Commerce Adds $6.45M to NOAA Restoration Center Task for Earth Resources Technology
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,454,867 ($6.5M)
Contractor: Earth Resources Technology, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2024-03-22
End Date: 2027-03-21
Contract Duration: 1,094 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: R&D
Official Description: STPS: ADD FUNDS TO RESTORATION CENTER TASK ASSOCIATED WITH REQUIREMENTS-24-1572
Place of Performance
Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20910
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $6.5 million to EARTH RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: STPS: ADD FUNDS TO RESTORATION CENTER TASK ASSOCIATED WITH REQUIREMENTS-24-1572 Key points: 1. This is a delivery order under an existing contract, indicating a continuation of services. 2. The contract is for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. The awardee, Earth Resources Technology, LLC, is a single entity. 4. The contract duration is 1094 days, ending March 2027.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The per-unit cost is not directly calculable from the provided data. The total award amount of $6.45M over approximately 3 years suggests a moderate annual spend for R&D services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting an initial broad competition followed by a specific exclusion. This method can sometimes limit the pool of potential bidders, potentially impacting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for research and development services, the ultimate value of which will depend on the outcomes of the research.
Public Impact
Supports NOAA's mission in environmental restoration and research. Funds research potentially leading to advancements in Earth science. Provides contract revenue for Earth Resources Technology, LLC. The research outcomes could inform future environmental policy and action.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for limited competition impact due to 'exclusion of sources' clause.
- Lack of specific performance metrics or deliverables in the provided data.
- Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition initially.
- Supports critical NOAA research objectives.
- Long-term contract provides stability for service provider.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this NAICS code (541715) is substantial across the federal government, with agencies like NOAA investing in scientific advancement.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as subcontractors. The primary awardee is Earth Resources Technology, LLC, and its size status is not specified.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) contracting officers and program managers to ensure the R&D tasks meet requirements and stay within budget.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost creep due to Time and Materials contract type.
- Limited transparency on the 'exclusion of sources' justification.
- Lack of detail on specific R&D deliverables and success metrics.
- Awardee's small business status and subcontracting opportunities are unclear.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-commerce, md, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $6.5 million to EARTH RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY, LLC. STPS: ADD FUNDS TO RESTORATION CENTER TASK ASSOCIATED WITH REQUIREMENTS-24-1572
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is EARTH RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY, LLC.
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 $6.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-03-22. End: 2027-03-21.
What specific restoration or research objectives does this task order aim to achieve for NOAA?
The specific objectives are not detailed in the provided data. However, given the awardee's name and NOAA's mission, the task likely involves research related to Earth resources that supports environmental restoration efforts. Further details would be found in the task order's statement of work.
What is the rationale behind the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method, and how was it justified?
The rationale for excluding sources after initial full and open competition is not provided. Typically, such exclusions are justified by specific technical requirements, prior performance, or unique capabilities possessed by the selected vendor that cannot be met by others, requiring a justification and approval process.
How will the effectiveness and value of the R&D conducted under this contract be measured and assessed by NOAA?
Effectiveness and value are usually measured against the deliverables outlined in the task order's Statement of Work (SOW). NOAA would assess the research outcomes, reports, data, or prototypes produced, comparing them against the initial objectives and technical requirements to determine success and impact.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 143013-24-0013
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 14401 SWEITZER LN STE 300, LAUREL, MD, 20707
Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $8,218,813
Exercised Options: $8,218,813
Current Obligation: $6,454,867
Actual Outlays: $3,899,024
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 1305M324D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-03-22
Current End Date: 2027-03-21
Potential End Date: 2027-03-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-05
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