NOAA's $2.35M contract for fisheries support services awarded to International Business Sales and Services Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,353,707 ($2.4M)

Contractor: International Business Sales and Services Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2020-06-29

End Date: 2024-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,462 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: SUPPORT SERVICES FOR NOAA FISHERIES, OFFICE OF LAW ENFORECEMENT

Place of Performance

Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20910

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $2.4 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SALES AND SERVICES CORP for work described as: SUPPORT SERVICES FOR NOAA FISHERIES, OFFICE OF LAW ENFORECEMENT Key points: 1. Contract provides essential support for NOAA Fisheries' law enforcement operations. 2. Services include professional, scientific, and technical support. 3. The contract duration spans over four years, indicating a need for sustained support. 4. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 5. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges. 6. The small business set-aside status is false, meaning large businesses were eligible.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of $2.35 million over four years for professional, scientific, and technical services appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized support. However, without specific details on the deliverables and labor rates, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult. The Time and Materials contract type introduces inherent risk for cost overruns if not managed diligently. Benchmarking against similar NOAA or other federal agency contracts for law enforcement support services would provide a clearer picture of cost-effectiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of three bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specialized service. While competition is generally beneficial for price discovery, the specific number of bidders (three) might not be sufficient to guarantee the most competitive pricing compared to scenarios with a larger pool of interested parties.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages multiple vendors to offer their best pricing. However, with only three bidders, the potential for significant cost savings might be limited compared to a more robustly competed contract.

Public Impact

Benefits NOAA Fisheries' Office of Law Enforcement by providing necessary support services. Ensures the continuity of critical operational functions for fisheries management and enforcement. Services likely contribute to the effective monitoring and regulation of marine resources. Supports the agency's mission to protect marine ecosystems and ensure sustainable fisheries. The contract's impact is primarily national, supporting federal law enforcement activities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Limited competition (3 bidders) may not have driven the lowest possible price.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess service quality objectively.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing potential vendor participation.
Contract duration of over four years provides stability for essential services.
Supports a critical function within NOAA Fisheries' law enforcement mandate.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically under NAICS code 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services). This broad category encompasses a wide range of specialized expertise. Federal spending in this sector is substantial, supporting various agency missions. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the exact nature of the support services provided, but NOAA's overall budget for scientific and technical support is significant.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, as indicated by 'ss: false' and 'sb: false'. This means that large businesses were eligible to compete and potentially win the award. While this maximizes the pool of potential offerors, it does not specifically prioritize small business participation. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) contracting officers and program managers. The Time and Materials contract type necessitates diligent monitoring of labor hours and material costs to ensure compliance and prevent overspending. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, but specific performance reviews and audits are internal processes.

Related Government Programs

NOAA Fisheries Law Enforcement Operations
Federal Law Enforcement Support Services
Professional and Technical Services Contracts
Department of Commerce Contracts

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type requires close monitoring to control costs.
Limited number of bidders may indicate potential for higher pricing.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes objective assessment of value difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $2.4 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SALES AND SERVICES CORP. SUPPORT SERVICES FOR NOAA FISHERIES, OFFICE OF LAW ENFORECEMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SALES AND SERVICES CORP.

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 $2.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-06-29. End: 2024-06-30.

What specific types of professional, scientific, and technical services are being provided under this contract?

The contract data indicates 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990). While the specific details are not fully elaborated in the provided data, this category typically includes services such as research and development support, environmental consulting, technical writing, data analysis, and specialized scientific support. For NOAA Fisheries' Office of Law Enforcement, these services could range from forensic analysis of fisheries data, environmental impact assessments related to fishing activities, technical assistance for enforcement operations, to specialized scientific advice for regulatory compliance.

How does the Time and Materials (T&M) contract type impact cost control and value for money compared to other contract types?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts are often used when the scope of work is not clearly defined or is expected to change. They reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours at specified hourly rates and for the actual cost of materials. While flexible, T&M contracts carry a higher risk of cost overruns for the government compared to fixed-price contracts, as the final cost is not predetermined. Effective value for money in a T&M contract heavily relies on robust government oversight, detailed tracking of labor hours and material costs, and clear communication to ensure efficient service delivery and prevent scope creep or unnecessary work.

What is the significance of only three bidders participating in this full and open competition?

The participation of three bidders in a full and open competition suggests a moderate level of market interest and competition for these specific support services. While any competition is generally better than none, a lower number of bidders (compared to, for example, five or more) might indicate potential barriers to entry, such as specialized expertise required, high overhead costs for bidding, or a limited number of qualified contractors in the market. This could potentially lead to less aggressive pricing than might be achieved in a more crowded field, impacting the overall value for taxpayers.

What is the track record of International Business Sales and Services Corp. with federal contracts, particularly with NOAA or similar agencies?

Information regarding the specific track record of International Business Sales and Services Corp. with federal contracts, especially with NOAA or similar agencies, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing the company's past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), previous contract awards, and any history of disputes or performance issues. Understanding their experience with similar services and agencies is crucial for evaluating their capability and reliability in fulfilling this NOAA contract.

Are there any specific performance metrics or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) associated with this contract to measure success?

The provided data does not include specific performance metrics or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. In Time and Materials contracts, performance is often managed through the monitoring of labor hours, adherence to agreed-upon rates, and the successful completion of tasks as they arise. However, for a comprehensive assessment of success and value, clearly defined KPIs related to the quality, timeliness, and impact of the support services would be essential. These would typically be detailed in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS).

How does this contract's spending compare to historical spending for similar support services within NOAA Fisheries?

To compare this contract's spending ($2.35 million over approximately 4 years) to historical spending, one would need access to NOAA Fisheries' historical contract data for similar 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' or specific law enforcement support functions. Analyzing past awards for comparable services, including contract values, durations, and contractor performance, would establish a benchmark. Without this historical context, it's challenging to definitively state whether this award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in these support services.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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: 1110 BONIFANT ST SUITE 501, SILVER SPRING, MD, 20910

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Hispanic American Owned 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: $3,101,450

Exercised Options: $3,014,546

Current Obligation: $2,353,707

Actual Outlays: $312,461

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1305M418DNFFK0015

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline