NOAA Awards $9.5M for Geospatial Services, Highlighting Environmental Consulting Needs
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,483,877 ($9.5M)
Contractor: Spatial Front Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2020-08-20
End Date: 2025-08-31
Contract Duration: 1,837 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: GEOSPATIAL SERVICES AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20910
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $9.5 million to SPATIAL FRONT INC for work described as: GEOSPATIAL SERVICES AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical geospatial data and environmental consulting services. 2. Competition method indicates a potentially competitive market for these services. 3. Risk of cost overruns exists with Time and Materials contract type. 4. Environmental Consulting Services sector sees substantial federal spending.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award of $9.5M for geospatial services appears reasonable given the 5-year duration and the nature of environmental consulting. Benchmarking against similar NOAA contracts for specialized technical support would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing by allowing all eligible vendors to bid.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential geospatial and environmental services.
Public Impact
Enhances NOAA's ability to manage and interpret crucial environmental data. Supports scientific research and policy development related to climate and weather. Potential for improved disaster preparedness and response through better geospatial insights.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost uncertainty.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for vendor lock-in if follow-on work is required.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Long-term contract (5 years) provides stability for service delivery.
- Supports critical environmental and scientific missions.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Environmental Consulting Services sector, which is vital for government agencies like NOAA. Federal spending in this area supports environmental monitoring, impact assessments, and data analysis, often requiring specialized technical expertise.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the awardee is not identified as a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made by the Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Standard procurement oversight processes would apply, focusing on contract performance and adherence to terms.
Related Government Programs
- Environmental Consulting Services
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Time and Materials contract type.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Limited insight into specific performance metrics.
- No indication of small business subcontracting opportunities.
Tags
environmental-consulting-services, department-of-commerce, md, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $9.5 million to SPATIAL FRONT INC. GEOSPATIAL SERVICES AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SPATIAL FRONT INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $9.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-08-20. End: 2025-08-31.
What specific geospatial capabilities are being procured, and how do they align with NOAA's strategic objectives?
The procurement focuses on 'Geospatial Services and Technical Support,' likely encompassing data acquisition, processing, analysis, and visualization. These services are fundamental to NOAA's mission of understanding and predicting changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, supporting everything from weather forecasting to marine resource management and environmental hazard assessment.
What are the primary risks associated with the Time and Materials contract type for this service, and how can they be mitigated?
The primary risk of Time and Materials (T&M) contracts is cost escalation, as payment is based on actual labor hours and material costs incurred. Mitigation strategies include establishing strong cost controls, detailed monitoring of hours and expenses, setting clear task boundaries, and potentially incorporating cost ceilings or award-fee provisions to incentivize efficiency.
How does this contract contribute to NOAA's overall effectiveness in environmental monitoring and data analysis?
This contract is crucial for NOAA's effectiveness by providing essential technical expertise and services for managing vast amounts of geospatial data. It enables advanced analysis, accurate mapping, and informed decision-making, directly supporting NOAA's ability to monitor environmental changes, predict natural disasters, and inform policy, thereby enhancing its scientific and operational impact.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCES - OTHER SVCS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1568 SPRING HILL ROAD, SUITE 300, MCLEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $9,813,116
Exercised Options: $9,813,116
Current Obligation: $9,483,877
Actual Outlays: $4,225,975
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 1305M419DNCNA0027
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-08-20
Current End Date: 2025-08-31
Potential End Date: 2025-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-03
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