DOI Awards $617K for Quivira NWR Weir Gates to Cogent, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $61,700 ($61.7K)
Contractor: Cogent, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2025-03-18
End Date: 2025-09-05
Contract Duration: 171 days
Daily Burn Rate: $361/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: KS - QUIVIRA NWR - WEIR BOARD SLIDING GATES
Place of Performance
Location: STAFFORD, STAFFORD County, KANSAS, 67578
State: Kansas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $61,700 to COGENT, INC. for work described as: KS - QUIVIRA NWR - WEIR BOARD SLIDING GATES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Cogent, Inc. for fabricated structural metal. 2. The contract is for a firm fixed price purchase order. 3. The project is located in Kansas and has a duration of 171 days. 4. This award falls under the fabricated structural metal manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award amount of $617,000 for fabricated structural metal manufacturing appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar projects is difficult without more detailed specifications, but the price seems within a typical range for specialized fabrication.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a limited competition environment. While SAP aims for efficiency, it may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition under SAP might result in a slightly higher cost to taxpayers than a fully competed contract, though the overall value is likely modest given the contract size.
Public Impact
Enhances water management infrastructure at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. Supports the operational needs of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Provides specialized fabricated metal components for environmental projects.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP
- Potential for price optimization through broader competition
Positive Signals
- Supports critical wildlife refuge infrastructure
- Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty
Sector Analysis
The fabricated structural metal manufacturing sector is crucial for infrastructure projects. This award aligns with typical government spending in this area for specialized components, with contract values varying widely based on project complexity.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific award, as it was competed under SAP and awarded to Cogent, Inc. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Interior's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and oversight processes should ensure proper execution and accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for higher cost due to SAP
- Lack of small business participation noted
Tags
fabricated-structural-metal-manufacturin, department-of-the-interior, ks, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $61,700 to COGENT, INC.. KS - QUIVIRA NWR - WEIR BOARD SLIDING GATES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is COGENT, INC..
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 $61,700.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-03-18. End: 2025-09-05.
What specific technical requirements or unique specifications of the weir board sliding gates might have influenced the limited competition?
The specific technical requirements, such as precise dimensions, material strength, corrosion resistance, and integration with existing infrastructure at Quivira NWR, could have limited the pool of qualified bidders. Unique or highly specialized fabrication needs often restrict competition to a few capable firms, justifying the use of SAP.
How does the firm fixed price contract structure mitigate risks for the government in this project?
A firm fixed price (FFP) contract shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, Cogent, Inc. This provides the government with cost certainty, as the final price is predetermined. It incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently to maintain profitability, benefiting the taxpayer by avoiding unexpected increases.
What is the potential long-term effectiveness of these sliding gates for water management at Quivira NWR?
The effectiveness of the sliding gates will depend on their design, installation quality, and suitability for the specific hydrological conditions at Quivira NWR. Properly functioning gates are essential for managing water levels, supporting diverse habitats, and ensuring the ecological health of the refuge, contributing to its long-term conservation mission.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing › Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: PREFAB STRUCTURES/SCAFFOLDING
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 140FS225Q0048
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4525 NW 41ST ST, RIVERSIDE, MO, 64150
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $61,700
Exercised Options: $61,700
Current Obligation: $61,700
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-03-18
Current End Date: 2025-09-05
Potential End Date: 2025-09-05 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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