NOAA Awards $395K IDIQ for Engineering Services to American Bureau of Shipping, Not Competed Under SAP

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $395,787 ($395.8K)

Contractor: American Bureau of Shipping

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2024-07-01

End Date: 2026-02-05

Contract Duration: 584 days

Daily Burn Rate: $678/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Engineering Services

Official Description: IDIQ ABS SERVICE REQUESTS

Place of Performance

Location: SPRING, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77389

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $395,786.69 to AMERICAN BUREAU OF SHIPPING for work described as: IDIQ ABS SERVICE REQUESTS Key points: 1. Significant contract value for engineering services. 2. Lack of competition raises concerns about price discovery. 3. Potential for higher costs due to non-competitive award. 4. Engineering services sector is critical for NOAA's operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract is an IDIQ for engineering services. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if the $395,786.69 award represents fair market value. Benchmarking against similar contracts is challenging without knowing the specific tasks and labor rates.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under SAP, indicating a limited competition approach. This method may not yield the best prices for the government, as it bypasses a broader pool of potential bidders.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of full and open competition could result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these engineering services.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may be overpaying for essential engineering services. Limited transparency in the procurement process. Potential impact on NOAA's ability to secure cost-effective solutions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpricing
Limited transparency

Positive Signals

Awarded to established entity
Supports critical NOAA operations

Sector Analysis

Engineering services are crucial for government agencies like NOAA, supporting infrastructure, research, and operational needs. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on project scope and agency requirements. This contract falls within the typical range for specialized engineering support.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business set-aside opportunities were considered or missed.

Oversight & Accountability

The non-competitive nature of this award warrants closer oversight to ensure the services provided are necessary and priced appropriately. Accountability for the procurement decision should be clearly established.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for price inflation
Lack of transparency in procurement
No small business participation indicated

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $395,786.69 to AMERICAN BUREAU OF SHIPPING. IDIQ ABS SERVICE REQUESTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMERICAN BUREAU OF SHIPPING.

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 $395,786.69.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-07-01. End: 2026-02-05.

What specific engineering services are being procured, and why was full and open competition not pursued?

The specific engineering services are not detailed in the provided data. However, the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP,' suggesting it may have been awarded under specific exceptions or thresholds that limit competition. Understanding the justification for this approach is crucial for assessing value and fairness.

What is the risk of cost overruns or inefficient service delivery due to the limited competition?

The primary risk is that without competitive pressure, the contractor may not be incentivized to offer the lowest possible price or the most efficient service delivery. This could lead to cost overruns and potentially less effective outcomes compared to a fully competed contract.

How does this contract's pricing compare to similar engineering service contracts awarded competitively?

Direct comparison is difficult without detailed service descriptions and labor rates. However, the absence of competition inherently raises a red flag. Typically, competitive bidding leads to better pricing. Without benchmarks, it's presumed this contract may be priced higher than a competitively awarded one.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › INSPECTION SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1701 CITY PLAZA DR, SPRING, TX, 77389

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $395,787

Exercised Options: $395,787

Current Obligation: $395,787

Actual Outlays: $390,737

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1305M220DNMAN0060

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline