NOAA awards $3.66M for coastal science support services to Consolidated Safety Services Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,659,904 ($3.7M)

Contractor: Consolidated Safety Services Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2024-09-01

End Date: 2025-08-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS CALL ORDER WILL PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICES TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO ENSURE THE DELIVERY OF TIMELY, QUALITY, AND RELEVANT RESEARCH AND COASTAL SCIENCE PRODUCTS FOR NOS AND NCCOS AND THE MUSSEL WATCH PROGRAM.

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22030

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $3.7 million to CONSOLIDATED SAFETY SERVICES INCORPORATED for work described as: THIS CALL ORDER WILL PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICES TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO ENSURE THE DELIVERY OF TIMELY, QUALITY, AND RELEVANT RESEARCH AND COASTAL SCIENCE PRODUCTS FOR NOS AND NCCOS AND THE MUSSEL WATCH PROGRAM. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on technical and administrative support for research and coastal science products. 2. Value-for-money assessment is pending further benchmarking against similar support services. 3. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 4. Risk indicators appear low given the nature of support services, but performance monitoring is key. 5. Performance context involves ensuring timely, quality, and relevant scientific products. 6. Sector positioning is within environmental consulting services supporting scientific research.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $3.66 million for a one-year period for environmental consulting services appears within a reasonable range for specialized technical and administrative support. However, a definitive value-for-money assessment requires benchmarking against similar contracts for scientific research support and comparing the proposed labor rates and overhead to industry standards. Without more detailed cost breakdowns or comparative data, it's difficult to definitively assess if this represents excellent value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters price discovery and encourages competitive offers. The agency's decision to use full and open competition suggests confidence in the market's ability to provide qualified vendors at competitive prices.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is generally favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for obtaining services at the best possible price through market forces.

Public Impact

Benefits NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS) and National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) by ensuring the delivery of critical research products. Supports the Mussel Watch Program, a key environmental monitoring initiative. Geographic impact is national, focusing on coastal science research and product dissemination. Workforce implications include the provision of specialized technical and administrative support personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if the definition of 'support services' is not tightly managed.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical support functions could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive selection process.
Clear statement of work focused on specific research and science product delivery.
Contract duration of one year allows for performance review and potential re-competition.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Environmental Consulting Services sector (NAICS 541620), which is a significant market supporting government agencies' environmental research and compliance needs. The total federal spending in this sector can be substantial, with contracts often ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the scope and duration. This particular award supports specialized scientific research and data product generation, a niche within the broader environmental consulting landscape.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is minimal. However, the prime contractor, Consolidated Safety Services Incorporated, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, which would be detailed in their subcontracting plan, if applicable. The absence of a small business set-aside suggests the primary focus was on obtaining the best value through full and open competition.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures will be tied to the delivery of timely, quality, and relevant research and coastal science products as outlined in the contract's statement of work. Transparency is facilitated through the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

NOAA Research Programs
Coastal Zone Management Programs
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Scientific Data Management and Dissemination

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues impacting scientific product delivery.
Need for diligent oversight to manage Time and Materials contract effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $3.7 million to CONSOLIDATED SAFETY SERVICES INCORPORATED. THIS CALL ORDER WILL PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICES TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO ENSURE THE DELIVERY OF TIMELY, QUALITY, AND RELEVANT RESEARCH AND COASTAL SCIENCE PRODUCTS FOR NOS AND NCCOS AND THE MUSSEL WATCH PROGRAM.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CONSOLIDATED SAFETY SERVICES INCORPORATED.

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 $3.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-01. End: 2025-08-31.

What is the track record of Consolidated Safety Services Incorporated with NOAA or similar agencies for providing scientific support services?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess Consolidated Safety Services Incorporated's track record with NOAA and similar agencies. While this award indicates they are capable of securing contracts, understanding their past performance on contracts of similar size, scope, and duration is crucial. Key metrics to examine would include on-time delivery, quality of work, adherence to budget (if applicable), and any past performance evaluations or disputes. Without this specific historical data, it's difficult to gauge their reliability and expertise in providing the specialized technical and administrative support required for coastal science products.

How does the awarded amount of $3.66 million compare to the typical cost of similar environmental consulting support contracts for scientific research?

Benchmarking this $3.66 million award against similar contracts requires access to detailed contract databases and analysis of the specific services provided. Contracts for technical and administrative support for scientific research can vary widely based on the complexity of the science, the level of expertise required, and the duration. Generally, contracts supporting specialized scientific endeavors, especially those involving data analysis, product development, and program management, can command significant funding. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to identify contracts with comparable NAICS codes (e.g., 541620), agencies (e.g., other science-focused federal bodies), and service descriptions over similar timeframes. The one-year duration of this contract suggests a focused effort, and the price point appears plausible for such specialized support.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The primary risks associated with this contract revolve around the quality and timeliness of the support services provided, which directly impact the delivery of NOAA's scientific products. Potential risks include contractor underperformance, failure to meet technical specifications, or issues with personnel continuity. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract oversight by NOAA program managers, clearly defined performance metrics and deliverables, and regular progress reviews. The contract type (Time and Materials) also necessitates careful monitoring to ensure efficient use of resources and prevent cost overruns. Furthermore, the full and open competition process itself acts as a risk mitigator by selecting a vendor deemed most capable.

How effective is the Mussel Watch Program, and how does this contract contribute to its success?

The Mussel Watch Program is a long-standing national program that monitors the health of coastal waters by analyzing contaminants in bivalve mollusks (like mussels). It provides valuable data on the spatial and temporal trends of chemical contaminants, contributing to environmental health assessments and policy development. This contract's contribution is primarily through providing the essential technical and administrative support needed to ensure the program's research and data products are timely, high-quality, and relevant. By facilitating the smooth operation of research activities and the effective dissemination of findings, the contractor helps maintain the program's scientific integrity and its ability to inform environmental management decisions.

What is the historical spending trend for environmental consulting services by NOAA or similar agencies?

Historical spending trends for environmental consulting services by NOAA and similar science-focused federal agencies generally show consistent investment, reflecting the ongoing need for specialized expertise in areas like coastal science, environmental monitoring, and research support. While specific figures for NOAA's environmental consulting expenditures would require detailed data analysis, agencies like NOAA, EPA, and USGS regularly procure services in this domain. Spending often fluctuates based on program priorities, research initiatives, and budget allocations. Contracts can range from short-term, project-specific support to longer-term, comprehensive service agreements. The trend is typically upward or stable, driven by regulatory requirements, scientific advancements, and the need for objective technical analysis.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting 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

Solicitation ID: 1305M224Q0198

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2750 PROSPERITY AVE, FAIRFAX, VA, 22031

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,659,904

Exercised Options: $3,659,904

Current Obligation: $3,659,904

Actual Outlays: $3,659,904

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00F217CA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline