Forest Service awards $44.6M contract for illegal logging expertise, focusing on R&D in physical and engineering sciences

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $44,589 ($44.6K)

Contractor: Management & Engineering Technologies International Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-05-04

End Date: 2027-09-30

Contract Duration: 514 days

Daily Burn Rate: $87/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: METI SOW - COUNTERING ILLEGAL LOGGING AND ASSOCIATED TRADE EXPERTS

Place of Performance

Location: EL PASO, EL PASO County, TEXAS, 79925

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $44,589.04 to MANAGEMENT & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL INC for work described as: METI SOW - COUNTERING ILLEGAL LOGGING AND ASSOCIATED TRADE EXPERTS Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized R&D services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Contract duration of over 500 days indicates a significant project scope. 4. Focus on countering illegal logging addresses a critical environmental and economic issue. 5. The contract aligns with the Forest Service's mission to manage natural resources. 6. Performance will be measured against specific deliverables outlined in the SOW.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $44.6 million for a period of approximately 17 months seems aligned with specialized research and development services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for environmental consulting or scientific research would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, given the specific nature of countering illegal logging and associated trade, the pricing is likely competitive within this niche sector. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility while maintaining cost control.

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 multiple bidders were likely considered after an initial exclusion period. This suggests a robust competitive process designed to solicit the best proposals. The number of bidders is not specified, but the designation implies that the government actively sought proposals from a wide range of qualified entities.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for taxpayers by encouraging multiple vendors to offer their best pricing and technical solutions.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Forest Service and potentially global ecosystems threatened by illegal logging. The contract will deliver expert analysis, research, and potentially policy recommendations to combat illegal logging and associated trade. The geographic impact is likely global, focusing on regions where illegal logging is prevalent and trade routes are established. Workforce implications include the engagement of specialized researchers, analysts, and potentially field experts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in R&D projects if not tightly managed.
Reliance on contractor expertise requires robust government oversight.
Ensuring the research directly translates into actionable policy or enforcement is a challenge.

Positive Signals

Focus on a critical environmental issue with significant global implications.
Utilizes specialized scientific and technical expertise to address a complex problem.
The contract duration allows for in-depth research and development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for environmental consulting and scientific research services is substantial, with government agencies being significant clients. This contract addresses a niche but critical area of environmental protection and sustainable resource management, aligning with broader global efforts to combat environmental crime.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary set-aside criterion for this specific award. While the prime contractor is MANAGEMENT & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL INC, there is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Further investigation into the SOW and contractor's past performance would be needed to assess potential small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Forest Service contracting officer and technical representatives, ensuring adherence to the SOW and performance standards. The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee nature necessitates careful monitoring of costs and progress. Transparency will be maintained through regular reporting requirements and potential site visits. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Forestry Research
Environmental Law Enforcement Support
International Trade Monitoring
Natural Resource Management
Supply Chain Integrity

Risk Flags

Potential for research to be theoretical rather than practical.
Challenges in verifying data from international sources.
Contractor's ability to adapt to evolving illegal logging tactics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $44,589.04 to MANAGEMENT & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL INC. METI SOW - COUNTERING ILLEGAL LOGGING AND ASSOCIATED TRADE EXPERTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANAGEMENT & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $44,589.04.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-05-04. End: 2027-09-30.

What is the track record of MANAGEMENT & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL INC in performing similar R&D contracts for federal agencies?

MANAGEMENT & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL INC (METI) has a history of performing various federal contracts, including those involving research, engineering, and technical support. To assess their track record for this specific R&D contract, a review of their past performance evaluations on similar projects would be crucial. This would involve examining their success in meeting technical requirements, adhering to schedules, managing costs, and overall client satisfaction. Specific details on their experience in environmental science, illegal logging, or international trade would be particularly relevant for this contract's success. Without access to detailed past performance reports, it's difficult to definitively gauge their suitability beyond their general federal contracting history.

How does the $44.6 million contract value compare to similar R&D efforts in countering illegal logging?

Benchmarking the $44.6 million contract value requires comparing it to similar research and development initiatives focused on combating illegal logging and associated trade. Such contracts are often specialized and can vary significantly based on scope, duration, and the specific scientific or technological approaches employed. If this contract involves extensive fieldwork, complex data analysis, or the development of novel technological solutions (e.g., satellite monitoring, blockchain for supply chain tracking), the value could be considered reasonable. Conversely, if it focuses primarily on policy analysis or existing technology application, the cost might be higher. A detailed comparison would necessitate identifying comparable contracts from agencies like the Department of State, USAID, or international environmental organizations.

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

Key risks for this contract include the inherent uncertainties in research and development, where outcomes are not guaranteed. There's a risk of the research not yielding actionable insights or practical solutions for countering illegal logging. Another risk is the complexity of international cooperation and data gathering in regions affected by illegal logging, which can be politically unstable or lack transparency. Mitigation strategies likely involve clearly defined milestones and deliverables within the Statement of Work (SOW), robust project management by both the contractor and the Forest Service, and regular progress reviews. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure also allows for flexibility in adapting to unforeseen challenges, provided costs remain justified.

How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' approach in ensuring value for money for this specific R&D need?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' approach is generally designed to maximize competition and achieve value for money. By allowing all responsible sources to submit proposals after an initial exclusion, it broadens the pool of potential offerors compared to a sole-source or limited competition. This increases the likelihood of receiving innovative solutions and competitive pricing. For a specialized R&D need like countering illegal logging, this method ensures that the Forest Service can identify contractors with the most relevant expertise and potentially the most cost-effective approach. The effectiveness hinges on the clarity of the solicitation requirements and the rigor of the evaluation process to select the best-value proposal, not just the lowest price.

What are the historical spending patterns of the Forest Service or Department of Agriculture in R&D related to environmental crime or resource management?

Historical spending patterns for the Forest Service and the broader Department of Agriculture in R&D related to environmental crime and resource management would reveal trends in investment in areas like forestry, wildlife conservation, and combating illegal activities. Analyzing past budgets and contract awards would indicate whether there has been a consistent focus or a fluctuating emphasis on these issues. This specific $44.6 million contract suggests a significant investment in this area. Understanding historical spending can help contextualize the current award size and identify any shifts in priorities or the emergence of new threats like sophisticated illegal logging operations that require advanced R&D solutions.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Community and Regional Development R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 12318726Q0051

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8600 BOEING DR, EL PASO, TX, 79925

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $44,589

Exercised Options: $44,589

Current Obligation: $44,589

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12318723D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline