DOI's USGS awards $701K contract for technical services to Cherokee Nation Systems Solutions
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $701,052 ($701.1K)
Contractor: Cherokee Nation System Solutions LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2020-10-01
End Date: 2026-06-01
Contract Duration: 2,069 days
Daily Burn Rate: $339/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS
Sector: Other
Official Description: RESEARCHER IV - TOM: THEODORE ZENZAL
Place of Performance
Location: LAFAYETTE, LAFAYETTE County, LOUISIANA, 70506
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $701,051.89 to CHEROKEE NATION SYSTEM SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: RESEARCHER IV - TOM: THEODORE ZENZAL Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a specific company, indicating potential for concentrated expertise. 2. The contract value is relatively modest, suggesting a focused scope of work. 3. Full and open competition was used, which generally promotes competitive pricing. 4. The sector is Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, a broad category.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $701,051.89 over approximately 6.8 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar contracts for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' would be necessary for a precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition after exclusion of sources. This method aims to ensure the widest possible participation and potentially achieve the best value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple bidders, driving down costs and improving service quality.
Public Impact
Supports critical scientific research and technical services for the U.S. Geological Survey. Ensures continuity of operations for essential government functions. Potential for technology transfer and innovation within the scientific services sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for cost overruns if labor hours are not managed effectively.
- Dependence on a single contractor for specialized services.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Contract duration allows for stable service provision.
- Supports a key government scientific agency.
Sector Analysis
The Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector is vast, encompassing a wide range of specialized expertise. The USGS typically procures services related to earth science, natural resource management, and environmental monitoring.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities were mandated or pursued.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically involve the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) at the USGS monitoring performance, deliverables, and adherence to contract terms to ensure accountability and value for taxpayer money.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- U.S. Geological Survey Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract duration is long, increasing risk of scope creep or changing requirements.
- Lack of specific service details makes it hard to assess true value.
- No indication of small business participation.
- Potential for vendor lock-in if services are highly specialized.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-the-interior, la, delivery-order, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $701,051.89 to CHEROKEE NATION SYSTEM SOLUTIONS LLC. RESEARCHER IV - TOM: THEODORE ZENZAL
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CHEROKEE NATION SYSTEM SOLUTIONS LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Geological Survey).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $701,051.89.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-10-01. End: 2026-06-01.
What specific technical services are being provided under this contract, and how do they align with the USGS's core mission objectives?
The contract is for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.' While the exact services are not detailed, they likely support the USGS's mission in areas such as geological mapping, water resource monitoring, or natural hazard assessment. Understanding the specific tasks is crucial to evaluating their direct contribution to scientific advancement and public safety.
What is the projected cost per labor hour, and how does it compare to industry benchmarks for similar expertise?
The provided data does not include a specific hourly rate or total labor hours purchased. The total contract value is $701,051.89 over 2069 days (approx. 6.8 years). To assess cost-effectiveness, the average annual spend and the number of labor hours procured would need to be analyzed against prevailing market rates for comparable professional and technical services.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the services provided by Cherokee Nation Systems Solutions?
Quality assurance is typically managed through a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) who monitors performance against contract requirements and deliverables. The contract's success hinges on clear performance standards, regular progress reviews, and the contractor's ability to consistently meet or exceed expectations in delivering specialized scientific and technical support.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Cherokee Nation
Address: 10838 E MARSHALL ST STE 200-A17, TULSA, OK, 74116
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $701,052
Exercised Options: $701,052
Current Obligation: $701,052
Actual Outlays: $597,981
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 140G0120D0021
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-10-01
Current End Date: 2026-06-01
Potential End Date: 2026-06-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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