Interior's USGS Awards $9.4M Student Service Contract to Bruce Patrick Beem for Technical Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,428 ($9.4K)
Contractor: Bruce Patrick Beem
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2026-06-01
End Date: 2028-05-31
Contract Duration: 730 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 29
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS
Sector: Other
Official Description: STUDENT SERVICE CONTRACT BRUCE BEEM
Place of Performance
Location: BAGLEY, GRANT County, WISCONSIN, 53801
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $9,427.56 to BRUCE PATRICK BEEM for work described as: STUDENT SERVICE CONTRACT BRUCE BEEM Key points: 1. Contract awarded to an individual, raising questions about scale and scope. 2. Limited competition likely due to individual award, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. Long contract duration (2 years) for a service contract warrants close monitoring. 4. Sector: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, a broad category.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $9.4M over two years is substantial for an individual service provider. Benchmarking against similar individual professional service contracts is difficult without more granular data on the specific services rendered.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting an expectation of a smaller, less complex procurement. Awarding to a single individual implies limited competition, potentially leading to higher prices than a broader competition might yield.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for this contract. The limited competition raises concerns about whether the government is receiving the best possible value for the money spent.
Public Impact
Potential for inflated costs due to lack of robust competition. Ensuring the services provided are essential and not duplicative of existing government capabilities. Transparency regarding the specific tasks and deliverables under this large individual contract.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Individual award for a large sum
- Limited competition under SAP
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Contract awarded
- Clear end date
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector. Spending in this sector can vary widely, but large individual contracts often warrant scrutiny to ensure they are justified and competitively priced.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to an individual, not a small business entity. There is no indication that small businesses were considered or subcontracted for this award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure the services are delivered as specified and that the pricing remains reasonable throughout the contract term, especially given the limited competition.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- U.S. Geological Survey Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for overpayment due to limited competition.
- Lack of transparency on specific services rendered.
- Risk of contractor performance issues with a single individual on a large contract.
- Questionable use of SAP for a contract of this value.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-the-interior, wi, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $9,427.56 to BRUCE PATRICK BEEM. STUDENT SERVICE CONTRACT BRUCE BEEM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BRUCE PATRICK BEEM.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Geological Survey).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $9,427.56.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-06-01. End: 2028-05-31.
What specific professional, scientific, or technical services are being provided under this contract, and how do they align with the USGS's core mission?
The contract is categorized under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.' Without a more detailed statement of work, it's difficult to ascertain the exact nature of the services. However, given the agency (USGS), these could range from specialized geological research support, data analysis, environmental consulting, or technical writing. Alignment with the mission would depend on the specific tasks performed.
What was the justification for limiting competition under SAP for a contract valued at nearly $10 million?
Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are typically used for purchases up to $250,000. Awarding a contract of this magnitude under SAP suggests either a misunderstanding of SAP thresholds or a specific justification for its use, such as urgency or unique circumstances. The limited competition inherent in SAP, especially when awarded to an individual, raises concerns about value for money and potential price inflation.
How will the USGS ensure effective performance and accountability from an individual service provider over a two-year period for a $9.4M contract?
Effective performance and accountability will rely heavily on robust contract management by the USGS. This includes clearly defined deliverables, performance metrics, regular progress reviews, and timely payment based on satisfactory performance. Given the contract's value and duration, strong oversight is essential to mitigate risks associated with individual service provision and ensure taxpayer funds are used judiciously.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 140G0226P0077
Offers Received: 29
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 516 MILL BANK LN, SPRINGFIELD, IL, 62704
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $9,428
Exercised Options: $9,428
Current Obligation: $9,428
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-06-01
Current End Date: 2028-05-31
Potential End Date: 2028-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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