### Company Overview & Leadership
OAI Consulting, operating as Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) within the fisheries and oceans communities where it originated [1], was established in 2003 [1]. The firm provides professional consulting and technical services to government organizations, UN agencies, academia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector [5]. Initially focused on ocean and fisheries science, OAI broadened its scope to include Scientific and Technical, Administrative, and Information Technology (IT) Services [3]. OAI maintains a recognized position in North American fisheries and oceans contracting, leveraging nearly 20 years of expertise in strategic planning and scientific program management to deliver world-class solutions [3], [1]. The company’s largest Federal customer is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the Department of Commerce [1].
OAI focuses primarily on supporting Federal organization management, environmental research, IT, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement programs [2]. The firm employs experts across a wide array of subject areas, including aquaculture, wildlife health and conservation, data management, modelling, and Federal policy, regulation, and law enforcement support [1].
The organization was established by Dr. John T. Everett in 2003, who currently serves as President and one of OAI's Senior Associates [1]. Kristin Vehrs is the Majority Owner and CEO, responsible for the overall management of OAI [1]. OAI operates as a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) [3] and maintains its corporate headquarters at 4007 N. Abingdon Street, Arlington, Virginia, USA 22207 [6].
The leadership team and core capabilities include: * **Leadership:** Dr. John T. Everett, President; Kristin L. Vehrs, CEO; Mr. Peter A. Milone, Director of Operations; Ms. Paula H. Rivera, Director of Finance; Ms. Mary Means Odum, Director of Science Programs [10]. * **Primary Industry Sectors:** Business Consulting Services, NEC (8748) and Land, Mineral, Wildlife, and Forest (9512) [7]. * **Main Technology Specializations:** IT support including SQL programming, web-based data product development, database development and analysis, and acoustic monitoring technology design and implementation [5]. * **Geographic Presence:** Licensed in 15 states [10], with employees in over 25 states and contractors in additional states and countries. Operational reach spans globally, from Gloucester, Massachusetts, to the Western Pacific Island Territories, and from the Arctic to the Antarctic [3], [1].
### Federal Market & Contracts
OAI maintains a strong federal market presence, primarily leveraging its status as a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) [1]. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) within the Department of Commerce serves as the largest federal customer [9]. OAI holds multiple prime Indefinite Quantity Indefinite Delivery (IDIQ) and Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) [1], including two active GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contracts [1]. The company utilizes the GSA MAS to provide services to federal agencies, the District of Columbia government, mixed ownership government corporations, and state and local governments under certain conditions [1].
OAI’s primary contract vehicles include: * **GSA Professional Services Schedule (PSS):** Previously designated 00CORP, Contract Number GS-10F-0567P, active from September 7, 2004, through September 6, 2024 [1]. This contract includes Special Item Numbers (SINs) for Engineering Services (541330ENG), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Services (541370GIS), Environmental Consulting Services (541620), and Management and Financial Consulting (541611) [1]. The maximum order threshold for SINs under the PSS is $1 million [2]. * **GSA IT Professional Services:** Previously GSA Schedule 70, Contract Number GS-35F-372GA, active from April 15, 2023, until April 14, 2027 [1]. This schedule covers areas such as IT Facility Operation and Maintenance (FPDS Code D301) and IT Systems Development Services (FPDS Code D302) [1]. The maximum order for SIN 54151S (Information Technology Professional Services) is $500,000 [2]. * **NOAA ProTech:** OAI holds the ProTech Fisheries contract (1305M424D0011) and the ProTech Oceans contract (1305M424D0032), both serving as overarching contracting vehicles for professional and technical services [5]. * **NOAA NMITS:** The Mission Information Technology Services contract (1305M421ANAAA0068) is a small business set-aside designed to meet NOAA’s IT service requirements, including Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Services [5].
OAI demonstrates its operational reach through key programs supporting critical federal missions: * Provides scientific, technical, and analytical support to the NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region, Southwest Center, focusing on fishery management, resource protection, and habitat conservation [3]. * Supports the NOAA Fisheries Northwest Science Center Fish Ecology Division by collecting environmental and biological data, conducting physical and biochemical analysis, and maintaining research equipment and vessels to improve Pacific salmon survivability [3]. * Conducts comparability analyses of foreign nations’ bycatch and shark conservation management regulations against applicable U.S. regulations for the NOAA Fisheries HQ Office of International Affairs [3]. * Serves as the Secretariat for the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles, a role held since 2009, under the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation [3].
Key corporate identifiers include: * **CAGE Code:** 3K8W1 [7]. * **DUNS Number:** 129300799 [7]. * **FSC Classification (IT Schedule):** Group: Information Technology; Class: DA01 [2].
### Certifications & Socioeconomic
Ocean Associates, Incorporated (OAI) maintains a commitment to continuous improvement, evidenced by holding both CMMI appraisals and ISO certifications [[LINK:https://www.oceanassoc.com