Interior's USGS Awards $616K for Scientific Services to Cherokee Nation Systems Solutions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $616,435 ($616.4K)

Contractor: Cherokee Nation System Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2020-10-01

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 2,068 days

Daily Burn Rate: $298/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: SCIENTIST IV HIMMELSTOSS/MCLAUGHLIN

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT PETERSBURG, PINELLAS County, FLORIDA, 33701

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $616,435.17 to CHEROKEE NATION SYSTEM SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: SCIENTIST IV HIMMELSTOSS/MCLAUGHLIN Key points: 1. The contract focuses on 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services', a broad category. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, indicating a structured procurement process. 3. The award value of $616,435.17 over nearly 7 years suggests a moderate annual spend. 4. The contract is for labor hours, implying flexibility in service delivery but potential for cost overruns if not managed.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of $616,435.17 over 2068 days (approx. 6.8 years) results in an average annual value of roughly $90,000. This seems reasonable for specialized scientific support services, but a direct per-unit cost comparison is difficult without knowing the specific labor hours and rates.

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 suggests that while competition was sought, certain sources were initially excluded, potentially narrowing the competitive pool. The price discovery mechanism relies on the competitive bids received under these conditions.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award, even with source exclusions, aims to secure fair market value, thus optimizing taxpayer spending for the required scientific services.

Public Impact

Supports critical scientific research and technical services for the U.S. Geological Survey. Ensures continuity of operations for essential geological and environmental monitoring activities. Potential for innovation and specialized expertise brought by Cherokee Nation Systems Solutions. Impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of federal scientific endeavors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific service details within the broad NAICS code.
Potential for scope creep in 'labor hours' contracts.
Limited information on the 'exclusion of sources' rationale.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process.
Long-term contract provides stability for service delivery.
Supports a key federal agency (USGS).

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, a sector that often requires specialized expertise. Benchmarks for this sector vary widely based on the specific services, but the annual spend of approximately $90,000 is on the lower end for complex scientific projects, suggesting a focused scope or specific support role.

Small Business Impact

The contractor, Cherokee Nation Systems Solutions LLC, is a significant entity, and the contract does not appear to be specifically set aside for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities exist within this award.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of the Interior's U.S. Geological Survey. Standard federal procurement oversight applies, including performance monitoring and financial accountability. The 'delivery order' nature suggests task-specific oversight.

Related Government Programs

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Department of the Interior Contracting
U.S. Geological Survey Programs

Risk Flags

Broad NAICS code lacks specificity.
Potential for cost overruns with 'labor hours' model.
Rationale for source exclusion is unclear.
Contract duration is long, requiring sustained oversight.
No indication of small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $616,435.17 to CHEROKEE NATION SYSTEM SOLUTIONS LLC. SCIENTIST IV HIMMELSTOSS/MCLAUGHLIN

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 $616,435.17.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-10-01. End: 2026-05-31.

What specific scientific or technical services are being provided under this contract?

The provided data categorizes the contract under NAICS code 541990 ('All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'), which is very broad. Without further details, it's impossible to ascertain the exact nature of the services. This could range from data analysis and modeling to field research support or laboratory testing, making specific value assessment challenging.

What was the rationale for excluding certain sources during the competition phase?

The contract states 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES'. The specific reasons for excluding certain potential bidders are not detailed in the provided data. Understanding this rationale is crucial for assessing whether the competition was truly maximized and if any potentially innovative or cost-effective solutions were overlooked due to the exclusion criteria.

How does the 'labor hours' pricing model impact cost control and efficiency for the USGS?

A 'labor hours' contract offers flexibility, allowing the USGS to adjust the level of effort as needed. However, it shifts the cost-control burden to the government, requiring diligent monitoring of hours worked and task completion to prevent cost overruns. Effective oversight is paramount to ensure efficiency and prevent inefficient use of taxpayer funds.

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: $616,435

Exercised Options: $616,435

Current Obligation: $616,435

Actual Outlays: $556,340

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