NOAA Awards $1.8M Contract to University of Georgia for Fisheries Science Survey
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,806,246 ($1.8M)
Contractor: University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2024-04-01
End Date: 2027-03-31
Contract Duration: 1,094 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.7K/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: SOUTHEAST FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER TRAP AND CAMERA SURVEY
Place of Performance
Location: BEAUFORT, CARTERET County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28516
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $1.8 million to UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC. for work described as: SOUTHEAST FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER TRAP AND CAMERA SURVEY Key points: 1. Contract value of $1,806,246 for trap and camera surveys. 2. Competition was conducted under SAP, indicating a potentially limited but structured process. 3. Risk is moderate, tied to survey effectiveness and data accuracy. 4. Sector is primarily scientific research and environmental monitoring.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $1.8M appears reasonable for a multi-year scientific survey. Benchmarking against similar NOAA or academic research contracts would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a limited competition pool. This method is typically used for smaller dollar amounts, and while efficient, may not always yield the lowest price.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential scientific data collection to support fisheries management and conservation efforts.
Public Impact
Supports critical data collection for marine ecosystem health. Informs policy decisions for sustainable fisheries. Enhances understanding of fish populations and habitats.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in survey methodology.
- Reliance on specific survey equipment (trap and camera).
Positive Signals
- Supports a reputable research institution.
- Clear contract duration and defined deliverables.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the scientific research and environmental services sector, focusing on marine biology and conservation. Spending in this area is crucial for understanding and managing natural resources.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses, and the awardee is a university research foundation, suggesting limited direct impact on small businesses in this specific transaction.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will likely be managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to ensure the survey's scientific integrity and adherence to the contract terms.
Related Government Programs
- Coastal and Great Lakes Passenger Transportation
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition under SAP.
- Potential for data quality issues.
- Dependence on specific technology (traps/cameras).
Tags
coastal-and-great-lakes-passenger-transp, department-of-commerce, nc, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $1.8 million to UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.. SOUTHEAST FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER TRAP AND CAMERA SURVEY
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, 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 $1.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.
What is the specific scientific value derived from the trap and camera survey data?
The trap and camera survey data is crucial for assessing fish populations, species diversity, and habitat conditions within the Southeast Fisheries Science Center's operational area. This information directly informs stock assessments, helps monitor the impact of environmental changes, and guides the development of effective fisheries management plans to ensure long-term sustainability of marine resources.
What are the primary risks associated with the effectiveness of this survey contract?
Key risks include potential inaccuracies in data collection due to equipment malfunction or environmental interference (e.g., strong currents affecting camera placement). There's also a risk that the chosen survey locations or methods may not capture the full variability of fish populations, leading to incomplete or biased assessments. Ensuring consistent methodology and rigorous data validation protocols are critical to mitigate these risks.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of NOAA's fisheries management?
This contract is vital for NOAA's effectiveness by providing foundational scientific data. Accurate and timely survey results enable evidence-based decision-making for setting fishing quotas, identifying critical habitats for protection, and evaluating the success of conservation strategies. Without this data, management decisions would be less informed, potentially leading to overfishing or ineffective conservation efforts.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Water Transportation › Coastal and Great Lakes Passenger Transportation
Product/Service Code: SHIPS, SMALL CRAFT, PONTOON, DOCKS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 1305M324Q0036
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 310 E CAMPUS RD RM 409, ATHENS, GA, 30602
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Foundation, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $4,493,373
Exercised Options: $2,553,974
Current Obligation: $1,806,246
Actual Outlays: $901,977
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-04-01
Current End Date: 2027-03-31
Potential End Date: 2029-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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