NOAA Awards $2.39M for NWS Polar-Satellite Antenna Systems to University of Wisconsin System
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,387,250 ($2.4M)
Contractor: University of Wisconsin System
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2022-09-20
End Date: 2027-04-12
Contract Duration: 1,665 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.4K/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: SUPPORT FOR NWS POLAR-SATELLITE ANTENNA SYSTEMS
Place of Performance
Location: MADISON, DANE County, WISCONSIN, 53706
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $2.4 million to UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM for work described as: SUPPORT FOR NWS POLAR-SATELLITE ANTENNA SYSTEMS Key points: 1. The contract supports critical polar-satellite antenna systems for the National Weather Service. 2. Competition was limited, conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 3. The contract value is relatively small, suggesting a focused scope. 4. The sector is professional, scientific, and technical services, supporting weather and climate infrastructure.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The $2.39 million award for antenna systems appears reasonable given the specialized nature of polar-satellite support. Benchmarking against similar NOAA or NWS contracts for specialized technical services would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves limited competition to streamline the acquisition process for smaller dollar amounts. This method may limit price discovery compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal due to the relatively small contract value and the essential nature of the services provided for weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation of vital weather monitoring systems. Supports scientific research and data collection from polar orbits. Contributes to the accuracy of weather forecasts and climate change analysis.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP
- Potential for sole-source if no other vendors identified
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical systems
Positive Signals
- Supports critical NWS infrastructure
- Firm Fixed Price contract limits cost overrun risk
- Long-term support ensures system stability
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically supporting meteorological and satellite operations. Spending in this area is crucial for national security, climate research, and public safety, with benchmarks varying widely based on system complexity.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to the University of Wisconsin System, which is not typically considered a small business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would likely be managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) program office responsible for NWS satellite systems. Accountability is ensured through the firm-fixed-price contract terms and performance monitoring.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for vendor lock-in
- Reliance on academic institution for technical services
- Long contract duration (approx. 4.5 years)
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-commerce, wi, purchase-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $2.4 million to UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM. SUPPORT FOR NWS POLAR-SATELLITE ANTENNA SYSTEMS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM.
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: 2022-09-20. End: 2027-04-12.
What is the specific technical capability the University of Wisconsin System provides for these antenna systems that limits competition?
The University of Wisconsin System likely possesses unique expertise or existing infrastructure related to the specific polar-satellite antenna systems required by the NWS. This could include specialized research facilities, proprietary technology, or long-standing operational knowledge that makes them the most qualified or only viable option for this particular support contract.
What are the risks associated with limited competition under SAP for this critical infrastructure support?
Limited competition under SAP, while efficient for smaller procurements, carries risks. It may result in higher prices than if full and open competition were pursued, and it could limit the government's access to potentially innovative solutions from a broader vendor pool. For critical infrastructure, reliance on a single, potentially non-competitive source can also pose long-term supply chain and sustainment risks.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of the NWS's polar-satellite data acquisition?
This contract is essential for maintaining the operational integrity and effectiveness of the NWS's polar-satellite antenna systems. These systems are crucial for receiving vital data from satellites orbiting the Earth's poles, which is fundamental for accurate weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and severe weather warnings. Reliable antenna support ensures uninterrupted data flow, directly impacting the NWS's ability to serve the public.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS
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: 21 N PARK ST STE 6301, MADISON, WI, 53715
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,676,006
Exercised Options: $2,416,564
Current Obligation: $2,387,250
Actual Outlays: $1,149,394
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-09-20
Current End Date: 2027-04-12
Potential End Date: 2027-10-12 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
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