NOAA Awards $2.47M for Upper Air Observing Systems Support to International Business Sales and Services Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,470,920 ($2.5M)

Contractor: International Business Sales and Services Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2024-05-01

End Date: 2027-02-28

Contract Duration: 1,033 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.4K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Engineering Services

Official Description: SUPPORT OF UPPER AIR (UA) OBSERVING SYSTEMS

Place of Performance

Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20910

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $2.5 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SALES AND SERVICES CORP for work described as: SUPPORT OF UPPER AIR (UA) OBSERVING SYSTEMS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to International Business Sales and Services Corp for essential weather observation systems. 2. The contract value is $2.47 million over approximately 3.4 years. 3. Competition method is 'COMPETED UNDER SAP', suggesting a streamlined process for smaller value contracts. 4. The sector is primarily IT/Engineering Services, crucial for meteorological data collection.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.47 million for engineering services related to observing systems appears reasonable given the duration and scope. Benchmarking against similar NOAA contracts for specialized engineering support would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating it was likely competed among a limited number of pre-qualified vendors or through a simplified process due to its value. This method may limit price discovery compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The $2.47 million expenditure supports critical weather infrastructure, ultimately benefiting the public through improved forecasting and data. The use of SAP suggests an effort to achieve efficiency in procurement for this contract size.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation and maintenance of vital upper air observing systems. Supports accurate weather forecasting and climate monitoring capabilities. Contributes to national and international meteorological data exchange. Potential for technological advancements in observing system maintenance and support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may not yield the absolute lowest price.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical system support.
Potential for scope creep if system requirements evolve significantly.

Positive Signals

Supports essential scientific infrastructure.
Contract duration provides stability for service provision.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting meteorological and atmospheric science infrastructure. Spending benchmarks for similar specialized engineering support contracts with federal agencies can vary widely based on complexity and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). Analysis of whether small businesses could have provided similar services would be beneficial for future procurement strategies.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a definitive contract awarded by NOAA, a component of the Department of Commerce. Standard oversight mechanisms for federal contracts would apply, including performance monitoring and financial accountability.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Commerce Contracting
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen technical issues arise
Contractor performance risk
Lack of small business participation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $2.5 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SALES AND SERVICES CORP. SUPPORT OF UPPER AIR (UA) OBSERVING SYSTEMS

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 $2.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-05-01. End: 2027-02-28.

What is the specific technical expertise required for the 'SUPPORT OF UPPER AIR (UA) OBSERVING SYSTEMS' and how does International Business Sales and Services Corp demonstrate this capability?

The specific technical expertise likely involves maintaining, calibrating, and potentially upgrading sophisticated meteorological instruments used for upper air data collection, such as radiosondes and weather balloons. International Business Sales and Services Corp would need to demonstrate a proven track record in managing and executing complex engineering support for similar scientific or defense systems, including personnel with relevant engineering and technical backgrounds.

How does the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' process ensure fair pricing and adequate technical solutions for NOAA's observing systems?

Competing under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) typically involves soliciting quotes from a limited number of sources, often those already on a pre-approved list or identified through market research. While efficient, this process may not achieve the same level of price competition as full and open bidding. NOAA likely relies on established price lists, historical data, and negotiation to ensure fair pricing within the SAP framework.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for long-term support of complex observing systems?

A firm fixed-price contract offers cost certainty but can pose risks if unforeseen technical challenges or significant price increases in components arise during the contract period. The contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which could incentivize cutting corners on quality or service if not carefully monitored. Conversely, if costs are lower than anticipated, the government may have overpaid relative to the actual effort expended.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1305M224Q0007

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1110 BONIFANT ST STE 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: $3,279,701

Exercised Options: $2,470,920

Current Obligation: $2,470,920

Actual Outlays: $1,563,165

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline