DOE awards $46.6K for Bloomberg New Energy Finance licenses, raising questions on competition and value
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $46,610 ($46.6K)
Contractor: Bloomberg Finance LP
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2023-04-26
End Date: 2024-04-30
Contract Duration: 370 days
Daily Burn Rate: $126/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: THIS BPA CALL IS ISSUED AGAINST MASTER BPA 89303019AEE000001 TO OBTAIN FOUR (4) BLOOMBERG NEW ENERGY FINANCE (BNEF) USER LICENSES FOR THE OFFICE OF POLICY (OP). THE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE IS FROM 05/01/2023 TO 4/30/2024. REQ 23OP000006 $46,610.00
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20585
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $46,609.84 to BLOOMBERG FINANCE LP for work described as: THIS BPA CALL IS ISSUED AGAINST MASTER BPA 89303019AEE000001 TO OBTAIN FOUR (4) BLOOMBERG NEW ENERGY FINANCE (BNEF) USER LICENSES FOR THE OFFICE OF POLICY (OP). THE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE IS FROM 05/01/2023 TO 4/30/2024. REQ 23OP000006 $46,610.00 Key points: 1. The contract provides essential data and analytics for policy development within the Office of Policy. 2. Limited competition raises concerns about potential overpayment and lack of market-driven pricing. 3. The single vendor, Bloomberg Finance LP, suggests a potential lack of alternative providers or a failure to explore them. 4. The contract duration of one year aligns with typical subscription models for such services. 5. The firm-fixed-price structure shifts risk to the government, but value is contingent on effective use of the data. 6. Performance context is limited, but the service is critical for informed energy policy decisions.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract for Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) user licenses at $46,610.00 for one year appears to be a standard subscription cost for specialized financial data. However, without a competitive bidding process, it is difficult to benchmark the true value for money. Similar government agencies or private sector entities might secure better pricing through volume discounts or negotiated contracts. The lack of competition prevents an assessment of whether this price is aligned with market rates or if a more cost-effective solution could have been procured.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source or limited competition procurement. The data indicates it was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP.' This approach bypasses the standard competitive procedures designed to ensure fair and reasonable pricing. Without multiple bidders, there is no mechanism to drive down costs or ensure the government is receiving the best possible deal. The agency likely relied on existing relationships or perceived unique capabilities of Bloomberg.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of competitive pressure. This could mean funds are not being utilized as efficiently as they could be if alternative, potentially lower-cost, data providers were considered.
Public Impact
The Office of Policy within the Department of Energy benefits directly from access to Bloomberg's New Energy Finance data. The service delivers crucial market intelligence, research, and data analytics for energy policy formulation. The geographic impact is national, supporting federal policy decisions that affect the entire country. Workforce implications include enabling policy analysts and researchers to perform their duties more effectively with up-to-date information.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition may lead to inflated prices.
- Potential for missed opportunities to find more cost-effective data solutions.
- Reliance on a single vendor could create future lock-in issues.
Positive Signals
- Bloomberg's BNEF is a recognized leader in energy market data.
- The service directly supports critical policy-making functions.
- Firm-fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
Sector Analysis
The energy sector is increasingly reliant on sophisticated data analytics to understand market trends, technological advancements, and policy impacts. Bloomberg New Energy Finance is a prominent provider in this niche, offering comprehensive data on renewable energy, fossil fuels, and related financial markets. The market for such specialized data is often concentrated, with a few key players dominating. This contract fits within the broader IT and professional services sector, specifically catering to the information needs of government policy bodies.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides or subcontracting opportunities. The procurement was sole-source, and the vendor, Bloomberg Finance LP, is a large corporation. Therefore, there is no direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Energy's internal contracting and financial management offices. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award. Accountability rests on the Office of Policy to effectively utilize the BNEF data to inform policy decisions and demonstrate the value derived from the expenditure. There is no specific mention of an Inspector General investigation related to this particular BPA call.
Related Government Programs
- Bloomberg Government Contracts
- Energy Information Administration Data Services
- Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Research Grants
Risk Flags
- Sole-source procurement
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for non-optimal pricing
Tags
energy, department-of-energy, washington-dc, bpa-call, professional-services, sole-source, data-analytics, policy-support, bloomberg, firm-fixed-price
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $46,609.84 to BLOOMBERG FINANCE LP. THIS BPA CALL IS ISSUED AGAINST MASTER BPA 89303019AEE000001 TO OBTAIN FOUR (4) BLOOMBERG NEW ENERGY FINANCE (BNEF) USER LICENSES FOR THE OFFICE OF POLICY (OP). THE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE IS FROM 05/01/2023 TO 4/30/2024. REQ 23OP000006 $46,610.00
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BLOOMBERG FINANCE LP.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $46,609.84.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-04-26. End: 2024-04-30.
What is the track record of Bloomberg Finance LP in providing similar data services to federal agencies?
