DOI awards $12.2M to Texas A&M for Ocelot Protection, a multi-year environmental recovery effort

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,214,430 ($12.2M)

Contractor: Texas a & M University Kingsville

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2023-07-28

End Date: 2027-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,525 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.0K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SOUTH TEXAS ENDANGERED OCELOT PROTECTION AND RECOVERY SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: KINGSVILLE, KLEBERG County, TEXAS, 78363

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $12.2 million to TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY KINGSVILLE for work described as: SOUTH TEXAS ENDANGERED OCELOT PROTECTION AND RECOVERY SERVICES Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of endangered species recovery. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a competed contract, suggesting potential for price discovery. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, primarily related to the long-term success of species recovery. 4. Performance context involves critical habitat management and population monitoring. 5. Sector positioning is within environmental conservation and wildlife management services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $12.2 million over approximately four years for specialized endangered species recovery services appears to be within a reasonable range. Benchmarking against similar conservation contracts is challenging due to the unique focus on ocelot protection. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests a defined scope and budget, which can be advantageous for cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under SAP (System for Award Management), indicating a competitive bidding process. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, the 'competed' status suggests that multiple entities had the opportunity to submit proposals. This level of competition generally supports fair market pricing and encourages contractors to offer competitive terms.

Taxpayer Impact: A competed award suggests that taxpayer funds are being utilized efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs and ensures the government receives the best value.

Public Impact

Benefits the endangered ocelot population in South Texas through habitat protection and recovery efforts. Delivers critical services including research, monitoring, and conservation strategies for ocelot survival. Geographic impact is focused on the South Texas region, a key habitat for the ocelot. Workforce implications may include employment for biologists, researchers, and conservation specialists.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long-term effectiveness of recovery strategies is inherently uncertain for endangered species.
Potential for scope creep if unforeseen ecological challenges arise.
Dependence on continued funding appropriations for the full contract duration.

Positive Signals

Clear focus on a critical environmental conservation mission.
Award to a university research institution suggests strong scientific expertise.
Firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.

Sector Analysis

The environmental conservation sector, particularly wildlife protection and endangered species management, is a specialized area within government contracting. This contract aligns with federal mandates for species preservation and habitat restoration. Comparable spending in this niche can vary widely based on the species, geographic scope, and duration of recovery efforts.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. The award to a university suggests a focus on research and academic capabilities rather than a typical small business set-aside scenario.

Oversight & Accountability

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as the awarding agency, will provide oversight for this contract. Performance will likely be monitored through regular reporting and site visits. Accountability measures are inherent in the contract terms and the agency's mission to protect endangered species. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases.

Related Government Programs

Endangered Species Act Implementation
Wildlife Habitat Restoration Programs
Environmental Impact Assessments
Conservation Research Grants

Risk Flags

Potential for habitat encroachment
Climate change impacts on ecosystem
Funding sustainability concerns
Effectiveness of conservation strategies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $12.2 million to TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY KINGSVILLE. SOUTH TEXAS ENDANGERED OCELOT PROTECTION AND RECOVERY SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY KINGSVILLE.

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 $12.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-28. End: 2027-09-30.

What is the track record of Texas A&M University Kingsville in managing federal environmental contracts, particularly those related to endangered species?

Texas A&M University Kingsville, through its various departments and research centers, has a history of engaging in environmental research and conservation projects, often funded by federal agencies. While specific contract management details for this exact ocelot recovery service are not publicly detailed in this summary, universities typically have established administrative processes for managing large grants and contracts. Their experience often lies in scientific research, data collection, and ecological modeling, which are core components of species recovery. The agency's decision to award this contract to Texas A&M suggests confidence in their scientific capabilities and past performance in related environmental fields, even if not directly comparable large-scale federal contracts are immediately visible.

How does the $12.2 million contract value compare to other federal spending on endangered species recovery?

The $12.2 million contract value for South Texas Ocelot Protection and Recovery Services is a significant investment, but it needs to be contextualized within the broader landscape of federal endangered species spending. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies allocate substantial funds annually towards recovery plans for hundreds of listed species across various ecosystems. While specific figures for ocelot recovery efforts over time are not provided, this contract represents a multi-year commitment to a single species in a defined region. Compared to large-scale infrastructure projects or broad conservation initiatives, this amount is focused and specific. However, it is not unusual for critical, long-term recovery programs for iconic or highly threatened species to reach multi-million dollar figures over their lifespan, especially when involving extensive research, habitat management, and monitoring.

What are the primary risks associated with the long-term success of this ocelot recovery program?

The primary risks to the long-term success of this ocelot recovery program are multifaceted and inherent to endangered species management. A significant risk is the continued degradation or fragmentation of critical habitat due to human development, agriculture, and infrastructure projects in South Texas. Climate change also poses risks through altered weather patterns and potential impacts on prey availability. Furthermore, illegal hunting or vehicle collisions remain threats to the ocelot population. The effectiveness of conservation strategies themselves can be a risk; recovery plans require adaptive management, and unforeseen ecological challenges may arise that necessitate changes in approach. Finally, sustained political will and consistent funding appropriations are crucial, as any reduction in support could jeopardize the program's long-term viability.

How effective are firm fixed-price contracts in achieving complex environmental conservation goals like species recovery?

Firm fixed-price (FFP) contracts are generally favored for their cost control predictability, as the contractor assumes most of the risk for cost overruns. For complex environmental conservation goals like species recovery, an FFP contract can be effective if the scope of work is well-defined and the technical challenges are understood. This contract likely specifies deliverables such as habitat assessments, population monitoring protocols, and specific conservation actions. However, environmental science can be inherently unpredictable. If unforeseen ecological issues arise that require significant deviation from the original scope, an FFP contract might become rigid, potentially leading to change orders or disputes. The success hinges on the initial scope definition and the contractor's ability to manage within those parameters while adapting to biological realities.

What is the historical spending pattern for ocelot protection services by the Department of the Interior or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?

Historical spending patterns for ocelot protection services by the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) would typically be found within their budget justifications, annual reports, and contract databases. The USFWS has a mandate under the Endangered Species Act to protect and recover listed species, including the ocelot. Funding for such efforts is often allocated through specific program lines related to endangered species recovery, habitat conservation, and research. While this $12.2 million contract is a substantial single award, it represents a portion of the overall federal investment in ocelot recovery over several years. Analyzing past contracts and grants awarded for ocelot conservation would reveal trends in funding levels, the types of services procured, and the duration of previous efforts, providing context for the current award's scale and scope.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Social Advocacy Organizations › Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVERVAT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140F0S23R0008

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 700 N UNIVERSITY BLVD, KINGSVILLE, TX, 78363

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, Higher Education (Minority Serving), U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,214,430

Exercised Options: $12,214,430

Current Obligation: $12,214,430

Actual Outlays: $4,871,071

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline