA COMPLIANCE FOR YOSEMITE NP
Place of Performance
Location: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, MARIPOSA County, CALIFORNIA, 95389
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $98,080 to BERNSTEIN & ASSOCIATES, LLC for work described as: NAGPRA COMPLIANCE FOR YOSEMITE NP Key points: 1. Contract awarded for NAGPRA compliance services at Yosemite National Park. 2. Competition method was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP', indicating a competitive process within simplified acquisition procedures. 3. The contract duration is over three years, suggesting a significant scope of work. 4. The award amount is $980,800. 5. The NAICS code 541990 covers 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $980,800 over approximately three years appears reasonable for specialized compliance services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for NAGPRA compliance or environmental consulting services would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP', suggesting it was competed among a limited number of sources or through simplified acquisition procedures. This method can sometimes lead to less aggressive price discovery compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential legal and cultural compliance, which is a necessary expenditure. The cost-effectiveness depends on the efficiency and thoroughness of the services provided.
Public Impact
Ensures compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Supports the preservation and respectful management of cultural resources at a major national park. Facilitates consultation and collaboration with Native American tribes. Contributes to the ethical stewardship of ancestral remains and cultural items.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 82 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for limited competition under SAP.
- Contract duration may exceed actual need if not managed effectively.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical legal and ethical requirement.
- Awarded to a specific firm for specialized services.
- Clear performance period and fixed-price structure.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically related to cultural resource management and compliance. Spending in this sector is often driven by regulatory requirements and the need for specialized expertise, particularly within federal land management agencies.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in the competition or subcontracting. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The National Park Service, under the Department of the Interior, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement oversight processes should apply to ensure compliance and performance.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- National Park Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for limited competition.
- Contract duration may be lengthy.
- Need for clear performance metrics.
- Ensuring fair market price.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-the-interior, ca, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $98,080 to BERNSTEIN & ASSOCIATES, LLC. NAGPRA COMPLIANCE FOR YOSEMITE NP
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BERNSTEIN & ASSOCIATES, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (National Park Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $98,080.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-15. End: 2026-12-31.
What is the specific scope of work for NAGPRA compliance, and how does it align with the contract value?
The scope of work likely includes inventory, documentation, consultation with tribes, and repatriation efforts as mandated by NAGPRA. The $980,800 value over three years suggests a comprehensive program, potentially involving extensive research, site assessments, and inter-tribal communication, aiming to fulfill all legal obligations efficiently.
What are the potential risks associated with limited competition under SAP for this type of service?
Limited competition under SAP might result in higher prices than a fully open competition, as fewer bidders are involved. There's also a risk that the most innovative or cost-effective solutions might be overlooked if the pool of potential contractors is restricted. Ensuring fair pricing and adequate performance requires careful monitoring.
How will the effectiveness of Bernstein & Associates' NAGPRA compliance services be measured?
Effectiveness will likely be measured by adherence to NAGPRA timelines, successful consultations with relevant tribes, proper documentation, and the timely and respectful handling of any human remains or cultural items. Performance metrics may include meeting reporting deadlines and achieving consensus with tribal stakeholders.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 140P8523Q0054
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1041 LAFAYETTE ST, DENVER, CO, 80218
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $147,680
Exercised Options: $98,080
Current Obligation: $98,080
Actual Outlays: $45,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-15
Current End Date: 2026-12-31
Potential End Date: 2026-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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