USDA's $6.6M NAIP contract awarded to Surdex Corp. for aerial imagery in Missouri

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,617,332 ($6.6M)

Contractor: Surdex Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2022-03-18

End Date: 2023-06-29

Contract Duration: 468 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY22 NATIONAL AGRICULTURE IMAGERY PROGRAM (NAIP) IMAGERY. FURNISH ORTHORECTIFIED IMAGERY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Place of Performance

Location: CHESTERFIELD, SAINT LOUIS County, MISSOURI, 63005

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $6.6 million to SURDEX CORPORATION for work described as: FY22 NATIONAL AGRICULTURE IMAGERY PROGRAM (NAIP) IMAGERY. FURNISH ORTHORECTIFIED IMAGERY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential agricultural imagery, supporting land management and conservation. 2. Full and open competition indicates a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 4. Imagery services are critical for monitoring crop health and environmental changes. 5. Contract duration of over a year suggests a significant scope of work. 6. Geographic focus on Missouri highlights regional agricultural needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.6 million for aerial imagery services appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale aerial mapping contracts suggests that pricing is within expected ranges, especially considering the specialized nature of orthorectified imagery. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost predictability, which is a positive indicator of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This approach typically fosters a competitive environment, driving down prices and encouraging innovation. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the competition type implies a robust selection process.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by ensuring the government receives the best possible value through market forces, rather than being limited to a select few providers.

Public Impact

Farmers and agricultural stakeholders in Missouri benefit from up-to-date land and crop data. Provides critical orthorectified imagery for USDA programs like the National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP). Supports land use planning, conservation efforts, and disaster response in Missouri. Enhances the accuracy of agricultural statistics and resource management. Facilitates research and development in agricultural sciences through detailed spatial data.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for data gaps if imagery acquisition is delayed or incomplete.
Reliance on a single contractor for a specific geographic region could pose risks if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits cost overruns.
Full and open competition suggests a thorough vetting of potential providers.
Contract duration allows for comprehensive data collection over a significant period.
Award to an established firm like Surdex Corporation may indicate a track record of successful delivery.

Sector Analysis

The surveying and mapping services sector is crucial for various government functions, including agriculture, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure development. The National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) is a key initiative within this sector, providing high-resolution aerial imagery to support agricultural decision-making. Spending in this area is driven by the need for accurate, up-to-date spatial data to manage vast agricultural resources effectively.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'ss: false' and 'sb: false'. Therefore, the primary contractor, Surdex Corporation, is likely a larger entity. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses, which could be an area for further inquiry to understand the broader economic impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the USDA's Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services mission area. The contract's firm fixed-price nature and defined deliverables provide a framework for performance monitoring. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and program reporting, though specific details of ongoing oversight are not detailed here.

Related Government Programs

National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP)
USDA Farm Service Agency Contracts
Aerial Photography and Mapping Services
Geospatial Data Acquisition

Risk Flags

Potential for weather-related delays impacting imagery acquisition schedule.
Ensuring consistent image quality and resolution across the entire contract area.
Dependence on a single contractor for a specific geographic region's data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $6.6 million to SURDEX CORPORATION. FY22 NATIONAL AGRICULTURE IMAGERY PROGRAM (NAIP) IMAGERY. FURNISH ORTHORECTIFIED IMAGERY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SURDEX CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-03-18. End: 2023-06-29.

What is Surdex Corporation's track record with USDA or similar federal agencies for aerial imagery contracts?

Surdex Corporation has a history of providing aerial imagery services to various government entities, including the USDA. Their experience often includes participation in programs similar to NAIP, requiring orthorectified imagery for agricultural and environmental monitoring. While specific contract values and performance reviews with USDA are not detailed in this data snippet, their selection for this significant contract suggests a demonstrated capability and potentially a positive past performance record. Further investigation into their contract history on platforms like SAM.gov or FPDS could reveal more granular details about their performance on previous federal awards, including on-time delivery, quality of imagery, and adherence to specifications.

How does the $6.6 million contract value compare to previous NAIP contracts or similar geospatial data acquisition efforts?

The $6.6 million contract value for the FY22 NAIP imagery in Missouri is a substantial but not unprecedented figure for large-scale aerial data acquisition. Annual NAIP contracts can vary significantly based on the geographic scope, resolution requirements, and specific processing needs. For context, previous NAIP contracts have ranged from a few million to tens of millions of dollars annually, depending on the states covered and the year's specific objectives. This particular award appears to be for a single state (Missouri) over a defined period, suggesting a focused effort. Benchmarking against contracts for similar states or regions, and considering inflation and technological advancements, would provide a more precise comparison. However, the value aligns with the typical investment required for comprehensive, high-quality aerial imagery acquisition for national programs.

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

Key risks for this contract include potential delays in imagery acquisition due to weather or aircraft operational issues, quality control problems with the delivered imagery (e.g., insufficient resolution, geometric inaccuracies), and potential cost overruns if not managed strictly under the fixed-price agreement. Mitigation strategies likely involve clear performance standards and quality assurance clauses in the contract, regular progress reporting from Surdex Corporation, and potentially backup plans or alternative acquisition methods if primary plans are disrupted. The USDA's contracting officers would be responsible for monitoring adherence to specifications and timelines, with penalties or remedies outlined for non-performance. The firm fixed-price structure itself acts as a risk mitigation tool against uncontrolled cost escalation.

How effective is the National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) in achieving its stated goals, and how does this contract contribute?

The NAIP is generally considered highly effective in providing timely, high-resolution aerial imagery crucial for agricultural monitoring, conservation, and disaster assessment across the United States. It enables farmers, researchers, and policymakers to track crop health, land use changes, and environmental conditions with greater accuracy. This specific contract directly contributes by ensuring that Missouri, a significant agricultural state, receives the necessary imagery data. The orthorectified nature of the imagery ensures it can be accurately overlaid with other geographic data, enhancing its utility for analysis. The program's success relies on consistent, high-quality data acquisition, which this contract aims to fulfill for its designated region.

What are the historical spending patterns for aerial imagery services by the USDA, and how does this contract fit?

The USDA has consistently allocated significant funds towards acquiring aerial and satellite imagery to support its diverse mission, particularly through programs like NAIP. Historical spending reflects a sustained commitment to leveraging geospatial data for agricultural research, resource management, and policy implementation. Annual spending on NAIP and related imagery contracts has typically been in the multi-million dollar range, fluctuating based on program scope and specific agency needs. This $6.6 million contract for Missouri fits within this established pattern, representing a typical investment for acquiring comprehensive imagery for a large agricultural state. It underscores the ongoing reliance on such data for effective agricultural oversight and support.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Surveying and Mapping (except Geophysical) Services

Product/Service Code: BOOKS, MAPS, OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Westland Resources, Inc.

Address: 520 SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS BLVD, CHESTERFIELD, MO, 63005

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,617,332

Exercised Options: $6,617,332

Current Obligation: $6,617,332

Actual Outlays: $6,617,332

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12FPC222A0007

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline