Commerce Awards $2.1M for Deepwater Horizon Research to Earth Resources Technology, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,091,002 ($2.1M)
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: $1.9K/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 DEEPWATER HORIZON TASK ASSOCIATED WITH REQUIREMENTS-24-2227
Place of Performance
Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20910
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $2.1 million to EARTH RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: STPS: ADD FUNDS TO DEEPWATER HORIZON TASK ASSOCIATED WITH REQUIREMENTS-24-2227 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Earth Resources Technology, LLC for research related to Deepwater Horizon. 2. The contract is for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. Awarded via full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 4. The contract has a duration of 1094 days. 5. This award represents a small portion of the overall R&D spending in the sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Time and Materials type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific details on the research scope.
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 limited approach that was then opened. This method can sometimes lead to less competitive pricing if the initial exclusion was too narrow.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical environmental research, but the Time and Materials pricing structure warrants close monitoring to ensure cost-effectiveness.
Public Impact
Supports research into the environmental impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Funds are allocated to a specific task under a larger requirements contract. The research aims to advance scientific understanding and inform future environmental policies. Contract duration extends over three years, indicating a sustained research effort.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials pricing can inflate costs.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D contracts.
- Limited information on specific deliverables and success metrics.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through a competitive process.
- Addresses a significant environmental event.
- Supports scientific advancement in a critical field.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Federal R&D spending is substantial, with a significant portion allocated to scientific research and technological advancement across various agencies.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Earth Resources Technology, LLC. There is no indication in the provided data whether this is a small business or if small business subcontracting was a factor in the award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to manage the Time and Materials aspect of this contract, ensuring that the research stays within budget and meets its objectives. The Department of Commerce and NOAA are responsible for monitoring performance.
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
- Time and Materials pricing.
- Potential for undefined scope in R&D.
- Limited detail on specific research outcomes.
- Competition method 'after exclusion of sources' warrants scrutiny.
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 $2.1 million to EARTH RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY, LLC. STPS: ADD FUNDS TO DEEPWATER HORIZON TASK ASSOCIATED WITH REQUIREMENTS-24-2227
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 $2.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-03-22. End: 2027-03-21.
What specific scientific questions will this funding address regarding the Deepwater Horizon incident?
The provided data does not detail the specific scientific questions. However, given the context of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the research likely focuses on long-term environmental impacts, ecological recovery, remediation effectiveness, or the development of new technologies for spill response and environmental monitoring. Further details would be found in the contract's statement of work.
How does the Time and Materials pricing structure mitigate risks for the government in this R&D context?
Time and Materials (T&M) pricing can be advantageous in R&D where the scope is not fully defined, allowing flexibility. However, it shifts cost risk to the government. Mitigation relies on robust oversight, clear task orders, defined labor categories and rates, and strict monitoring of hours and materials to prevent cost overruns and ensure value.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this research contract to ensure effectiveness?
Specific KPIs are not detailed in the award notice. Typically, for R&D contracts, effectiveness is measured by the timely delivery of research reports, scientific publications, successful development of prototypes or methodologies, achievement of specific research milestones, and the overall contribution to scientific knowledge or policy recommendations related to the Deepwater Horizon event.
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: 143013-24-0014
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: $3,334,730
Exercised Options: $3,334,730
Current Obligation: $2,091,002
Actual Outlays: $1,048,777
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: 2026-02-19
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