Forest inventory analysis contract awarded to Nowak Ryan for $87,298 over 364 days

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $87,298 ($87.3K)

Contractor: Nowak Ryan

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2027-04-09

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $240/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: CALL 52 RYAN NOWAK FOREST INVENTORY ANALYSIS (FIA) 2025 - 2029

Place of Performance

Location: WELLSBORO, TIOGA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 16901

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $87,297.79 to NOWAK RYAN for work described as: CALL 52 RYAN NOWAK FOREST INVENTORY ANALYSIS (FIA) 2025 - 2029 Key points: 1. Contract focuses on research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Awarded under simplified acquisition procedures, suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 3. Firm fixed-price contract type indicates a defined scope and cost certainty. 4. The contract duration is approximately one year, allowing for focused project execution. 5. The geographic focus is Pennsylvania, indicating a regional application of the analysis. 6. This award represents a small portion of the Forest Service's overall R&D spending.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $87,000 for a one-year forest inventory analysis appears reasonable given the specialized nature of R&D services. Benchmarking against similar, smaller-scale research contracts within the Forest Service or other land management agencies would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor has adequately estimated costs, which is generally favorable for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for a broader range of competition for procurements below certain thresholds. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP generally encourages competition among qualified vendors. This method aims to balance efficiency with fair opportunity for businesses to bid on government contracts.

Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP generally leads to competitive pricing for taxpayers, as multiple vendors are encouraged to submit proposals. This process helps ensure that the government receives good value for its investment.

Public Impact

The Forest Service benefits from updated and accurate forest inventory data for resource management. Services delivered include research and development related to physical, engineering, and life sciences. The geographic impact is focused on Pennsylvania, supporting state-level land management decisions. Workforce implications are likely minimal, primarily involving specialized research personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited public information on the specific deliverables and expected outcomes of the forest inventory analysis.
The relatively small contract value might limit the scope or depth of the research conducted.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the contractor's success post-award.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a competitive process, indicating potential for good value.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract aligns with the Forest Service's mission to manage and understand forest resources.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This area supports scientific advancement and data-driven decision-making for natural resource management. The market for such specialized R&D services is competitive, with numerous firms offering expertise in ecological research, data analysis, and forestry science. The Forest Service, as a significant land management agency, regularly procures services to support its scientific and operational needs.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have explicit subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned. However, as it was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, small businesses are generally eligible to compete and may have participated. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Forest Service contracting officer and project managers. The firm fixed-price nature of the award provides a degree of financial oversight by locking in costs. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases, though detailed project progress reports may not always be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Forest Inventory and Analysis Program
Forest Resource Management
Ecological Research Contracts
Natural Resource Data Analysis

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep in R&D projects
Ensuring data accuracy and scientific rigor
Limited public information on specific deliverables

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $87,297.79 to NOWAK RYAN. CALL 52 RYAN NOWAK FOREST INVENTORY ANALYSIS (FIA) 2025 - 2029

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NOWAK RYAN.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $87,297.79.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2027-04-09.

What is the specific methodology Nowak Ryan will employ for the forest inventory analysis?

The provided data does not specify the exact methodology Nowak Ryan will use for the forest inventory analysis. Typically, such analyses involve field data collection (e.g., plot sampling, tree measurements), remote sensing data (e.g., satellite imagery, LiDAR), and statistical modeling. The Forest Service's Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program has established protocols, and it is likely that Nowak Ryan will adhere to or adapt these standards. A detailed statement of work or technical proposal, usually part of the contract documentation, would outline the specific methods, data sources, and analytical techniques to be employed.

How does the $87,298 contract value compare to previous forest inventory analysis contracts awarded by the Forest Service?

Comparing this $87,298 contract to previous Forest Service forest inventory analysis contracts requires access to historical procurement data. However, given the duration of 364 days and the nature of specialized R&D, this value appears to be for a focused, potentially regional or specific research task rather than a comprehensive, nationwide inventory. Larger, multi-year contracts for the entire FIA program would naturally be significantly higher. This award likely represents a specific project or a component of a larger research initiative, making direct comparison to broad inventory contracts challenging without further context on the scope of work.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract to ensure successful completion?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this specific contract. However, for a forest inventory analysis, typical KPIs would likely include the accuracy and precision of data collected (e.g., error rates in tree measurements, completeness of plot data), adherence to project timelines and milestones, the quality and usability of the final analytical reports and datasets, and compliance with any specified scientific or methodological standards. The Forest Service project manager would be responsible for monitoring these aspects throughout the contract period.

What is the track record of Nowak Ryan in performing similar forest inventory or R&D services for federal agencies?

Information regarding Nowak Ryan's specific track record in performing forest inventory or similar R&D services for federal agencies is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their capabilities, one would typically review past performance evaluations, contract history databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS), and any publicly available project portfolios. Given this is a BPA Call award, it suggests they are an existing awardee on a broader Basic Ordering Agreement, implying some level of pre-qualification. However, the extent and success of their prior work in this specific domain would require further investigation.

What is the potential risk associated with the firm fixed-price contract type for this R&D service?

The primary risk associated with a firm fixed-price (FFP) contract for R&D services, like this forest inventory analysis, is that the contractor may face unforeseen challenges or scope creep that could lead to cost overruns on their end. If the scope is not clearly defined or if unexpected technical difficulties arise, the contractor might be incentivized to cut corners to maintain profitability, potentially impacting the quality of the research. Conversely, for the government, the risk is that the fixed price might be higher than necessary if the contractor's actual costs are significantly lower than anticipated. Clear performance standards and robust oversight are crucial to mitigate these risks.

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 › AGRICULTURE R&D 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: 4 PURPLE ST, WELLSBORO, PA, 16901

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $125,733

Exercised Options: $87,298

Current Obligation: $87,298

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12444825A0008

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline