Department of Agriculture awards $345K for Dubois water well and building repairs to CTA INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $345,675 ($345.7K)

Contractor: CTA Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2023-03-16

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,386 days

Daily Burn Rate: $249/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: AE FOR DUBOIS WATER WELL AND OTHER BUILDING REPAIRS

Place of Performance

Location: DUBOIS, CLARK County, IDAHO, 83423

State: Idaho Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $345,675.05 to CTA INC for work described as: AE FOR DUBOIS WATER WELL AND OTHER BUILDING REPAIRS Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for building repair services, pending detailed cost analysis. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. Contract duration of over three years indicates a need for sustained support. 4. Fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor. 5. The contract is for engineering services, aligning with the agency's research support needs. 6. Geographic focus on Idaho suggests localized impact.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $345,675.05 for water well and building repairs seems within a reasonable range for the scope of work and duration. Without specific details on the repairs or comparable projects in the Dubois, Idaho area, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the contractor has assessed the risks and costs, and the agency is seeking a defined outcome for a set price. Further analysis would involve comparing the unit costs of specific repair items to industry averages.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the method of competition suggests a robust market for engineering and building repair services in the relevant geographic area. This approach generally leads to competitive pricing and a wider selection of qualified contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices due to market forces and a greater likelihood of selecting the most capable and cost-effective provider.

Public Impact

The Agricultural Research Service benefits from the maintenance and repair of its facilities, ensuring operational continuity. The services delivered include repairs to water wells and other building infrastructure. The geographic impact is localized to Dubois, Idaho, where the facilities are located. The contract supports the maintenance of federal research infrastructure, indirectly benefiting the agricultural sector through continued research.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if repair needs are not clearly defined upfront.
Reliance on a single contractor for an extended period could limit future flexibility.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract aligns costs with expected outcomes.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process.
Contract duration indicates a stable need for services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically related to building maintenance and infrastructure repair. The market for such services is broad, encompassing numerous small and large firms. Federal spending in this area supports the upkeep of government facilities nationwide. Benchmarking this specific contract's value against similar repair projects for agricultural research facilities would provide further context on its cost-effectiveness.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is not immediately apparent from the provided information. Further investigation into the bidding process and awarded contractor's subcontracting plan would be necessary to assess any implications for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Agricultural Research Service contracting officer and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are published, though detailed performance reports may not always be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Maintenance Contracts
Water Well Repair Services
Agricultural Research Facilities Management
Engineering Services for Government Facilities

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to material/labor fluctuations over contract duration.
Scope definition for 'other building repairs' needs clarity to prevent disputes.
Lack of specific performance data for CTA INC requires further due diligence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $345,675.05 to CTA INC. AE FOR DUBOIS WATER WELL AND OTHER BUILDING REPAIRS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CTA INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Agricultural Research Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $345,675.05.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-03-16. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the specific nature of the 'other building repairs' included in this contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific 'other building repairs.' This could range from structural maintenance, plumbing, electrical work, HVAC system repairs, or cosmetic upgrades. To fully assess the value and necessity of the contract, a detailed statement of work or a breakdown of the anticipated repair tasks would be required. Understanding the scope of these repairs is crucial for comparing costs against industry benchmarks and ensuring the funds are allocated effectively for essential facility upkeep.

How does the $345,675.05 contract value compare to similar water well and building repair projects for agricultural research facilities?

Benchmarking this contract's value requires access to a database of comparable federal or state-funded projects for agricultural research facilities. Factors such as geographic location (labor and material costs vary significantly), the complexity of the water well system, the size and condition of the buildings requiring repair, and the specific scope of work all influence pricing. Without specific comparable data points, it's challenging to definitively state if this contract represents excellent, good, or fair value. However, the full and open competition suggests a market-driven price was likely achieved.

What are the potential risks associated with a contract of this duration (nearly 4 years)?

Contracts spanning nearly four years carry several potential risks. Firstly, the cost of materials and labor can fluctuate significantly over such a period, potentially impacting the contractor's profitability or leading to change orders if not adequately accounted for in the initial pricing. Secondly, unforeseen issues with the water well or buildings may arise that were not identified during the initial assessment, requiring additional funding or scope adjustments. Lastly, there's a risk of contractor performance degradation over time or a lack of flexibility for the agency if needs change and a new, more suitable contractor is desired.

What is the track record of CTA INC in performing similar federal contracts?

Information regarding CTA INC's specific track record with federal contracts, particularly for water well and building repairs at agricultural research facilities, is not provided in the summary data. A thorough assessment would involve reviewing past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), the types and values of previous contracts awarded to CTA INC, and any history of disputes or contract terminations. This information is crucial for evaluating the contractor's reliability and capability to successfully execute the current contract.

How does the engineering services classification (NAICS 541330) align with the stated purpose of water well and building repairs?

The NAICS code 541330, 'Engineering Services,' aligns well with the contract's stated purpose. Engineering services often encompass the design, planning, and oversight of construction, repair, and maintenance projects, including specialized systems like water wells. Engineers would be responsible for assessing the condition of the water well and buildings, determining the necessary repairs, potentially designing solutions, and ensuring the work meets relevant codes and standards. Therefore, engaging an engineering firm for these types of repairs is a standard and appropriate practice.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - CONSTRUCTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 13 N 23RD ST, BILLINGS, MT, 59101

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $345,675

Exercised Options: $345,675

Current Obligation: $345,675

Actual Outlays: $319,751

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12639521D0052

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline