DoD awards $4.5M contract for South Pacific LIDAR and bathymetric data extraction to Woolpert, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,496,585 ($4.5M)

Contractor: Woolpert, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2026-10-01

Contract Duration: 365 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: LIDAR AND BATHYMETRIC EXTRACTION SOUTH PACIFIC

Place of Performance

Location: MOBILE, MOBILE County, ALABAMA, 36602

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $4.5 million to WOOLPERT, INC. for work described as: LIDAR AND BATHYMETRIC EXTRACTION SOUTH PACIFIC Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized geospatial data acquisition services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Contract duration of one year aligns with project scope. 5. Geographic focus on the South Pacific presents unique logistical and environmental challenges. 6. Data extraction services are critical for maritime navigation and environmental monitoring.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $4.5 million for one year of LIDAR and bathymetric data extraction in the South Pacific seems within a reasonable range for specialized geospatial services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale data acquisition projects, especially those involving complex marine environments, would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm fixed-price structure is advantageous, shifting cost risk to the contractor and promoting efficient service delivery.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 4 bids suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this specialized service. This competitive environment is generally expected to drive more favorable pricing and service offerings for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining the best value through competitive pricing and encourages a wider pool of qualified contractors to bid, potentially lowering overall costs.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense is the primary beneficiary, likely for enhanced maritime domain awareness and operational planning in the South Pacific. Services delivered include the extraction of LIDAR and bathymetric data, crucial for understanding underwater topography and coastal features. The geographic impact is focused on the South Pacific region, an area of strategic importance. The contract supports specialized technical expertise in geospatial engineering and data analysis.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for data accuracy issues in challenging South Pacific environments.
Logistical complexities of operating in remote oceanic regions could impact delivery timelines.
Ensuring data standardization across different collection methods may be a challenge.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits cost uncertainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Experienced contractor (Woolpert, Inc.) likely brings specialized expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically focusing on geospatial data acquisition and analysis. The market for such services is driven by government and commercial needs for detailed mapping, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure planning. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other large-scale geospatial data projects, particularly those involving hydrographic and topographic surveys in challenging or remote locations.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. Woolpert, Inc. is a large business. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses, which could be a missed opportunity to engage the small business ecosystem in this specialized field.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard Department of Defense oversight mechanisms. As a firm fixed-price contract, financial oversight will focus on adherence to scope and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Geospatial Intelligence
Hydrographic Surveying
Maritime Domain Awareness
Environmental Data Collection
Defense Mapping Agency activities

Risk Flags

Geographic remoteness and environmental challenges
Data accuracy and quality assurance in complex environments
Logistical planning for remote operations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $4.5 million to WOOLPERT, INC.. LIDAR AND BATHYMETRIC EXTRACTION SOUTH PACIFIC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WOOLPERT, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-10-01.

What is Woolpert, Inc.'s track record with similar large-scale geospatial data extraction contracts for the Department of Defense?

Woolpert, Inc. has a significant history of performing geospatial services for various government agencies, including the Department of Defense. Their expertise spans aerial and satellite imagery, LIDAR, and bathymetric data acquisition and analysis. While specific contract details for the South Pacific region are not immediately available in this context, their general profile suggests they possess the technical capabilities and experience required for such projects. A deeper dive into their past performance reports and contract history with agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers or NAVOCEANO would provide more granular insights into their success rates, on-time delivery, and adherence to budget on comparable projects.

How does the $4.5 million contract value compare to similar LIDAR and bathymetric data extraction projects in other regions?

Benchmarking the $4.5 million contract value requires comparing it to projects of similar scope, complexity, and geographic challenges. Large-scale bathymetric and LIDAR surveys in remote or environmentally sensitive areas, such as the South Pacific, typically command higher costs due to logistical hurdles, specialized equipment, and potentially longer data acquisition periods. If comparable projects in less challenging regions or with less extensive data requirements were significantly lower, it might warrant further scrutiny. However, given the strategic importance and inherent difficulties of the South Pacific, this figure appears plausible, assuming the scope of work is comprehensive and covers a substantial area.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include environmental challenges in the South Pacific (weather, sea conditions), logistical complexities of operating in remote areas, potential for data quality issues due to the environment, and ensuring timely delivery within the one-year timeframe. Mitigation strategies are inherent in the contract structure: the firm fixed-price nature shifts cost risk to Woolpert, Inc. The requirement for LIDAR and bathymetric extraction implies a need for robust data processing and quality control. The Department of the Army's oversight and the contractor's presumed experience in similar environments are also critical mitigation factors. Specific risk mitigation plans would typically be detailed in the contractor's proposal and project management documentation.

What is the expected effectiveness of the extracted data for the Department of Defense's mission in the South Pacific?

The extracted LIDAR and bathymetric data are expected to significantly enhance the Department of Defense's capabilities in the South Pacific. This data is crucial for accurate maritime navigation, enabling safer transit for naval vessels and supporting amphibious operations. It also aids in understanding coastal vulnerabilities, planning infrastructure development, and supporting environmental monitoring and disaster response efforts. Improved situational awareness derived from this data directly supports strategic objectives related to presence, power projection, and security in this vital region.

How does this contract's spending compare to historical federal spending on similar geospatial data acquisition services?

Historical federal spending on geospatial data acquisition, particularly for defense and intelligence purposes, has been substantial and ongoing. Contracts for LIDAR and bathymetric surveys vary widely based on scale, technology used, and geographic scope. While this $4.5 million award is significant for a single-year project, it aligns with the government's consistent investment in maintaining up-to-date and high-resolution geospatial intelligence. Trends show an increasing demand for such data due to advancements in sensor technology and the growing recognition of its importance for national security and infrastructure planning.

What specific technical standards or quality assurance measures are likely required for this data extraction contract?

This contract likely mandates adherence to stringent technical standards set by organizations such as the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) for bathymetric data and relevant standards for LIDAR data acquisition and processing (e.g., ASPRS standards). Quality assurance would involve rigorous data validation, error checking, and potentially independent verification processes. The Department of the Army would specify deliverables, accuracy requirements, and data formats. Woolpert, Inc. would be expected to implement a comprehensive quality control plan throughout the data acquisition and extraction lifecycle to ensure the data meets the precise needs of the DoD.

Industry Classification

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

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4454 IDEA CENTER BLVD, BEAVERCREEK, OH, 45430

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,496,585

Exercised Options: $4,496,585

Current Obligation: $4,496,585

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W9127824D0010

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline