NOAA Awards $9.2M for RFIMS PMO Services to Earth Resources Technology, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,220,417 ($9.2M)
Contractor: Earth Resources Technology, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2022-03-04
End Date: 2026-01-19
Contract Duration: 1,417 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RADIO FREQUENCY INFORMATION MONITORING SYSTEM (RFIMS) PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICE (PMO) PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20910
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $9.2 million to EARTH RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: RADIO FREQUENCY INFORMATION MONITORING SYSTEM (RFIMS) PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICE (PMO) PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for professional and technical services related to the RFIMS program. 3. The estimated value is $9.2 million over a period of approximately 3.9 years. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541712 suggests R&D services.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $9.2 million for professional and technical services appears reasonable given the 1417-day duration. Benchmarking against similar R&D support contracts would provide further context on pricing efficiency.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing compared to sole-source or limited competition awards.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is positive for taxpayers, as it likely resulted in a fair market price for the required services.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation and management of the RFIMS program, crucial for monitoring radio frequency activities. Supports NOAA's mission by providing essential technical expertise. The award to Earth Resources Technology, LLC contributes to economic activity within the R&D sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 65 / 10
Warning Flags
- Small business participation not indicated.
- Contract duration is substantial, requiring ongoing performance monitoring.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Clear statement of work for RFIMS program management.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is critical for technological advancement and scientific discovery, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research focus.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business set-asides were considered or if opportunities were missed.
Oversight & Accountability
The award is managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a civilian agency with established oversight mechanisms. The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost control, but performance monitoring remains key.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of small business participation.
- Long contract duration may introduce performance and relevance risks.
- Specific technical services and KPIs not detailed, requiring further inquiry.
- Potential for evolving technology requirements over the contract period.
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 $9.2 million to EARTH RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY, LLC. RADIO FREQUENCY INFORMATION MONITORING SYSTEM (RFIMS) PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICE (PMO) PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL SERVICES
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 $9.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-03-04. End: 2026-01-19.
What specific technical services are included under the RFIMS PMO contract, and how do they align with NOAA's core mission objectives?
The contract is for professional and technical services supporting the Radio Frequency Information Monitoring System (RFIMS) Program Management Office (PMO). While the specific technical services are not detailed in the provided data, they are expected to encompass project management, technical expertise, and operational support for the RFIMS program. This program is vital for NOAA's mandate in managing and monitoring radio frequency spectrum usage, which is critical for various scientific and operational activities, including weather forecasting and environmental monitoring.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure effective service delivery?
Key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract are not explicitly detailed in the provided data. However, for a program management and technical services contract of this nature, typical KPIs would likely include on-time project milestones, adherence to budget, quality of technical deliverables, and successful system uptime or performance metrics for the RFIMS. NOAA's contracting officers and technical monitors would be responsible for establishing and tracking these KPIs throughout the contract's duration to ensure effective service delivery and value for money.
Are there any potential risks associated with the long duration of this contract (nearly 4 years), and what mitigation strategies are in place?
A significant risk with a contract spanning nearly four years is the potential for scope creep, evolving technological requirements, or contractor performance degradation over time. Mitigation strategies typically include robust contract management, regular performance reviews, clear change control processes, and potentially incorporating incentive clauses tied to performance. NOAA's oversight team would need to actively manage these aspects to ensure the contract remains aligned with current needs and delivers expected value throughout its term.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 1332KP22RNEEG0002
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 14401 SWEITZER LN STE 300, LAUREL, MD, 20707
Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, 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: $9,782,569
Exercised Options: $9,782,569
Current Obligation: $9,220,417
Actual Outlays: $6,010,466
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: DOCST133017CQ0049
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-03-04
Current End Date: 2026-01-19
Potential End Date: 2026-01-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-24
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