Bloomberg Finance LP, through its Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) division, is a well-established provider of specialized energy market data and analytics. While specific details on their contracts with other federal agencies are not provided in this data, BNEF is widely recognized across the public and private sectors for its comprehensive coverage of renewable energy, fossil fuels, policy, and finance. Their services are often considered a benchmark for market intelligence in the energy sector. Agencies typically procure these services for their research, policy analysis, and forecasting needs. The firm's reputation is generally strong, but the value proposition is often tied to the breadth and depth of their data, which can come at a premium.
How does the cost of these BNEF licenses compare to similar data subscriptions obtained through competitive means?
Direct comparison of the $46,610.00 cost for four BNEF licenses is challenging without knowing the specific tier of service and the exact user roles. However, given this was a sole-source award, it is highly probable that the price is not optimized. Competitive procurements often yield lower prices due to vendor competition and potential volume discounts. For instance, if multiple agencies were to collectively procure BNEF licenses through a consolidated contract or if a GSA Schedule offered competitive pricing for similar data analytics, the per-license cost might be lower. The absence of competition means the government cannot be certain it received the best available market price.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source award for specialized data services like BNEF?
The primary risks associated with a sole-source award for specialized data services like BNEF include: 1. **Price Inflation:** Without competition, the vendor has less incentive to offer the lowest possible price, potentially leading to overpayment. 2. **Lack of Innovation/Alternatives:** The agency may become locked into a single vendor's platform and data, missing out on potentially superior or more cost-effective solutions from competitors. 3. **Vendor Lock-in:** Transitioning away from a sole-source provider can be difficult and costly once an agency becomes reliant on their specific data formats and analytical tools. 4. **Limited Transparency:** The justification for the sole-source award needs to be robust to ensure public funds are used appropriately, and this transparency is often reduced compared to competitive processes.
How effective is the Bloomberg New Energy Finance data in supporting the Department of Energy's policy objectives?
The effectiveness of the Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) data in supporting the Department of Energy's (DOE) policy objectives hinges on how the Office of Policy (OP) utilizes the information. BNEF provides comprehensive data on market trends, technology costs, investment flows, and policy developments in the global energy sector. This information is critical for formulating evidence-based policies related to clean energy transitions, grid modernization, energy security, and climate change mitigation. If the OP analysts effectively integrate BNEF's insights into their research, modeling, and strategic planning, the data can significantly enhance the quality and impact of DOE's policy recommendations and initiatives. The value is realized through informed decision-making.
What is the historical spending pattern for BNEF licenses or similar data services at the Department of Energy?
The provided data snippet focuses on a single BPA call for BNEF licenses and does not offer historical spending patterns. To assess historical spending, one would need to examine prior contract awards for BNEF or comparable energy market intelligence services by the Department of Energy or its various offices. Analyzing trends over several fiscal years would reveal if spending on such data is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable. It would also help determine if this $46,610.00 award is consistent with previous investments or represents a significant shift. Without this historical context, it's difficult to gauge the long-term commitment or evolving needs for these services within the DOE.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Information › Other Information Services › All Other Information Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 731 LEXINGTON AVE, NEW YORK, NY, 10022
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $46,610
Exercised Options: $46,610
Current Obligation: $46,610
Actual Outlays: $46,610
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 89303019AEE000001
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-04-26
Current End Date: 2024-04-30
Potential End Date: 2026-04-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
More Contracts from Bloomberg Finance LP
- Bloomberg Professional Services Terminals Access — $2.7M (Department of the Treasury)
- This BPA Call IS Issued Against Master BPA 89303019AEE000001 to Obtain 66 Bloomberg NEW Energy Finance (bnef) User Licenses for the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (CD). the Period of Performance IS From 05/01/2024 to 4/30/2025 — $658.3K (Department of Energy)
- THE Government Accountability Office (GAO) Requires Electronic Access to Financial Data for TEN (10) Users — $549.2K (Government Accountability Office)
- Bloomberg Terminal Service IS Used to Examine Complex Financial Transactions Engaged in by Taxpayers — $145.7K (Department of the Treasury)
- Obtain Bloomberg Anywhere and Physical Terminal Licenses for the Energy Information Administration (EIA), Office of Energy Analysis (OEA), Consisting of 1 Base and 4 Option Periods — $85.1K (Department of Energy)
Other Department of Energy Contracts
- Federal Contract — $48.1B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- ,Ct::igf Contract Award De-Na0003525 to the National Technology&engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC (ntess) for the Management and Operation of the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration's Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) — $41.7B (National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC)
- Management and Operation of the OAK Ridge National Laboratory — $40.8B (Ut-Battelle LLC)
- TAS::89 0240::TAS This Performance-Based Management Contract (pbmc) IS for the Management and Operation of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (llnl). the Contractor Shall, in Accordance With the Provisions of This Contract, Accomplish the Missions and Programs Assigned by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Manage and Operate the Laboratory. the Laboratory IS ONE of Does Office of Defense Program Multi-Program Laboratories. the Laboratory IS a Federally Funded Research and Development Institution (established in Accordance With the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 35 and Operated Under This Management and Operating (M&O) Contract, AS Defined in FAR 17.6 and Dear 917.6 — $40.8B (Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC)
- M&O of Lanl BR of U of CA — $35.3B (Regents of the University of California, the)