Interior's $1.26M contract for research support awarded to Cherokee Nation System Solutions LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,260,821 ($1.3M)

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: $609/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: RESEARCHER I AND 2 RESEARCHER IV - TOM: WESLEY DANIEL

Place of Performance

Location: GAINESVILLE, ALACHUA County, FLORIDA, 32653

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $1.3 million to CHEROKEE NATION SYSTEM SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: RESEARCHER I AND 2 RESEARCHER IV - TOM: WESLEY DANIEL Key points: 1. The contract value of $1.26 million over approximately two years suggests a moderate investment in specialized research support services. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, this indicates a competitive process was utilized, potentially leading to better pricing. 3. The 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code covers a broad range of activities, making direct comparisons challenging without further detail. 4. The contract's duration of nearly two years provides a reasonable timeframe for service delivery and performance evaluation. 5. The absence of small business set-aside flags suggests this was not specifically targeted to small businesses, though subcontracting opportunities may exist. 6. The contract type is a delivery order, implying it is part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar framework.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.26 million for approximately two years of research support services appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized technical expertise. Without specific details on the services provided (e.g., number of researchers, specific scientific disciplines), a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult. Benchmarking against similar contracts for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' would require more granular data on the scope of work and required qualifications.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This designation indicates that the solicitation was made available to all responsible sources, and any exclusions were justified. The fact that it was competed openly suggests that multiple bidders likely vied for the contract, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value offering.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and improve the quality of services received.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) within the Department of the Interior, receiving essential research support. The services delivered are broadly categorized under professional, scientific, and technical support, crucial for advancing research objectives. The geographic impact is primarily within Florida (ST: FL, SN: FLORIDA), where the services are likely being performed or managed. Workforce implications include the employment of 'RESEARCHER I AND 2 RESEARCHER IV' personnel, indicating a need for skilled scientific and technical staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific service details makes it hard to assess if the price reflects true market value for the expertise required.
The broad NAICS code (541990) could mask potential inefficiencies if the contractor is not specialized in the specific research needs.
Performance metrics and specific deliverables are not detailed, making it difficult to gauge the contractor's effectiveness beyond contract completion.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process and potential for competitive pricing.
The contract duration of nearly two years allows for sustained support and evaluation of the contractor's performance.
The contractor, Cherokee Nation System Solutions LLC, may bring specialized capabilities relevant to government research support.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under the broad category of professional, scientific, and technical services. This sector is characterized by a wide range of specialized expertise, from basic research to applied scientific services. The U.S. government is a significant consumer of these services, utilizing them across numerous agencies for research, development, analysis, and technical support. Market size for such services is substantial, with many firms competing for government contracts. This specific contract likely fits within the government's broader efforts to procure specialized scientific support for its research missions.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside (SB: false). There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) contracting officers and program managers within the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract's statement of work and performance standards. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Research and Development Support
Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Department of the Interior Contracts
U.S. Geological Survey Contracts

Risk Flags

Broad NAICS code may obscure specific expertise requirements.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in summary data.
Potential for personnel dependency if specific researchers are critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $1.3 million to CHEROKEE NATION SYSTEM SOLUTIONS LLC. RESEARCHER I AND 2 RESEARCHER IV - TOM: WESLEY DANIEL

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 $1.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-10-01. End: 2026-06-01.

What specific research areas does 'RESEARCHER I AND 2 RESEARCHER IV' support under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact research areas supported by 'RESEARCHER I AND 2 RESEARCHER IV'. The NAICS code 541990, 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' is very broad. To understand the specific research focus, one would need to examine the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS). This document would detail the tasks, objectives, and scientific disciplines involved, such as environmental science, geology, biology, or other fields relevant to the U.S. Geological Survey's mission. Without the SOW, the precise scientific contribution remains undefined.

How does the awarded amount of $1.26 million compare to similar research support contracts within the Department of the Interior?

Comparing the $1.26 million award to similar contracts requires access to a broader dataset of Department of the Interior (DOI) contracts within the same or adjacent NAICS codes (e.g., 541990, 541715 for R&D, 541690 for other scientific/technical consulting) and for similar durations (approximately two years). Based solely on the provided data, $1.26 million over two years suggests an average annual value of $630,000. This figure needs to be benchmarked against contracts for comparable services, considering factors like the number of personnel, required expertise levels (Researcher I vs. IV), and specific scientific domains. A preliminary assessment suggests this is a moderate-sized contract for specialized support, but a definitive comparison requires more extensive data analysis.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or deliverables expected from Cherokee Nation System Solutions LLC under this contract?

The provided data does not include specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or deliverables for this contract. These critical elements are typically detailed within the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS). They would outline the expected outcomes, quality standards, reporting requirements, and milestones that Cherokee Nation System Solutions LLC must meet to fulfill its contractual obligations. Without access to the SOW/PWS, it is impossible to assess the specific performance expectations or how the government will measure the contractor's success and value for money.

What is the track record of Cherokee Nation System Solutions LLC in performing similar professional, scientific, and technical services for the federal government?

Cherokee Nation System Solutions LLC (CNSS) has a history of performing federal contracts. To assess their track record specifically for professional, scientific, and technical services similar to this USGS contract, a review of their past performance data in federal procurement databases (like FPDS) would be necessary. This would involve looking at contract awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any past issues or successes. CNSS, as part of the Cherokee Federal group, often focuses on IT, mission support, and technical services for various agencies. Their experience in these areas suggests a capability to handle such contracts, but specific performance quality and relevance to this particular USGS need would require a deeper dive into their contract history.

Are there any identified risks associated with this contract, such as potential cost overruns or performance deficiencies?

Based solely on the provided summary data, no specific risks like cost overruns or performance deficiencies are explicitly identified. However, potential risks inherent in contracts of this nature include: 1) Scope Creep: If the research needs evolve significantly beyond the initial SOW, it could lead to increased costs or delays. 2) Personnel Issues: Reliance on specific 'RESEARCHER I AND 2 RESEARCHER IV' personnel means that turnover or unavailability could impact performance. 3) Technical Challenges: Unforeseen scientific or technical hurdles could affect project timelines and outcomes. 4) Broad NAICS Code: The generality of NAICS 541990 means the government must ensure the contractor possesses the precise, niche expertise required, which is a risk if not properly vetted. A thorough risk assessment would require reviewing the SOW, contractor past performance, and government oversight plan.

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: $1,260,821

Exercised Options: $1,260,821

Current Obligation: $1,260,821

Actual Outlays: $1,077,903

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