Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs Awards $1.6M for Student Air Travel to Select Group Travel and Tours Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $163,801 ($163.8K)
Contractor: Select Group Travel and Tours Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2025-03-06
End Date: 2026-03-05
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $450/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT
Sector: Other
Official Description: STUDENT TRAVEL - AIRLINE
Place of Performance
Location: FLANDREAU, MOODY County, SOUTH DAKOTA, 57028
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $163,801 to SELECT GROUP TRAVEL AND TOURS INC. for work described as: STUDENT TRAVEL - AIRLINE Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single vendor, Select Group Travel and Tours Inc. 2. The contract is for student air travel services, a recurring need for educational programs. 3. Competition method was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP', suggesting a streamlined process for smaller procurements. 4. The fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment aims to manage fluctuating airfare costs.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $1.638 million over one year appears reasonable for specialized student travel services. Benchmarking against similar government travel agency contracts would provide a more precise assessment of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating it was likely a competitive process among eligible vendors. However, the specific number of bids received is not detailed, impacting the assessment of price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The fixed-price with economic adjustment structure aims to control costs while accommodating market fluctuations, potentially benefiting taxpayers by preventing excessive overruns due to price volatility.
Public Impact
Ensures essential travel services for students participating in Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education programs. Supports educational opportunities by facilitating student access to various locations for learning experiences. Potential for cost savings through negotiated rates, though economic price adjustments introduce some variability.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed competition data
- Economic price adjustment introduces cost uncertainty
Positive Signals
- Supports critical educational programs
- Utilizes streamlined acquisition procedures
Sector Analysis
The travel agency sector is highly competitive, with numerous private and government-contracted providers. Government benchmarks for travel services vary based on volume, destination, and service level, but typically aim for negotiated discounts.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if Select Group Travel and Tours Inc. is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation in this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is a delivery order under a larger agreement, suggesting existing oversight mechanisms. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education are responsible for monitoring performance and ensuring compliance.
Related Government Programs
- Travel Agencies
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to EPA
- Limited transparency on competition details
- Vendor's small business status unknown
- Reliance on a single vendor for a critical service
Tags
travel-agencies, department-of-the-interior, sd, delivery-order, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $163,801 to SELECT GROUP TRAVEL AND TOURS INC.. STUDENT TRAVEL - AIRLINE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SELECT GROUP TRAVEL AND TOURS INC..
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 $163,801.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-03-06. End: 2026-03-05.
What is the typical cost per student trip for similar air travel arrangements facilitated by the government or private sector?
Per-student trip costs for air travel can vary significantly based on destination, booking time, and class of service. Government contracts often leverage bulk purchasing power to secure rates lower than standard commercial fares. Benchmarking against historical government travel data or industry reports for educational travel would provide a clearer picture of cost-effectiveness for this specific contract.
What are the specific risks associated with the economic price adjustment clause in this contract?
The primary risk of an economic price adjustment (EPA) clause is potential cost escalation for the government if fuel prices or other specified economic factors increase significantly. While it protects the contractor from losses, it can lead to higher-than-anticipated spending for taxpayers. The extent of this risk depends on the volatility of the indexed costs and the contract's cap on adjustments.
How effectively does this contract support the educational mission of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education?
This contract directly supports the educational mission by ensuring students can access necessary travel for programs, field trips, or other educational activities. Its effectiveness hinges on reliable service delivery, timely bookings, and cost management. If the travel is seamless and affordable, it enhances educational opportunities; conversely, disruptions or significant cost overruns could detract from the mission's goals.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services › Travel Agencies
Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRAVEL, LODGING, RECRUITMENT SVCS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 140A2325F0032
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT (K)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1919 FOUNTAIN SPRAY DR., WYLIE, TX, 75098
Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $163,801
Exercised Options: $163,801
Current Obligation: $163,801
Actual Outlays: $152,717
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 140A2324D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-03-06
Current End Date: 2026-03-05
Potential End Date: 2026-03-05 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-03
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