Interior's USGS awards $1M+ GIS contract to Cherokee Nation Systems Solutions for technical services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,029,694 ($1.0M)

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: $498/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: GIS SPECIALIST II TOM: NICHOLAS ENWRIGHT

Place of Performance

Location: LAFAYETTE, LAFAYETTE County, LOUISIANA, 70506

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $1.0 million to CHEROKEE NATION SYSTEM SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: GIS SPECIALIST II TOM: NICHOLAS ENWRIGHT Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized technical services over a multi-year period. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of nearly two years presents moderate performance risk. 4. This contract supports essential mapping and technical services for the U.S. Geological Survey. 5. The awardee, Cherokee Nation Systems Solutions, has a track record in government contracting.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value of approximately $1.03 million over nearly two years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar professional, scientific, and technical services contracts within the Department of the Interior indicates that this pricing is within a reasonable range, especially considering the specialized nature of GIS services. The labor hour pricing model allows for flexibility, but requires careful monitoring to ensure efficient resource utilization and prevent cost overruns.

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,' indicating that the solicitation was broadly advertised, and all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which is beneficial for price discovery and achieving fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, thereby increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing and innovative solutions.

Public Impact

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) benefits from enhanced geospatial data analysis and support. Services delivered include specialized GIS expertise crucial for mapping, resource management, and scientific research. The geographic impact is national, supporting USGS operations across various regions. The contract supports a team of GIS specialists, contributing to the federal technical workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical GIS functions could pose a risk if performance falters.
Ensuring consistent quality and adherence to technical standards throughout the contract term.

Positive Signals

Award to a company with demonstrated experience in government contracting.
Use of a full and open competition process promotes market-driven pricing.
The contract duration allows for continuity of essential GIS services.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically supporting geospatial information systems (GIS). This sector is vital for numerous government functions, including environmental monitoring, resource management, infrastructure planning, and national security. The market for GIS services is competitive, with many firms offering specialized expertise. The annual spending on such services by federal agencies can range from millions to billions, depending on the scope and complexity of the requirements.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific benefits for the small business ecosystem stemming from this particular award. However, the prime contractor may engage small businesses as subcontractors if it aligns with their overall project execution strategy.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the U.S. Geological Survey's contracting officers and program managers. They are responsible for monitoring performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and approving payments. The Department of the Interior's Office of Inspector General may also conduct audits or investigations if performance or financial irregularities are suspected, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Related Government Programs

Geospatial Information Services
Professional and Technical Services
Department of the Interior IT and Data Services
USGS Scientific Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to labor hour pricing
Performance variability risk
Contract duration requires sustained oversight

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $1.0 million to CHEROKEE NATION SYSTEM SOLUTIONS LLC. GIS SPECIALIST II TOM: NICHOLAS ENWRIGHT

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 $1.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the track record of Cherokee Nation Systems Solutions LLC with federal contracts, particularly in GIS services?

Cherokee Nation Systems Solutions LLC (CNSS) has a history of performing various IT and technical services for federal agencies. While specific details on their GIS project portfolio require deeper investigation, their presence as a prime contractor suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience. Federal procurement databases often show awards to CNSS across different agencies, indicating a capacity to manage government contracts. Further analysis would involve reviewing past performance evaluations and contract close-outs to assess their success rate and client satisfaction in similar service areas.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar GIS specialist contracts within the Department of the Interior?

The awarded amount of approximately $1.03 million for a GIS Specialist II contract over a period of nearly two years (October 2020 to June 2026) appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized technical services. Benchmarking against other contracts for similar roles and durations within the Department of the Interior would provide a more precise comparison. Factors such as the specific skill sets required, the complexity of the tasks, and the geographic location of service delivery can influence pricing. Without direct comparative contract data, it's challenging to definitively state if it's high or low, but the value seems proportionate to the service duration and type.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include potential scope creep, where project requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns and schedule delays. Another risk is contractor performance variability; if Cherokee Nation Systems Solutions fails to deliver quality services consistently, it could impact USGS operations. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract management, including clear statement of work, regular performance reviews, defined milestones, and strong communication channels between the government and the contractor. The contract's structure, with defined delivery orders, also allows for phased oversight and adjustment.

What is the historical spending pattern for GIS specialist services within the U.S. Geological Survey?

Historical spending on GIS specialist services by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has likely been substantial and consistent, given the agency's core mission involving mapping, earth science, and resource management. The USGS relies heavily on geospatial data and analysis. Annual expenditures can fluctuate based on specific project needs, technological advancements, and budget allocations. Analyzing past USGS budgets and contract awards for GIS-related services would reveal trends in spending, identify key service providers, and indicate the typical scale and duration of such contracts, providing context for the current award.

Does the contract's labor hour (LH) pricing structure present any value-for-money concerns?

A labor hour pricing structure can present value-for-money concerns if not managed diligently. While it offers flexibility by allowing the government to pay only for the hours worked, it can lead to inefficiencies or inflated costs if the contractor does not manage their resources effectively or if the scope is not well-defined. To ensure value, the USGS must closely monitor the hours billed against the tasks performed, ensure the labor mix is appropriate for the work, and establish clear performance metrics. Without strong oversight, there's a risk of paying for unproductive time or unnecessary labor.

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: $1,029,694

Exercised Options: $1,029,694

Current Obligation: $1,029,694

Actual Outlays: $927,717

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