MITRE Corporation awarded $10.7M task order for North Atlantic Right Whale protection services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,717,772 ($10.7M)

Contractor: THE Mitre Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2023-12-07

End Date: 2026-12-06

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.8K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO PROVIDE NORTH AMERICAN RIGHT WHALE (NARW) PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES, INCLUDING EVALUATION OF EXISTING AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO REDUCE RISK TO THE NARWS AND OTHER PROTECTED SPECIES FROM VESSEL STRIKES AND ENTANGLEMEN

Place of Performance

Location: BEDFORD, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01730

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $10.7 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO PROVIDE NORTH AMERICAN RIGHT WHALE (NARW) PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES, INCLUDING EVALUATION OF EXISTING AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO REDUCE RISK TO THE NARWS AND OTHER PROTECTED SPECIES FROM VESSEL STRIKES AND ENTANGLEMEN Key points: 1. Focuses on evaluating technologies to mitigate vessel strike and entanglement risks to protected species. 2. Contract awarded as a delivery order under an existing contract. 3. Performance period spans three years, indicating a medium-term need for these services. 4. The contractor, MITRE Corporation, is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC). 5. Services include scientific and technical support for species protection initiatives. 6. The contract aims to enhance the survival of endangered marine mammals.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $10.7 million over three years for specialized scientific and technical support appears reasonable, especially considering the unique expertise required for marine mammal protection. Benchmarking against similar FFRDC contracts for environmental consulting or scientific research suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility while maintaining cost control, though detailed cost breakdowns would be needed for a more precise value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded as a sole-source delivery order, likely leveraging MITRE Corporation's unique capabilities as an FFRDC. While sole-source awards can reduce administrative burden and ensure access to specialized expertise, they limit opportunities for broader market competition. The rationale for not competing this specific task order would typically stem from MITRE's established role and specific mission alignment with the agency's needs.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards mean taxpayer funds are not exposed to competitive bidding, potentially leading to higher costs than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract. However, for highly specialized services where only a few entities possess the required knowledge, a sole-source award can be justified.

Public Impact

North Atlantic Right Whales and other protected marine species benefit from enhanced protection measures. Services delivered include the evaluation of new and existing technologies to reduce human-caused threats. Geographic impact is primarily focused on areas where vessel traffic and marine mammal populations overlap, particularly along the East Coast of the United States. Workforce implications include the engagement of scientific, technical, and analytical personnel within MITRE Corporation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potential innovation from a wider market.
Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can sometimes lead to less stringent cost control if not closely monitored.
Reliance on a single FFRDC may reduce opportunities for small businesses in the supply chain.

Positive Signals

Leverages MITRE's established expertise as an FFRDC in complex scientific and technical challenges.
Task order directly addresses critical conservation needs for endangered marine species.
Long-term performance period suggests a sustained commitment to species protection efforts.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically focusing on environmental consulting and technology evaluation for conservation. The market for such specialized services is driven by regulatory requirements, scientific advancements, and public/governmental pressure for species protection. Comparable spending often involves research grants, environmental impact assessments, and technology development contracts aimed at mitigating human impact on ecosystems.

Small Business Impact

As a sole-source award to MITRE Corporation, a large FFRDC, there are limited direct opportunities for small businesses within this specific contract. Subcontracting possibilities would depend on MITRE's internal procurement practices and whether specialized small business capabilities are required for specific task components. The overall impact on the small business ecosystem for environmental services is minimal through this direct award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) program office responsible for marine mammal protection. As a delivery order under an existing contract, the foundational oversight mechanisms are already in place. Transparency would be facilitated through regular reporting requirements from MITRE and potential reviews by NOAA's Inspector General, particularly concerning cost and performance metrics.

Related Government Programs

Marine Mammal Protection Act Programs
Endangered Species Act Implementation
NOAA Fisheries Science Programs
Vessel Strike Avoidance Technologies
Marine Conservation Technology Development

Risk Flags

Sole-source award may limit cost-effectiveness.
Effectiveness of evaluated technologies is not guaranteed.
Implementation challenges for new technologies exist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $10.7 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION. THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO PROVIDE NORTH AMERICAN RIGHT WHALE (NARW) PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES, INCLUDING EVALUATION OF EXISTING AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO REDUCE RISK TO THE NARWS AND OTHER PROTECTED SPECIES FROM VESSEL STRIKES AND ENTANGLEMEN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE MITRE CORPORATION.

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 $10.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-12-07. End: 2026-12-06.

What is MITRE Corporation's specific track record in marine mammal conservation technology evaluation?

MITRE Corporation, as a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), has a broad mandate to address complex national challenges, including those related to environmental science and technology. While specific public records detailing MITRE's direct involvement in North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) conservation technology evaluation prior to this task order may be limited, their expertise lies in systems engineering, technology assessment, and program management. They often work on behalf of government agencies to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and integration of new technologies across various domains. Their role here is likely to apply these core competencies to the specific problem of reducing vessel strike and entanglement risks to NARWs, drawing on their experience in analyzing complex systems and recommending technological solutions.

How does the $10.7 million value compare to similar contracts for environmental technology assessment?

The $10.7 million value for three years of specialized support for NARW program services appears to be within a reasonable range for contracts involving FFRDCs and complex environmental technology assessments. Similar contracts for scientific research, environmental consulting, and technology evaluation for conservation purposes can range from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars, depending on the scope, duration, and the specific expertise required. Given that MITRE is an FFRDC, their rates are often established through government-wide agreements. The value reflects the need for in-depth technical analysis, potentially involving data modeling, risk assessment, and the evaluation of emerging technologies, which commands a premium compared to standard consulting services.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract and how are they being mitigated?

Primary risks include the potential for technological solutions to be ineffective, the complexity of implementing new technologies in operational environments, and the possibility of cost overruns within the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure. Mitigation strategies likely involve rigorous evaluation protocols defined in the task order, phased implementation approaches, and close oversight by NOAA. MITRE's role as an FFRDC also implies a commitment to objective analysis and providing the government with the best possible technical advice. The contract's focus on evaluating *existing and new* technologies suggests a measured approach, aiming to identify proven solutions while exploring innovative ones.

How effective is the current approach to protecting North Atlantic Right Whales from vessel strikes and entanglement?

The effectiveness of current approaches to protecting North Atlantic Right Whales (NARWs) is a significant concern, evidenced by ongoing population declines and entanglement/strike incidents. While measures like speed restrictions, gear modifications, and dynamic management areas have been implemented, they have not been sufficient to halt the species' decline. This task order signifies a recognition by NOAA that a more robust evaluation of existing and novel technologies is needed to supplement current efforts. The effectiveness of this specific contract will depend on the quality of the technological evaluations and the subsequent implementation of recommended solutions, which are complex undertakings involving multiple stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

What has been the historical spending trend for North Atlantic Right Whale protection programs?

Historical spending trends for North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) protection programs, managed primarily by NOAA Fisheries, have varied but generally reflect a sustained commitment to addressing threats. Specific figures fluctuate annually based on program priorities, research needs, and the urgency of conservation actions. Funding often supports activities such as population monitoring, acoustic research, disentanglement efforts, and the development of mitigation strategies. While precise historical spending solely on technology evaluation for NARW protection might not be readily available as a distinct category, overall program funding reflects the ongoing challenges and the need for continuous scientific and technological advancement to protect this critically endangered species.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7515 COLSHIRE DR, MC LEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,767,773

Exercised Options: $10,717,772

Current Obligation: $10,717,772

Actual Outlays: $8,156,167

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1331L523D13OS0003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline