DoD's $2M contract for aerial photogrammetry survey of Farallon de Medinilla Bombardment Range awarded to Cardno GS - AECOM Pacific JV

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,029,899 ($2.0M)

Contractor: Cardno GS - AECOM Pacific JV

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-04-25

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,254 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: UPDATE TO AERIAL PHOTOGRAMMETRY SURVEY OF FARALLON DE MEDINILLA BOMBARDMENT RANGE IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT IN SUPPORT OF THE MARIANA ISLANDS RANGE COMPLEX, COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

Place of Performance

Location: TAMUNING, GUAM County, GUAM, 96913

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $2.0 million to CARDNO GS - AECOM PACIFIC JV for work described as: UPDATE TO AERIAL PHOTOGRAMMETRY SURVEY OF FARALLON DE MEDINILLA BOMBARDMENT RANGE IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT IN SUPPORT OF THE MARIANA ISLANDS RANGE COMPLEX, COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS Key points: 1. Contract awarded for environmental impact assessment services related to a military range. 2. The contract duration spans over three years, indicating a significant scope of work. 3. Services are essential for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). 4. The contract is a delivery order under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle, suggesting potential for future task orders. 5. The firm fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 6. The geographic location in the Mariana Islands Range Complex highlights the strategic importance of the area.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of approximately $2 million for a three-year aerial photogrammetry survey appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work and the remote location. Benchmarking against similar environmental survey contracts is challenging due to the specific military application and geographic focus. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests an attempt to establish a predictable cost for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is expected to yield a fair market price and ensure the selection of a capable contractor. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces and ensuring the government receives the best value for its investment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and the U.S. Navy, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations for military training activities. The services delivered include aerial photogrammetry surveys, crucial for environmental impact assessments. The geographic impact is focused on the Mariana Islands Range Complex, specifically Farallon de Medinilla. Workforce implications may include specialized surveyors, environmental scientists, and data analysts, potentially drawing from local or regional expertise.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if environmental complexities are underestimated.
Reliance on specialized aerial survey technology which could face operational challenges.
Geopolitical considerations in the Pacific region could impact project timelines or access.

Positive Signals

Contractor has experience in engineering and environmental services.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Delivery order structure allows for phased execution and potential flexibility.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), specifically related to environmental consulting and surveying for defense infrastructure. The market for environmental consulting services is substantial, with government contracts forming a significant portion. This particular contract addresses a niche requirement for military range environmental compliance, a specialized area within the broader sector.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for specialized services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the contract administration office within the Department of the Navy. Performance monitoring, quality assurance, and compliance checks are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Impact Analysis Services
Aerial Surveying Contracts
Department of Defense Environmental Compliance
Mariana Islands Range Complex Operations
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Support

Risk Flags

Geographic remoteness may impact logistics and costs.
Environmental sensitivities of the Mariana Islands require careful management.
Potential for weather disruptions affecting aerial operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $2.0 million to CARDNO GS - AECOM PACIFIC JV. UPDATE TO AERIAL PHOTOGRAMMETRY SURVEY OF FARALLON DE MEDINILLA BOMBARDMENT RANGE IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT IN SUPPORT OF THE MARIANA ISLANDS RANGE COMPLEX, COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CARDNO GS - AECOM PACIFIC JV.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-04-25. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of Cardno GS - AECOM Pacific JV in performing similar environmental survey contracts for the Department of Defense?

Cardno GS and AECOM Pacific JV, as a combined entity or individually, likely possess a significant track record in engineering and environmental services. AECOM, a large multinational engineering firm, has extensive experience with government contracts, including environmental assessments and surveying. Cardno GS also has a history of providing professional services to government clients. Specific details on their past performance on similar aerial photogrammetry surveys for military ranges would require a deeper dive into contract databases and performance reports. However, their established presence suggests a capacity to handle complex projects. The award of this contract under full and open competition implies they met the government's performance and capability requirements.

How does the $2 million contract value compare to similar aerial photogrammetry surveys for environmental impact assessments in other regions or for different agencies?

Benchmarking the $2 million contract value for this specific aerial photogrammetry survey is challenging without more granular data on comparable projects. Factors such as the size and complexity of the Farallon de Medinilla Bombardment Range, the required resolution and accuracy of the photogrammetry, the duration of the survey (over three years), and the logistical challenges of operating in the Mariana Islands all influence cost. Generally, specialized environmental surveys for large or sensitive areas, especially those involving military operations or remote locations, can command significant budgets. The firm fixed-price nature of this contract suggests a defined scope, and the value should be assessed against the deliverables outlined in the contract. Without direct comparisons, it's difficult to definitively state if it's high or low, but it appears to be within a plausible range for specialized government environmental services.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are likely in place?

Primary risks include potential delays due to weather or logistical challenges in the remote Mariana Islands, underestimation of the environmental complexities requiring scope adjustments, and potential issues with data accuracy or processing. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust project management by the contractor, contingency planning for logistical hurdles, clear communication channels with the Navy contracting officer, and adherence to strict quality control protocols for data acquisition and analysis. The firm fixed-price contract also incentivizes the contractor to manage risks effectively to maintain profitability. The multi-year duration allows for phased execution, potentially mitigating risks associated with completing all work within a shorter timeframe.

How effective is aerial photogrammetry in supporting National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance for military ranges?

Aerial photogrammetry is a highly effective tool for supporting NEPA compliance, particularly for large or inaccessible areas like military ranges. It provides detailed, high-resolution visual data of the terrain, vegetation, water bodies, and potential environmental impacts. This data is crucial for baseline environmental assessments, identifying sensitive habitats, monitoring changes over time, and evaluating the potential effects of military activities. Photogrammetry can map features, measure distances, and create 3D models, offering a comprehensive understanding of the physical environment. For NEPA, this visual and spatial information helps agencies document existing conditions, analyze potential impacts, and develop appropriate mitigation measures, ensuring a thorough environmental review process.

What is the historical spending pattern for aerial photogrammetry and environmental survey services by the Department of the Navy in the Pacific region?

Historical spending patterns for aerial photogrammetry and environmental survey services by the Department of the Navy in the Pacific region are likely substantial, driven by ongoing military operations, infrastructure development, and environmental stewardship requirements. The Navy operates numerous training ranges and facilities across the Pacific, necessitating regular environmental monitoring and compliance activities. Spending would fluctuate based on specific project needs, such as range upgrades, new environmental studies, or regulatory changes. While specific aggregate data for this niche service in this region isn't readily available in the provided snippet, the recurring need for such services suggests consistent, albeit variable, budgetary allocations over time. This contract represents one component of that broader spending.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ARCHITECT-ENGINEER FAR 6.102

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Leidos Holdings, Inc.

Address: 2496 OLD IVY RD #300, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, 22903

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,029,899

Exercised Options: $2,029,899

Current Obligation: $2,029,899

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N6274218D1802

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline