Interior Department awards $39.9M IDIQ for biologist services, with a 449-day duration

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $39,964 ($40.0K)

Contractor: Akima Systems Engineering LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2027-06-30

Contract Duration: 449 days

Daily Burn Rate: $89/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: BIOLOGIST IV SERVICES FOR USGS, NWHC, MADISON WI. SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES IDIQ CONTRACT MID-CONTINENT

Place of Performance

Location: MADISON, DANE County, WISCONSIN, 53711

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $39,964.32 to AKIMA SYSTEMS ENGINEERING LLC for work described as: BIOLOGIST IV SERVICES FOR USGS, NWHC, MADISON WI. SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES IDIQ CONTRACT MID-CONTINENT Key points: 1. Contract provides essential scientific and technical support for wildlife health research. 2. The IDIQ structure allows for flexible task orders over its period of performance. 3. Competition under SAP suggests a streamlined process, potentially impacting price. 4. The contract is for biologist services, a critical component of ecological research. 5. The vendor, Akima Systems Engineering LLC, will provide services in Wisconsin. 6. The contract duration is approximately 1.5 years, aligning with research project timelines.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $39.9 million for biologist services over 449 days appears reasonable for specialized scientific support. Benchmarking against similar IDIQ contracts for scientific services would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The pricing structure, likely based on labor hours, needs careful monitoring to ensure it remains competitive throughout the contract's life.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a competitive process for awards below certain thresholds. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP generally encourages competition. This approach aims to secure fair and reasonable pricing by allowing multiple vendors to submit proposals.

Taxpayer Impact: Competing under SAP helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs for essential scientific services.

Public Impact

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) benefits from specialized scientific expertise for wildlife health research. Services delivered will support critical ecological and biological studies. The geographic impact is focused on Wisconsin, where the services will be performed. The contract supports a workforce of biologists and scientific technicians.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if task orders are not clearly defined.
Reliance on a single vendor for specialized services could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

IDIQ contract allows for flexibility in addressing evolving research needs.
Competition under SAP suggests a potentially efficient procurement process.
Long-term relationship with a vendor can foster institutional knowledge.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically supporting biological research. The market for such services is driven by government agencies requiring specialized scientific expertise for environmental monitoring, wildlife management, and public health initiatives. Comparable spending often involves contracts for ecological surveys, laboratory analysis, and scientific consulting.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary focus was on securing the most qualified large business vendor for the specialized services required, potentially limiting direct opportunities for small businesses in this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be managed by the U.S. Geological Survey, with specific task orders likely subject to performance metrics and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases, and any significant issues would fall under the purview of the Department of the Interior's Inspector General.

Related Government Programs

USGS Wildlife Health Program
Scientific and Technical Services Contracts
Environmental Consulting Services
Biological Research Support

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues due to specialized nature of services.
Need for vigilant oversight to manage task order scope and costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $39,964.32 to AKIMA SYSTEMS ENGINEERING LLC. BIOLOGIST IV SERVICES FOR USGS, NWHC, MADISON WI. SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES IDIQ CONTRACT MID-CONTINENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AKIMA SYSTEMS ENGINEERING 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 $39,964.32.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2027-06-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for biologist services at the USGS, and how does this contract compare?

Historical spending on biologist services at the USGS can vary significantly based on research priorities and funding allocations. To compare this $39.9 million IDIQ contract, one would need to analyze past USGS budgets and contract awards for similar scientific support. Factors such as the number of active research projects, the complexity of the biological issues being studied, and the duration of previous support contracts would influence historical spending. This current contract's value should be assessed against the agency's typical investment in biological research infrastructure and personnel support over recent fiscal years to determine if it represents an increase, decrease, or consistent level of expenditure for such services.

What specific scientific and technical support tasks are anticipated under this IDIQ contract?

The IDIQ contract for Biologist IV Services is designed to provide comprehensive science and technical support for the USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC). Anticipated tasks likely include field research, laboratory analysis, data collection and interpretation, disease surveillance, diagnostic services for wildlife, and the development of scientific reports and publications. The 'Biologist IV' designation suggests a need for senior-level expertise, implying tasks that require advanced knowledge in areas such as wildlife pathology, epidemiology, ecology, or conservation biology. The specific nature of these tasks will be further defined by individual delivery orders issued against the IDIQ, tailored to the NWHC's ongoing research and operational needs.

How does the vendor, Akima Systems Engineering LLC, perform on similar government contracts?

Assessing Akima Systems Engineering LLC's performance on similar government contracts requires a review of their past performance records, including CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) data, if available. Information on their track record with the Department of the Interior or other agencies for scientific, technical, or biological support services would be crucial. Key indicators to examine include on-time delivery, quality of work, cost control, and overall customer satisfaction. A positive performance history on comparable contracts would suggest a lower risk for this new IDIQ award, while any documented issues might warrant closer scrutiny of their current operational capacity and management approach.

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

Potential risks for this contract include the possibility of scope creep if task orders are not precisely defined, leading to cost overruns or delays. Another risk is the vendor's ability to consistently provide high-caliber Biologist IV expertise across various specialized tasks. Performance issues or a lack of qualified personnel could impact the USGS's research objectives. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust task order management, clear performance work statements, regular progress reviews, and the utilization of contract clauses that allow for remedies in case of non-performance. The IDIQ structure itself allows the agency to issue orders to other vendors if Akima Systems Engineering LLC fails to meet requirements.

What is the market size and competitive landscape for specialized biologist services for federal agencies?

The market for specialized biologist services for federal agencies is substantial, driven by the mandates of agencies like the USGS, EPA, NOAA, and various branches of the Department of Defense and Interior. This market encompasses a wide range of expertise, from field ecology and wildlife management to molecular biology and environmental toxicology. The competitive landscape includes a mix of large, diversified government contractors and smaller, specialized scientific consulting firms. Competition can be intense, particularly for larger IDIQ vehicles, but niche areas requiring highly specific expertise may see fewer, but highly qualified, bidders. Pricing is influenced by the level of specialization required, the duration of projects, and the specific agency's procurement procedures.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Nana Regional Corporation, Inc.

Address: 2553 DULLES VIEW DR # 700, HERNDON, VA, 20171

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $39,964

Exercised Options: $39,964

Current Obligation: $39,964

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140G0221D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline