Interior Department awards $725K environmental remediation contract to Eastern Shawnee Professional Services, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $724,655 ($724.7K)

Contractor: Eastern Shawnee Professional Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-09-23

End Date: 2026-06-08

Contract Duration: 258 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.8K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FORMER SANOSTEE SCHOOL SITE REMEDIATION, BIA, NAVAJO REGION, ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES. THIS IS SET ASIDE 100% FOR ISBEE FIRMS, PER THE BUY INDIAN ACT, 25 USC 47.

Place of Performance

Location: SANOSTEE, SAN JUAN County, NEW MEXICO, 87461

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $724,655.36 to EASTERN SHAWNEE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, LLC for work described as: FORMER SANOSTEE SCHOOL SITE REMEDIATION, BIA, NAVAJO REGION, ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES. THIS IS SET ASIDE 100% FOR ISBEE FIRMS, PER THE BUY INDIAN ACT, 25 USC 47. Key points: 1. Contract awarded under the Small Business Administration's (SBA) 8(a) program, indicating a focus on supporting disadvantaged small businesses. 2. The contract is set aside 100% for Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEE) firms, aligning with the Buy Indian Act's objectives. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests a defined scope and budget, potentially limiting cost overruns if managed effectively. 4. The contract duration of approximately 258 days indicates a focused effort on a specific remediation project. 5. The award was made under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a streamlined procurement process for a contract of this value. 6. The geographic location in New Mexico points to a specific environmental need within the Navajo Region.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $725,000 for environmental remediation services appears reasonable given the scope and set-aside nature. While direct comparisons are difficult without more detailed project specifications, the award to a specialized ISBEE firm under the Buy Indian Act suggests a focus on specific socio-economic goals alongside service delivery. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government. Benchmarking against similar remediation projects of comparable size and complexity would offer further insight into value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and is 100% set aside for Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEE) firms, per the Buy Indian Act. This limits the pool of eligible bidders to those meeting specific criteria related to Native American ownership and operation. While this ensures support for targeted businesses, it inherently reduces the breadth of competition compared to an open solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: The set-aside nature ensures that taxpayer funds are directed towards businesses that align with federal objectives for supporting Native American economic development, potentially leading to long-term community benefits.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the residents and environment of the former Sanostee School site in the Navajo Region, New Mexico, through the cleanup of environmental hazards. The contract delivers essential environmental remediation services, addressing potential health and safety risks associated with the former school site. The geographic impact is localized to the Navajo Region in New Mexico, a specific area targeted for federal support and environmental improvement. The contract supports the workforce of Eastern Shawnee Professional Services, LLC, a business owned by Native Americans, contributing to economic opportunities within that community.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to the specific set-aside criteria for ISBEE firms.
Ensuring the contractor possesses the specialized expertise and equipment for effective environmental remediation.
Monitoring project timelines and deliverables to ensure completion within the specified contract period.
Verifying compliance with all environmental regulations and safety protocols during the remediation process.

Positive Signals

Direct support for an Indian Small Business Economic Enterprise (ISBEE) firm, aligning with federal socio-economic goals.
The Buy Indian Act preference ensures funds are channeled to businesses that contribute to Native American economic development.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
The remediation of a former school site addresses potential public health and environmental concerns.

Sector Analysis

The environmental services sector is critical for addressing legacy contamination and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. This contract falls within the remediation services sub-sector, which involves cleaning up polluted sites. The market for environmental remediation is driven by regulatory requirements, industrial activity, and government initiatives to clean up federal lands. Spending in this area can vary significantly based on the scale and complexity of the contamination, with government contracts often being substantial due to the nature of federal land management and historical site usage.

Small Business Impact

This contract is 100% set aside for Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEE) under the Buy Indian Act. This specific set-aside is designed to promote economic development within Native American communities by directing federal contracting opportunities to eligible businesses. Eastern Shawnee Professional Services, LLC, as an ISBEE, directly benefits from this targeted approach. There is no indication of subcontracting requirements in the provided data, but the primary goal is to ensure the prime contractor, an ISBEE, performs the work.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education, given their role in awarding and administering the contract. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of financial oversight by establishing a set cost. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are recorded. Specific accountability measures would be detailed in the contract terms and conditions, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Buy Indian Act Programs
Environmental Remediation Services
Small Business Set-Aside Contracts
Bureau of Indian Affairs Contracts
Department of the Interior Environmental Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to specific set-aside criteria.
Ensuring contractor's specialized environmental expertise.
Compliance with environmental regulations and safety standards.
Logistical challenges in remote geographic locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $724,655.36 to EASTERN SHAWNEE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, LLC. FORMER SANOSTEE SCHOOL SITE REMEDIATION, BIA, NAVAJO REGION, ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES. THIS IS SET ASIDE 100% FOR ISBEE FIRMS, PER THE BUY INDIAN ACT, 25 USC 47.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EASTERN SHAWNEE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $724,655.36.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-23. End: 2026-06-08.

What is the track record of Eastern Shawnee Professional Services, LLC in performing environmental remediation contracts?

Information regarding the specific track record of Eastern Shawnee Professional Services, LLC in performing environmental remediation contracts is not detailed in the provided data. As the contract was awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and is set aside for ISBEE firms, the procurement process likely focused on meeting eligibility criteria and ensuring the firm's capacity for the specific task. A deeper dive into the contractor's past performance, including previous government contracts, client references, and any history of successful project completion or challenges, would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment. Federal procurement databases and past performance reviews, if available, would be the primary sources for this information.

How does the $725,000 contract value compare to similar environmental remediation projects for former school sites?

Directly comparing the $725,000 contract value to similar environmental remediation projects for former school sites is challenging without specific details on the scope of work, the type and extent of contamination, and the geographic location's cost factors. However, for a project involving remediation services under a firm-fixed-price structure and a duration of approximately 258 days, this value appears to be within a reasonable range for a focused effort. Larger, more complex sites with extensive contamination could easily run into millions of dollars. The set-aside nature for ISBEE firms might also influence pricing dynamics compared to contracts competed on a fully open and competitive basis.

What are the primary risks associated with this environmental remediation contract?

The primary risks associated with this environmental remediation contract include potential scope creep if unforeseen contamination is discovered, leading to cost increases beyond the firm-fixed-price. There's also a risk related to the contractor's specialized expertise and capacity, particularly given the set-aside nature which limits the bidder pool. Ensuring adherence to stringent environmental regulations and safety protocols is critical, as non-compliance can lead to significant penalties and project delays. Furthermore, the remote location in the Navajo Region might present logistical challenges. Finally, the success of the remediation itself, achieving the desired environmental quality standards, is a key performance risk.

How effective is the Buy Indian Act in achieving its goal of promoting economic development for Native American businesses?

The Buy Indian Act aims to promote economic development and employment opportunities for Native Americans by prioritizing contracts awarded to Indian Economic Enterprises. Its effectiveness is often debated. Proponents argue it provides crucial access to federal contracting dollars, fostering business growth and self-sufficiency within Native communities. Critics sometimes point to challenges in implementation, potential for limited competition, and concerns about ensuring genuine economic benefit versus simply meeting set-aside targets. Data on the long-term impact on Native American businesses and communities, including job creation and revenue generation, is essential for a full assessment of its effectiveness. This specific contract, by being 100% set aside, represents a direct application of the Act's intent.

What is the historical spending pattern for environmental remediation services by the Bureau of Indian Affairs?

Historical spending patterns for environmental remediation services by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) are not detailed in the provided data. However, the BIA, as a steward of tribal lands and resources, is responsible for addressing environmental issues on these lands, which can include legacy contamination from past activities. Spending in this area is likely influenced by federal appropriations, regulatory requirements, and the identification of environmental hazards on BIA-managed properties. The BIA's budget typically allocates funds for infrastructure, education, and natural resource management, which can encompass environmental cleanup projects. Analyzing past BIA budgets and contract awards for environmental services would reveal trends in spending, project types, and the average contract values over time.

What are the implications of using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for this contract?

Using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for this contract, valued at approximately $725,000, implies a streamlined and less burdensome procurement process compared to full and open competition. SAP is designed for purchases below the threshold for formal advertising (currently $250,000, but often higher for specific agencies or set-asides). This allows for faster award times and reduced administrative effort. However, SAP typically involves fewer bidders and less extensive documentation requirements. For this specific contract, SAP was used in conjunction with a 100% ISBEE set-aside, indicating the government sought to efficiently award the contract to an eligible Indian Small Business Economic Enterprise while adhering to the Buy Indian Act's objectives.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Remediation and Other Waste Management Services › Remediation Services

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PROTECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140A0925R0002

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6400 GLENWOOD ST STE 320, MISSION, KS, 66202

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $724,655

Exercised Options: $724,655

Current Obligation: $724,655

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline