NMFS awards $4.2M contract for electronic monitoring support, with 3 bidders competing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,216,299 ($4.2M)

Contractor: International Business Sales and Services Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2023-03-15

End Date: 2027-03-14

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE (NMFS), OFFICE OF SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES (OSF), ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES ELECTRONIC MONITORING AND INSTALLATION PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20910

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $4.2 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SALES AND SERVICES CORP for work described as: NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE (NMFS), OFFICE OF SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES (OSF), ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES ELECTRONIC MONITORING AND INSTALLATION PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract provides essential support for electronic monitoring systems, crucial for fisheries management. 2. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust market. 3. Pricing appears reasonable given the scope of technical and installation services required. 4. The contract duration of 4 years allows for sustained support and program stability. 5. This contract aligns with NOAA's mission to understand and conserve marine ecosystems. 6. The use of Time and Materials pricing requires careful oversight to manage costs effectively.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $4.2 million over four years for electronic monitoring support services appears reasonable. While direct comparisons are difficult without more specific service details, the number of bidders (3) suggests a competitive environment that likely drove a fair price. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, common for services with evolving requirements, necessitates diligent oversight to ensure value for money and prevent cost overruns. Benchmarking against similar IT or technical support contracts for government agencies would provide further insight into cost-effectiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. Three bids were received, suggesting a healthy level of interest and competition within the market for these specialized services. The competitive nature of the procurement process is expected to have contributed to price discovery and potentially secured a more favorable price for the government compared to a sole-source or limited competition scenario.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by leveraging market forces to obtain the best possible value. A competitive process generally leads to lower prices and higher quality services, benefiting the public.

Public Impact

Benefits the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) by ensuring the proper functioning and installation of electronic monitoring systems. Supports the sustainable management of Atlantic Highly Migratory Species fisheries. Enhances data collection and compliance monitoring within the fishing industry. Contributes to the conservation of marine resources through improved oversight. Impacts the fishing industry by requiring adherence to electronic monitoring protocols.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials (T&M) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Scope creep could increase costs beyond initial estimates without proper change control.
Reliance on a single contractor for installation and ongoing support may pose risks if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive market.
Contract duration of 4 years provides stability for program support.
The services are critical for regulatory compliance and fisheries management.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically related to technical support and installation for specialized electronic systems. The market for such services is driven by government needs for data collection, monitoring, and compliance in regulated industries like fisheries. Comparable spending often involves IT support, specialized equipment installation, and data management services across various federal agencies. The size of this contract ($4.2M) is moderate within the broader federal contracting landscape for technical services.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, small businesses would have had to compete as part of larger teams or on their own merits under the full and open competition. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses, which could be a missed opportunity to engage the small business ecosystem in supporting this critical federal program.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Time and Materials contract will likely be managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) contracting officers and program managers. Key accountability measures will involve monitoring labor hours, material costs, and adherence to the Statement of Work. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Fisheries Management Programs
Electronic Surveillance Systems
Marine Resource Conservation
Federal IT Support Services
Scientific and Technical Consulting

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing structure.
Reliance on contractor performance for critical monitoring system functionality.
Need for diligent oversight to ensure value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $4.2 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SALES AND SERVICES CORP. NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE (NMFS), OFFICE OF SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES (OSF), ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES ELECTRONIC MONITORING AND INSTALLATION PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES

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 $4.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-03-15. End: 2027-03-14.

What is the track record of International Business Sales and Services Corp with federal contracts, particularly those involving electronic monitoring or similar technical services?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess the track record of International Business Sales and Services Corp. Specifically, one would look for past performance on similar contracts, including their size, scope, and duration. Examining past performance evaluations, any reported contract disputes, or terminations for default would provide critical insights into their reliability and capability. Understanding their experience with government regulations, reporting requirements, and the specific technologies related to electronic monitoring systems is crucial for evaluating their suitability for this contract. Without this specific data, it's difficult to definitively assess their past performance.

How does the awarded amount of $4.2 million compare to similar contracts for electronic monitoring support services awarded by other federal agencies?

Benchmarking this $4.2 million contract against similar procurements requires access to a comprehensive database of federal contracts. Key comparison points would include the scope of services (installation, maintenance, software support), the duration of the contract, the specific technologies involved, and the number of bidders. For instance, if other agencies are awarding similar 4-year contracts for comparable electronic monitoring systems for amounts significantly higher or lower, it could indicate potential overpricing or exceptional value. The Time and Materials (T&M) nature of this contract also means that the final cost can vary, making direct comparisons challenging without analyzing the estimated labor rates and projected material costs against market averages for similar technical expertise and components.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for electronic monitoring installation and support, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risk with a T&M contract is the potential for cost overruns, as the government pays for the actual labor hours and materials used, plus a fixed fee or percentage. This can be exacerbated by scope creep, inefficient contractor performance, or inflated labor rates. Mitigation strategies employed by the government typically include establishing a strong ceiling price, requiring detailed record-keeping of all hours and materials, conducting regular audits, and implementing robust oversight by contracting officers and technical monitors. Clear definition of the statement of work, effective change control processes, and performance metrics are also crucial to ensure the contractor remains focused on efficient delivery and value for taxpayer money.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the effectiveness of the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Electronic Monitoring and Installation Program?

This contract is expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness of the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Electronic Monitoring and Installation Program by ensuring reliable installation, maintenance, and support for the electronic monitoring systems. These systems are critical for accurate data collection on fishing activities, species caught, and compliance with regulations. By securing dedicated support services, NMFS can expect improved system uptime, faster resolution of technical issues, and potentially more widespread and consistent deployment of monitoring technology. This, in turn, should lead to better data quality for stock assessments, improved enforcement capabilities, and ultimately, more effective management and conservation of these valuable fish stocks.

How has federal spending on electronic monitoring and fisheries management support services evolved over the past five years, and does this contract represent a trend?

Analyzing federal spending trends in electronic monitoring and fisheries management support requires examining historical data from agencies like NOAA and NMFS. Over the past five years, there has been a growing emphasis on data-driven fisheries management, often necessitating advanced monitoring technologies. This has likely led to an increase in spending on electronic monitoring systems, data analysis, and associated technical support services. This $4.2 million contract, awarded under full and open competition, could represent a continuation or expansion of this trend, reflecting the ongoing need for robust technological solutions to manage complex marine ecosystems and ensure regulatory compliance in the face of evolving environmental and economic pressures.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCES - OTHER SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 1305M323QNFFK0022

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1110 BONIFANT ST SUITE 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: $5,323,254

Exercised Options: $4,216,299

Current Obligation: $4,216,299

Actual Outlays: $2,066,722

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1305M418DNFFK0015

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline