Interior's USGS Awards $3.6M Electrical Study Contract to Croft and Associates Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $363,742 ($363.7K)
Contractor: Croft and Associates, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2024-08-07
End Date: 2026-12-31
Contract Duration: 876 days
Daily Burn Rate: $415/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: EROS ELECTRICAL POWER STUDY
Place of Performance
Location: SIOUX FALLS, MINNEHAHA County, SOUTH DAKOTA, 57198
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $363,742 to CROFT AND ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: EROS ELECTRICAL POWER STUDY Key points: 1. Contract Value: $3.64 million for an electrical power study. 2. Competition: Awarded via full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 3. Risk: Firm Fixed Price contract type mitigates cost overrun risk. 4. Sector: Primarily architectural and engineering services within the government sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $3.64 million for an electrical power study appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar architectural and engineering services contracts would provide a more 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, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests taxpayers are likely receiving fair value for the services rendered.
Public Impact
Enhances understanding of electrical power infrastructure for the U.S. Geological Survey. Supports informed decision-making for future energy-related projects. Potential for improved operational efficiency and cost savings in energy usage.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if study parameters are not clearly defined.
- Reliance on contractor expertise for accurate data and analysis.
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract limits cost uncertainty.
- Competitive award process suggests market-driven pricing.
- Clear end date for service delivery.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the architectural and engineering services sector, specifically focusing on electrical power studies. Government spending in this area is often driven by infrastructure needs and research initiatives.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had an opportunity to compete or if set-aside goals were met.
Oversight & Accountability
The award process, described as 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' suggests adherence to procurement regulations. Oversight will be crucial to ensure the study meets its objectives and stays within budget.
Related Government Programs
- Architectural Services
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- U.S. Geological Survey Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources'.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
- Scope definition and management are critical for success.
- Dependence on contractor's technical expertise.
Tags
architectural-services, department-of-the-interior, sd, delivery-order, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $363,742 to CROFT AND ASSOCIATES, INC.. EROS ELECTRICAL POWER STUDY
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CROFT AND ASSOCIATES, INC..
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 $363,742.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-08-07. End: 2026-12-31.
What specific outcomes are expected from this electrical power study, and how will they be measured?
The study is expected to provide a comprehensive analysis of the U.S. Geological Survey's electrical power infrastructure, identifying potential inefficiencies, risks, and opportunities for improvement. Measurable outcomes could include a reduction in energy consumption, enhanced system reliability, and cost savings projections. The effectiveness will be gauged by the actionable recommendations provided and their subsequent implementation.
What are the potential risks associated with the 'exclusion of sources' clause in the competition method?
While the contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' the 'exclusion of sources' clause implies that certain potential bidders were not considered or allowed to participate. This could potentially limit the pool of qualified offerors and may raise questions about whether the most competitive pricing and innovative solutions were fully explored, even if the final award was competitive among the included sources.
How does this $3.64 million investment align with the broader energy efficiency and sustainability goals of the Department of the Interior?
This investment is likely intended to support the Department of the Interior's energy efficiency and sustainability goals by providing critical data for optimizing electrical power usage. The study's findings could inform strategic decisions on infrastructure upgrades, renewable energy integration, and operational changes, ultimately contributing to reduced environmental impact and operational costs across USGS facilities.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Architectural Services
Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3400 BLUE SPRINGS RD NW STE 200, KENNESAW, GA, 30144
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $363,742
Exercised Options: $363,742
Current Obligation: $363,742
Actual Outlays: $334,911
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 140P2022D0011
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-08-07
Current End Date: 2026-12-31
Potential End Date: 2026-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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