Interior awards $2.9M contract for Walrus and Polar Bear Research to North Pacific Wildlife Consulting
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,895,446 ($2.9M)
Contractor: North Pacific Wildlife Consulting, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2022-09-23
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,468 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.0K/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: WALRUS AND POLAR BEAR RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE County, ALASKA, 99501
State: Alaska Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $2.9 million to NORTH PACIFIC WILDLIFE CONSULTING, LLC for work described as: WALRUS AND POLAR BEAR RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to North Pacific Wildlife Consulting, LLC for $2.9 million. 2. Services include research and management support for walrus and polar bears. 3. The contract is for a duration of approximately 4 years. 4. The awarding agency is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 5. The contract falls under 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services'.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $2.9 million over four years appears reasonable for specialized wildlife research and management support. Benchmarking against similar scientific consulting contracts would provide a more precise assessment, but the scope suggests a fair price point.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating a limited competition approach. While this can expedite the process for smaller dollar amounts, it may not always yield the most competitive pricing compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical wildlife research and conservation efforts, which is a necessary investment for ecological balance and understanding.
Public Impact
Supports vital research into the conservation of iconic Arctic species. Contributes to understanding the impacts of climate change on polar bears and walruses. Ensures effective management strategies for vulnerable wildlife populations. Funds scientific expertise crucial for environmental protection in Alaska.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP may not have secured the best possible price.
- Contract duration is substantial, requiring ongoing monitoring of performance.
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical research needs for endangered species.
- Supports a specialized area of scientific expertise.
- Awarded to a firm with a specific focus on wildlife consulting.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under scientific and technical consulting services, specifically focused on wildlife research and management. Spending in this sector is often driven by regulatory requirements, conservation initiatives, and scientific inquiry, with benchmarks varying widely based on the complexity and duration of the research.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific contract award, as it was awarded to North Pacific Wildlife Consulting, LLC. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight procedures for federal contracts, including performance monitoring and financial accountability, should be in place to ensure effective use of taxpayer funds.
Related Government Programs
- Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to logistical complexities in remote Arctic locations.
- Risk of research findings being impacted by unforeseen environmental changes or events.
- Dependency on specialized expertise, potentially limiting future contractor options.
- Limited competition may have resulted in a suboptimal price.
- Contract duration requires sustained oversight to ensure continued value.
Tags
other-scientific-and-technical-consultin, department-of-the-interior, ak, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $2.9 million to NORTH PACIFIC WILDLIFE CONSULTING, LLC. WALRUS AND POLAR BEAR RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NORTH PACIFIC WILDLIFE CONSULTING, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-23. End: 2026-09-30.
What specific research methodologies will be employed to assess walrus and polar bear populations and their management needs?
The contract likely entails a range of scientific methodologies, potentially including field surveys, population modeling, habitat analysis, and genetic sampling. Specifics would be detailed in the Statement of Work (SOW), outlining data collection protocols, analytical techniques, and reporting requirements to ensure robust and scientifically sound research outcomes for effective wildlife management.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks include potential delays due to harsh Arctic conditions, challenges in accessing remote research sites, and the inherent unpredictability of wildlife behavior. Mitigation strategies likely involve flexible scheduling, contingency planning for logistical issues, robust safety protocols for field teams, and adaptive management approaches to address unforeseen scientific or environmental challenges.
How will the effectiveness of the research and management support be measured and evaluated?
Effectiveness will be measured by the timely delivery of high-quality research data, adherence to scientific protocols, and the development of actionable management recommendations. Key performance indicators (KPIs) may include the accuracy of population estimates, the identification of critical habitat areas, and the successful implementation of conservation strategies, all subject to review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 140F0422R0034
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3202 NE 185TH ST, LAKE FOREST PARK, WA, 98155
Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $5,247,096
Exercised Options: $2,895,446
Current Obligation: $2,895,446
Actual Outlays: $2,333,446
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-09-23
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2027-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-26
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