DOI's $9.5M IT Order for Great Lakes Network: Countertrade Products Inc. Wins Full & Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,516 ($9.5K)
Contractor: Countertrade Products, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2026-04-13
End Date: 2026-06-12
Contract Duration: 60 days
Daily Burn Rate: $159/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: SUPPLY, FY26 1ST CYCLE IT ORDER - GREAT LAKES INVENTORY & MONITORING NETWORK - DOI STOREFRONT
Place of Performance
Location: ASHLAND, ASHLAND County, WISCONSIN, 54806
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $9,516.36 to COUNTERTRADE PRODUCTS, INC. for work described as: SUPPLY, FY26 1ST CYCLE IT ORDER - GREAT LAKES INVENTORY & MONITORING NETWORK - DOI STOREFRONT Key points: 1. The National Park Service awarded a $9.5M order for IT equipment. 2. Countertrade Products, Inc. secured the contract through full and open competition. 3. The contract is for electronic computer manufacturing, with a firm fixed price. 4. This award falls under the IT sector, specifically for inventory and monitoring network needs.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The $9.5M award for IT equipment appears reasonable given the scope of establishing an inventory and monitoring network. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT infrastructure procurements would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to competitive pricing as multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used efficiently through a competitive bidding process, aiming to secure the best value for the required IT infrastructure.
Public Impact
Enhances critical infrastructure for the National Park Service's Great Lakes region. Supports environmental monitoring and inventory management through advanced IT solutions. Ensures operational efficiency and data integrity for park management.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if future upgrades are not managed competitively.
- Dependence on a single vendor for a critical network component.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
- Supports a vital environmental monitoring initiative.
Sector Analysis
This procurement falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically for hardware supporting environmental monitoring. Spending benchmarks for similar network infrastructure projects vary widely based on scale and complexity, but $9.5M for a regional network is substantial.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, and there is no specific indication that small businesses were primary awardees or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The award is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, implying prior oversight. The National Park Service's procurement process for this order should ensure compliance and value for money.
Related Government Programs
- Electronic Computer Manufacturing
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- National Park Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Dependence on specific hardware.
- Long-term maintenance and upgrade costs not detailed.
- Cybersecurity risks associated with network infrastructure.
Tags
electronic-computer-manufacturing, department-of-the-interior, wi, delivery-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $9,516.36 to COUNTERTRADE PRODUCTS, INC.. SUPPLY, FY26 1ST CYCLE IT ORDER - GREAT LAKES INVENTORY & MONITORING NETWORK - DOI STOREFRONT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is COUNTERTRADE PRODUCTS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (National Park Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $9,516.36.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-13. End: 2026-06-12.
What is the expected lifespan of the IT equipment being procured, and are there plans for future refresh cycles?
The contract duration is 60 days for delivery, suggesting the equipment itself is intended for longer-term use. Understanding the expected operational lifespan is crucial for assessing long-term value. Future refresh cycles should be planned to ensure the network remains technologically current and to avoid obsolescence, ideally through competitive re-procurement.
How will the performance and reliability of the 'Great Lakes Inventory & Monitoring Network' be measured and ensured post-deployment?
Performance metrics should be clearly defined in the contract, including uptime requirements, data accuracy standards, and response times for system issues. The National Park Service should establish a robust testing and validation process before final acceptance and implement ongoing monitoring protocols. Regular performance reviews and service level agreements with the vendor will be essential for ensuring reliability.
Are there any potential interoperability challenges with existing or future IT systems within the Department of the Interior?
Interoperability is a key consideration for any new IT system. The agency should have conducted an assessment to ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure and adherence to relevant IT standards. Future-proofing the system to accommodate potential integrations with other DOI or external environmental data platforms will maximize its long-term utility and prevent data silos.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing › Electronic Computer Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - END USER
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 140P6426F0011
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7585 W 66TH AVE, ARVADA, CO, 80003
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $9,516
Exercised Options: $9,516
Current Obligation: $9,516
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNG15SC05B
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-13
Current End Date: 2026-06-12
Potential End Date: 2026-06-12 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-10
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