Interior Department awards $1.1M contract for visitor management system modernization to Thundercat Technology

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $110,000 ($110.0K)

Contractor: Thundercat Technology, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-09-24

End Date: 2026-09-22

Contract Duration: 363 days

Daily Burn Rate: $303/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MODERNIZE VISITOR COUNT & PROTECTION SYSTEM, GOGA

Place of Performance

Location: SAN FRANCISCO, SAN FRANCISCO County, CALIFORNIA, 94123

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $110,000 to THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: MODERNIZE VISITOR COUNT & PROTECTION SYSTEM, GOGA Key points: 1. Contract aims to enhance visitor tracking and protection systems for national parks. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a competitive process. 3. The contract duration is approximately one year, indicating a focused project scope. 4. Fixed-price contract type suggests predictable costs for the government. 5. The award value is modest, potentially indicating a pilot or specific component of a larger initiative. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541519 points to specialized computer services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.1 million for a visitor management system modernization appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar IT modernization contracts for federal agencies, this award falls within a typical range for specialized services. The firm fixed-price structure helps control costs and provides budget certainty. Without specific details on the system's complexity or the number of users, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the award does not immediately suggest overpricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while initial sources might have been considered, the opportunity was ultimately made available broadly. The presence of two bidders suggests a degree of competition, though the exact number of interested parties and the extent of their proposals would provide a clearer picture of the competitive landscape. This method aims to balance efficiency with ensuring fair market access.

Taxpayer Impact: This competitive approach helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down prices through market forces, even if the initial exclusion of sources narrowed the field slightly.

Public Impact

National Park Service staff will benefit from improved visitor tracking and protection capabilities. Visitors to national parks may experience enhanced safety and more efficient management of park resources. The project is geographically focused on California, impacting park operations within the state. The contract supports the IT services sector, potentially involving specialized technical expertise.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if system requirements are not clearly defined.
Dependence on contractor expertise for successful system implementation and maintenance.
Risk of integration challenges with existing park infrastructure.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits cost overruns.
Clear project duration of approximately one year provides defined milestones.
Award to a single vendor simplifies contract management.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly within government contracting, is highly competitive. This contract falls under the 'Other Computer Related Services' category (NAICS 541519), which encompasses a wide range of specialized IT support. The market for such services is robust, with numerous firms capable of delivering solutions for system modernization. The National Park Service's need for visitor management systems is a recurring requirement across federal land management agencies, indicating a consistent demand within this niche.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary contractor, Thundercat Technology, LLC, is likely not a small business for the purpose of this award. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether Thundercat Technology engages small businesses for subcontracted work, which is not detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the National Park Service contracting officer and program managers. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability by tying payment to deliverables. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Specific Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on the agency's internal structure and the nature of any potential issues that may arise.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics
Federal IT Modernization Initiatives
Department of the Interior Information Technology Services

Risk Flags

Potential for integration issues with legacy systems.
Scope definition clarity is crucial for fixed-price contract success.
Dependence on contractor performance for timely delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $110,000 to THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC. MODERNIZE VISITOR COUNT & PROTECTION SYSTEM, GOGA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, 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 $110,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-24. End: 2026-09-22.

What is Thundercat Technology, LLC's track record with the federal government, particularly in IT modernization projects?

Thundercat Technology, LLC has a history of federal contracting, primarily focused on IT services and solutions. A review of federal procurement data indicates they have secured various contracts across different agencies, including IT support, cybersecurity, and cloud services. Their experience often involves modernizing legacy systems and implementing new technological solutions. While specific details on their success rate or past performance metrics for similar visitor management systems are not provided here, their continued awards suggest a satisfactory performance history. Further analysis would involve examining past performance evaluations and contract close-out reports for relevant projects to fully assess their capabilities and reliability in delivering complex IT modernization efforts.

How does the $1.1 million award compare to similar visitor management system modernization contracts?

The $1.1 million award for a visitor management system modernization appears to be within a reasonable range for a project of approximately one year's duration. Similar contracts for IT system upgrades and specialized computer services for federal agencies can vary significantly based on scope, complexity, and the specific technologies employed. For instance, larger-scale system overhauls or agency-wide implementations could easily reach several million dollars. Conversely, smaller, component-specific upgrades might be awarded for less. Given the 'Delivery Order' nature and the fixed-price structure, this award suggests a well-defined scope. Benchmarking against contracts with similar NAICS codes (541519) and contract types (Firm Fixed Price) awarded by agencies like the Department of the Interior or other land management bodies would provide a more precise comparison, but the current value does not immediately raise red flags for being excessively high or low.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks for this contract include potential technical challenges in integrating the new system with existing park infrastructure, the possibility of scope creep if requirements are not meticulously managed, and reliance on the contractor's expertise for successful implementation. Mitigation strategies are likely embedded within the contract's firm fixed-price structure, which incentivizes the contractor to manage costs and adhere to the defined scope. The relatively short duration (363 days) also helps limit the window for significant deviations. The National Park Service's oversight, through contract managers and technical leads, will be crucial in monitoring progress, addressing technical hurdles, and ensuring deliverables meet specifications. Clear communication channels and defined milestones are essential for proactive risk management.

What is the expected effectiveness of the modernized visitor count and protection system?

The modernized visitor count and protection system is expected to significantly improve the National Park Service's ability to manage visitor flow, enhance safety, and allocate resources more effectively. Improved visitor tracking can lead to better data for planning and decision-making, potentially optimizing staffing and facility management. Enhanced protection features could involve real-time alerts for safety hazards or improved communication during emergencies. The effectiveness will largely depend on the system's user-friendliness for park staff, its reliability in diverse environmental conditions, and its ability to integrate seamlessly with other park operations. Successful implementation, as indicated by the contract's fixed-price nature and defined timeline, should lead to tangible improvements in operational efficiency and visitor experience.

How has federal spending on 'Other Computer Related Services' (NAICS 541519) evolved, and where does this contract fit?

Federal spending on 'Other Computer Related Services' (NAICS 541519) has generally trended upwards over the past decade, reflecting the government's increasing reliance on technology and specialized IT support. Agencies across the board procure these services for a wide array of needs, from software development and system integration to IT consulting and cybersecurity. This specific $1.1 million contract for a visitor management system modernization fits within this broader spending category. It represents a targeted investment by the National Park Service to address a specific operational need. While this single award is a small fraction of the total federal expenditure in this NAICS code, it is indicative of the ongoing trend of agencies seeking external expertise to maintain and upgrade their technological infrastructure to meet evolving demands.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - PLATFORM

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 140P8625Q0042

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Thundercat Technology LLC

Address: 11190 SUNRISE VALLEY DR STE 200, RESTON, VA, 20191

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $508,154

Exercised Options: $110,000

Current Obligation: $110,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SC92B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline