Interior Department awards $308K contract for biologist services to Mackey, Christin McKenzie

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,816 ($30.8K)

Contractor: Mackey, Christina Mckenzie

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-15

End Date: 2028-04-14

Contract Duration: 730 days

Daily Burn Rate: $42/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 27

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: NEW SSC BIOLOGIST POSITION_WILDHABER

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBIA, BOONE County, MISSOURI, 65201

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $30,816 to MACKEY, CHRISTINA MCKENZIE for work described as: NEW SSC BIOLOGIST POSITION_WILDHABER Key points: 1. Contract awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on smaller procurements. 2. The contract duration of 730 days indicates a medium-term need for specialized scientific services. 3. The award to a single individual, Christin McKenzie, raises questions about the breadth of competition. 4. The professional services category suggests a need for expertise in scientific research or technical support. 5. The geographic location of Missouri for service delivery is noted.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $308,160 over two years for a biologist position appears reasonable for specialized professional services. However, without specific deliverables or a detailed breakdown of tasks, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar professional, scientific, and technical service contracts within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) would provide further context on pricing and efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for more streamlined procurement processes for smaller dollar amounts. While not a full and open competition, SAP can still involve multiple quotes. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the award suggests that the competition, if any, was limited, potentially impacting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP may mean taxpayers are not receiving the absolute lowest price achievable through broader market engagement.

Public Impact

The U.S. Geological Survey benefits from specialized biological expertise to support its scientific mission. Services delivered likely involve research, data collection, analysis, or technical support related to biological sciences. The geographic impact is centered in Missouri, suggesting a focus on regional environmental or biological studies. The contract supports a professional workforce, potentially contributing to scientific advancement and conservation efforts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may have resulted in a higher price than a fully open bid process.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the contractor's effectiveness.
The contract is awarded to an individual, raising questions about the depth of resources and potential single points of failure.

Positive Signals

The contract supports a critical scientific function within the Department of the Interior.
The duration of the contract suggests a stable, ongoing need for these services.
Awarding under SAP can be an efficient way to procure necessary services quickly.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, a broad category encompassing a wide range of specialized expertise. The U.S. Geological Survey, as part of the Department of the Interior, frequently procures such services for its research and environmental monitoring activities. Spending in this sector is substantial across the federal government, supporting everything from IT consulting to scientific research and engineering.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there an indication of subcontracting requirements. The award details do not suggest a direct impact on the small business ecosystem, though the nature of the procurement under SAP could potentially involve small businesses as subcontractors if the primary awardee were a larger entity.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the U.S. Geological Survey's contracting officers and program managers. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, but detailed performance reviews and Inspector General involvement would depend on specific triggers or audit cycles. The contract's value and duration suggest it falls within standard procurement oversight protocols.

Related Government Programs

U.S. Geological Survey Research Contracts
Department of the Interior Scientific Services
Federal Professional and Technical Services
Environmental Science and Research Grants

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price realization.
Award to an individual poses a single point of failure risk.
Lack of detailed performance metrics hinders effectiveness assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $30,816 to MACKEY, CHRISTINA MCKENZIE. NEW SSC BIOLOGIST POSITION_WILDHABER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MACKEY, CHRISTINA MCKENZIE.

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 $30,816.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-15. End: 2028-04-14.

What specific scientific or technical tasks will Christin McKenzie perform under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' and specifically mentions a 'NEW SSC BIOLOGIST POSITION'. While the exact tasks are not detailed, it is highly probable that Christin McKenzie will be engaged in biological research, data collection, analysis, field work, or technical support related to the U.S. Geological Survey's scientific objectives in Missouri. This could include ecological surveys, species monitoring, environmental impact assessments, or contributing to scientific publications and reports. The 'SSC' designation might refer to a specific program or facility within the USGS, further defining the scope of biological work.

How does the $308,160 contract value compare to similar biologist positions within the federal government?

Benchmarking this contract's value requires comparing it to similar professional biologist service contracts within the federal government, particularly those awarded by the Department of the Interior or the U.S. Geological Survey. A total contract value of $308,160 over two years equates to an average annual cost of $154,080. This figure needs to be assessed against the typical salary ranges for federal biologists at comparable grade levels, factoring in overhead, benefits, and profit margins for contracted services. Without access to a detailed breakdown of labor hours, rates, and specific qualifications required, a precise comparison is difficult. However, this amount appears within a reasonable range for a specialized, full-time professional service contract of this duration.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding a contract to an individual rather than a company?

Awarding a contract to an individual, such as Christin McKenzie in this case, presents several potential risks. Firstly, there's a risk of single-point failure; if the individual becomes unavailable due to illness, departure, or other unforeseen circumstances, the project could be significantly delayed or halted. Secondly, the depth of resources and support available might be limited compared to a company, potentially impacting the ability to scale efforts or handle complex, multifaceted tasks. Thirdly, oversight and accountability might require more direct management attention to ensure consistent performance and adherence to contract terms. Finally, there could be implications regarding intellectual property and the continuity of work if the individual's engagement ends.

What does the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation imply about the procurement process and potential cost savings?

The designation 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' signifies that the contract was procured using Simplified Acquisition Procedures. SAP is designed for purchases below the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000, though specific agency thresholds may vary slightly). While it implies competition, it is typically less rigorous than full and open competition. Agencies are generally required to obtain at least three quotes from qualified sources. This process aims to balance efficiency and speed with achieving fair and reasonable prices. While competition occurred, the limited scope of SAP may mean that the price achieved is not as low as it might have been under a broader competitive process, though it is generally considered cost-effective for smaller procurements.

What is the historical spending pattern for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' by the U.S. Geological Survey?

Historical spending by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) on 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS code 541990) is substantial, reflecting the agency's broad scientific mandate. Analyzing past contract awards within this category would reveal trends in the types of services procured, the average contract values, and the primary contractors. This specific contract, valued at $308,160, falls within the typical range for individual professional service awards under SAP. Understanding historical spending can help benchmark current contract values, identify potential areas of recurring need, and assess the overall investment in scientific and technical support services by the USGS.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 27

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 210 ELM AVE, NEW BLOOMFIELD, MO, 65063

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $225,000

Exercised Options: $225,000

Current Obligation: $30,816

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline