NOAA awards $6.1M for shoreline mapping in Florida, leveraging extensive legislative authority

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,145,848 ($6.1M)

Contractor: NV5 Geospatial, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2025-12-01

End Date: 2028-11-17

Contract Duration: 1,082 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NOS/NGS; SHORELINE MAPPING PROJECT LA2601-LA2608-CM-C PURSUANT TO THE COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY ACT OF 1947, HYDROGRAPHIC SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS ACTS OF 1998, 2002, 2008, AND 2018, AND OCEAN AND COASTAL MAPPING INTEGRATION ACT OF 2009. OR-25-03301

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT PETERSBURG, PINELLAS County, FLORIDA, 33716

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $6.1 million to NV5 GEOSPATIAL, INC. for work described as: NOS/NGS; SHORELINE MAPPING PROJECT LA2601-LA2608-CM-C PURSUANT TO THE COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY ACT OF 1947, HYDROGRAPHIC SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS ACTS OF 1998, 2002, 2008, AND 2018, AND OCEAN AND COASTAL MAPPING INTEGRATION ACT OF 2009. OR-25-03301 Key points: 1. Contract leverages multiple acts for coastal mapping, indicating a long-term federal interest in this area. 2. The fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government. 3. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process. 4. The contractor, NV5 Geospatial, Inc., has a track record in surveying and mapping services. 5. The project duration of over 1000 days highlights the scale and complexity of the mapping effort. 6. The contract is focused on Florida, a state with significant coastal assets and vulnerabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.1 million for over three years of work appears reasonable for a large-scale geospatial mapping project. Benchmarking against similar NOAA contracts for shoreline mapping would provide more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure helps manage cost overruns, but the specific unit costs for mapping services are not detailed in the award notice.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors were likely solicited and allowed to bid. This process generally leads to competitive pricing and ensures the government receives offers from a wide range of capable contractors. The specific number of bids received is not provided, but the designation suggests a healthy competitive environment.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces, ensuring that the government secures services at the most advantageous terms possible.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its National Ocean Service (NOS), which will receive updated geospatial data. The services delivered include critical shoreline mapping and hydrographic data collection. The geographic impact is focused on the state of Florida, particularly its coastal regions. The project supports federal mandates for coastal zone management, navigation safety, and environmental monitoring.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if mapping requirements expand beyond initial specifications.
Reliance on a single contractor for a multi-year project could pose risks if performance issues arise.
Geospatial data accuracy is paramount; any deficiencies could impact downstream applications.

Positive Signals

Contract leverages established legislative authorities, indicating strong program support.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive award process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Surveying and Mapping (except Geophysical) Services sector (NAICS 541370). This sector is crucial for infrastructure development, environmental management, and national security, providing essential data for planning and decision-making. The market for geospatial services is competitive, with a mix of large firms and specialized small businesses. NOAA's consistent investment in hydrographic and shoreline mapping reflects the ongoing need for accurate coastal data due to erosion, sea-level rise, and development.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to NV5 Geospatial, Inc. and does not indicate any small business set-aside provisions. There is no information provided on subcontracting plans for small businesses. This suggests that the primary contract is not specifically aimed at increasing small business participation, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The contract's firm fixed-price nature and defined delivery periods serve as accountability mechanisms. Transparency is facilitated through public award notices. The specific Inspector General jurisdiction would be that of the Department of Commerce.

Related Government Programs

National Geodetic Survey Programs
Hydrographic Surveying Contracts
Coastal Zone Management Programs
NOAA Ship Operations
FEMA Flood Mapping Services

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase risk of scope creep or performance degradation.
Reliance on contractor's data accuracy is critical for downstream applications.
Environmental conditions in coastal Florida could impact project timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $6.1 million to NV5 GEOSPATIAL, INC.. NOS/NGS; SHORELINE MAPPING PROJECT LA2601-LA2608-CM-C PURSUANT TO THE COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY ACT OF 1947, HYDROGRAPHIC SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS ACTS OF 1998, 2002, 2008, AND 2018, AND OCEAN AND COASTAL MAPPING INTEGRATION ACT OF 2009. OR-25-03301

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NV5 GEOSPATIAL, INC..

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 $6.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-01. End: 2028-11-17.

What is the historical spending pattern for shoreline mapping by NOAA?

NOAA, through its National Ocean Service (NOS), has consistently funded shoreline mapping and hydrographic surveying activities for decades, driven by legislative mandates such as the Coast and Geodetic Survey Act and various Hydrographic Service Improvement Acts. Annual spending can fluctuate based on specific project needs, technological advancements, and available appropriations. While precise historical figures for 'shoreline mapping' as a distinct category are not readily available in public databases, NOAA's overall budget for hydrographic surveys and nautical charting typically runs into tens of millions of dollars annually. This contract represents a significant single award within that broader context, reflecting a substantial investment in a specific geographic area (Florida) and a defined project scope.

How does the cost per mile or square mile of mapping compare to industry benchmarks?

Determining a precise cost per unit (e.g., per mile of shoreline or per square mile mapped) is challenging without detailed specifications of the mapping technology, resolution, and complexity required for this specific NOAA contract. Industry benchmarks for aerial or satellite-based mapping can range widely, from a few hundred dollars per square mile for basic imagery to several thousand dollars per square mile for high-resolution topographic or bathymetric surveys. Given that this contract involves detailed hydrographic and shoreline mapping, likely using advanced sonar and photogrammetric techniques, the cost is expected to be on the higher end of the spectrum. A more accurate comparison would require access to the detailed scope of work and the specific deliverables outlined in the contract.

What is the track record of NV5 Geospatial, Inc. with NOAA or similar federal agencies?

NV5 Geospatial, Inc. is a significant player in the geospatial solutions market and has a history of performing work for federal agencies, including NOAA and the Department of Defense. They offer a wide range of services including aerial mapping, LiDAR, hydrographic surveying, and asset management. Their past performance with federal clients generally indicates experience in delivering complex geospatial data and analysis. Specific details on their performance on prior NOAA contracts, including any quality issues or commendations, would typically be available through federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or through agency performance review systems, but are not detailed in this award notice.

What are the potential risks associated with this type of mapping contract?

Several risks are inherent in large-scale geospatial mapping contracts. Data accuracy is paramount; any deficiencies in the collected data could lead to flawed analyses or incorrect navigational charts, impacting safety and resource management. Environmental conditions, particularly in coastal areas, can pose challenges, potentially delaying fieldwork and increasing costs. Technological obsolescence is another factor, as mapping technologies evolve rapidly. Furthermore, the long duration of the contract (nearly three years) increases the risk of scope creep if requirements are not tightly managed, or if unforeseen issues arise during the project lifecycle. Contractor performance stability over such an extended period is also a consideration.

How does this contract align with NOAA's broader mission and strategic goals?

This contract directly aligns with NOAA's core mission to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine resources. Shoreline and hydrographic mapping are fundamental to NOAA's responsibilities in nautical charting, coastal resilience planning, marine commerce support, and environmental stewardship. The legislative authorities cited (e.g., Hydrographic Service Improvements Acts) underscore the enduring federal commitment to maintaining accurate coastal data. By investing in this mapping project in Florida, NOAA is supporting critical infrastructure, public safety, and ecological monitoring in a region highly susceptible to coastal hazards and environmental change.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Surveying and Mapping (except Geophysical) Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10033 DR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR ST N STE 200, SAINT PETERSBURG, FL, 33716

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,145,848

Exercised Options: $6,145,848

Current Obligation: $6,145,848

Actual Outlays: $307,292

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1305M225D0017

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline