Interior awards $3.4M geophysical surveying contract to Dewberry Engineers Inc. for services through 2028

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,449,046 ($3.4M)

Contractor: Dewberry Engineers Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-01-29

End Date: 2028-10-31

Contract Duration: 1,006 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MS_NORTHERN_D26

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22031

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $3.4 million to DEWBERRY ENGINEERS INC. for work described as: MS_NORTHERN_D26 Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of approximately 2.5 years allows for sustained service delivery. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 4. The award value of $3.4M falls within a moderate spending range for specialized surveying services. 5. Geophysical surveying and mapping services are critical for resource management and infrastructure planning. 6. The contractor, Dewberry Engineers Inc., has a track record that warrants further examination for performance consistency.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.4 million for geophysical surveying and mapping services appears reasonable given the contract duration and scope. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized surveying services would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure is a positive indicator for cost control. However, without specific performance metrics or detailed cost breakdowns, a definitive assessment of exceptional value is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely invited to submit proposals. The presence of 9 bids suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this type of specialized service. A competitive bidding process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down the final award price, ensuring a more cost-effective use of public funds.

Public Impact

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) benefits from enhanced geophysical data collection capabilities. Services delivered will support critical earth science research and resource management initiatives. Geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting various USGS projects across different regions. The contract supports specialized technical roles within the surveying and mapping industry.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if project requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical service could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
Ensuring timely delivery of high-quality data is crucial for downstream USGS operations.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive market for these services.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Contract duration allows for sustained support and project continuity.
The contractor, Dewberry Engineers Inc., is a known entity in engineering and surveying services.

Sector Analysis

Geophysical surveying and mapping services fall under the broader professional, scientific, and technical services sector. This sector is characterized by specialized expertise and often involves significant investment in technology and skilled personnel. The market size for such services is substantial, driven by government needs for resource assessment, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure development, as well as private sector demand in areas like oil and gas exploration and construction. This contract represents a typical procurement within this specialized niche.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the data does not indicate any specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, although the prime contractor may engage small businesses as subcontractors depending on their own operational needs and policies.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily reside with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) contracting officers and program managers. They are responsible for monitoring contractor performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and approving payments. 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

Geological and Geophysical Exploration
Mapping and Surveying Services
Earth Science Research Support
Natural Resource Management

Risk Flags

Contractor performance history requires detailed review.
Potential for scope creep if requirements are not tightly managed.
Data quality assurance is critical for scientific integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $3.4 million to DEWBERRY ENGINEERS INC.. MS_NORTHERN_D26

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DEWBERRY ENGINEERS 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 $3.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-29. End: 2028-10-31.

What is Dewberry Engineers Inc.'s past performance record with federal agencies, particularly for similar surveying and mapping contracts?

Dewberry Engineers Inc. has a history of performing contracts for various federal agencies, including those involving surveying, mapping, and engineering services. A review of their past performance would involve examining contract data for on-time delivery, quality of work, and adherence to budget. While specific details require deeper analysis of performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), their continued ability to win competitive federal contracts suggests a generally acceptable performance record. However, it is crucial to scrutinize individual contract histories for any red flags or areas of concern before deeming their performance consistently excellent.

How does the awarded price of $3.4 million compare to the average cost for similar geophysical surveying contracts awarded by the federal government?

The awarded price of $3.4 million for approximately 2.5 years of service needs to be benchmarked against comparable contracts to assess value. Factors such as the specific geographic area, the complexity of the surveying required (e.g., seismic, magnetic, gravity), and the technology used significantly influence pricing. Without access to detailed cost breakdowns or a comprehensive database of similar geophysical surveying contracts with precise scope definitions, a definitive comparison is difficult. However, considering the duration and the nature of the services, this award appears to be within a moderate range. A more thorough analysis would involve comparing the per-diem or per-project costs of this contract against historical data for services of equivalent technical difficulty and duration.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Key risks for this contract include potential delays in data acquisition or processing, technical challenges in surveying difficult terrain, and the possibility of inaccurate data leading to flawed scientific conclusions or resource assessments. Another risk is the contractor's financial stability or capacity to execute the work as specified. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract oversight by the USGS, clear performance standards and deliverables outlined in the contract, regular progress reviews, and the firm fixed-price structure which incentivizes the contractor to manage costs effectively. The government also retains the right to inspect work and withhold payment for non-conforming services.

How effective is the firm fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money for this specific geophysical surveying service?

The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally effective in ensuring value for money for well-defined services like geophysical surveying, as it shifts the cost-risk to the contractor. This means the contractor is obligated to complete the work for the agreed-upon price, regardless of their actual costs. This structure incentivizes the contractor to be efficient and control their expenses. For the government, it provides cost certainty, making budgeting more predictable. However, the effectiveness relies heavily on the accuracy of the initial cost estimate and the clarity of the scope of work. If the scope is poorly defined or unforeseen complexities arise, the contractor might cut corners to maintain profitability, potentially impacting quality, or seek change orders, which could increase the overall cost.

What is the historical spending trend for geophysical surveying and mapping services by the Department of the Interior or the U.S. Geological Survey?

Analyzing historical spending trends for geophysical surveying and mapping services by the Department of the Interior (DOI) and specifically the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) would reveal patterns of demand and investment in these capabilities. Such an analysis would likely show consistent, albeit fluctuating, spending levels tied to specific research projects, resource assessments, or infrastructure mapping initiatives. Peaks in spending might correlate with major geological surveys, environmental impact studies, or disaster preparedness efforts. Understanding these trends helps contextualize the current $3.4 million award, indicating whether it represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in these critical services compared to previous years or similar contract vehicles.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 140G0226F0031

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8401 ARLINGTON BLVD, FAIRFAX, VA, 22031

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,449,046

Exercised Options: $3,449,046

Current Obligation: $3,449,046

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $500,443

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140G0221D0009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline