Interior Department awards $163K for Vicksburg National Military Park stabilization, with Stantec Consulting Services Inc. leading engineering

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $163,354 ($163.4K)

Contractor: Stantec Consulting Services Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2027-11-13

Contract Duration: 584 days

Daily Burn Rate: $280/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: VICK 310725 324137 - "STABILIZE TERRACES & GRAVES," AT VICKSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK, IN VICKSBURG, MS; ENGINEERING SERVICES - CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICES TASK ORDER

Place of Performance

Location: LAKEWOOD, JEFFERSON County, COLORADO, 80228

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $163,353.92 to STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC. for work described as: VICK 310725 324137 - "STABILIZE TERRACES & GRAVES," AT VICKSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK, IN VICKSBURG, MS; ENGINEERING SERVICES - CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICES TASK ORDER Key points: 1. Contract focuses on engineering services for the construction phase of terrace and grave stabilization. 2. The firm fixed-price contract indicates a defined scope and cost structure. 3. A single award task order suggests a specific need within a broader contract vehicle. 4. The duration of over 500 days points to a moderately complex and lengthy project. 5. The National Park Service is the primary agency overseeing this critical preservation effort.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $163,353.92 appears reasonable for specialized engineering services related to historical site preservation. Benchmarking against similar construction phase engineering contracts for national parks or historical sites would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, given the specific nature of stabilizing terraces and graves, the cost is likely aligned with the expertise required for such delicate work.

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 fact that it resulted in a single award task order suggests that Stantec Consulting Services Inc. was selected as the most advantageous offer based on the evaluation criteria. The level of competition is generally positive for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs and improves service quality.

Public Impact

Preserves historical integrity of terraces and graves at Vicksburg National Military Park. Ensures the long-term stability and protection of significant historical assets. Supports the National Park Service's mission of heritage preservation. Benefits visitors and researchers by maintaining the authenticity and accessibility of the site. Potentially supports local or regional engineering and construction workforce during the project execution.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if unforeseen structural issues arise during stabilization.
Dependence on the successful execution of the construction phase following engineering design.
Risk of delays due to weather or site accessibility issues at a historical park.

Positive Signals

Clear contract type (firm fixed price) limits cost overruns for the government.
Awarded to a known entity (Stantec Consulting Services Inc.) with presumed relevant expertise.
Focus on stabilization suggests a proactive approach to asset preservation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Environmental Consulting Services sector, specifically related to engineering and construction phase support for historical preservation projects. The market for such specialized services is driven by government agencies responsible for maintaining national parks, historical sites, and cultural heritage. Spending in this area is often project-specific and tied to conservation efforts and infrastructure maintenance within protected areas.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a small business set-aside. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless Stantec Consulting Services Inc. voluntarily engages small businesses for specific support roles.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Park Service contracting officer and project managers. They are responsible for monitoring performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and approving payments. The Department of the Interior's Office of Inspector General may also conduct audits or investigations if warranted, ensuring accountability and proper use of federal funds.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Preservation Programs
Historic Preservation Fund
Federal Preservation Institute
Engineering and Construction Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting cost and schedule.
Reliance on contractor's expertise for critical historical preservation work.
Need for robust government oversight to ensure quality and compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $163,353.92 to STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC.. VICK 310725 324137 - "STABILIZE TERRACES & GRAVES," AT VICKSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK, IN VICKSBURG, MS; ENGINEERING SERVICES - CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICES TASK ORDER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (National Park Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $163,353.92.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2027-11-13.

What is the track record of Stantec Consulting Services Inc. with the National Park Service or similar historical preservation projects?

Stantec Consulting Services Inc. is a large, multinational engineering and consulting firm with a broad range of experience across various sectors, including environmental, infrastructure, and buildings. While specific details on their past performance with the National Park Service for historical site stabilization are not provided in this data snippet, their extensive portfolio suggests they possess the technical capabilities for such projects. A deeper dive into their contract history with federal agencies, particularly the NPS, would reveal their specific experience in managing similar projects, their performance ratings on past contracts, and any history of disputes or issues. This would provide crucial context for assessing their reliability and expertise in executing the Vicksburg National Military Park stabilization task order.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated cost or budget for this stabilization project?

The provided data indicates an awarded amount of $163,353.92. Without access to the original contract solicitation, pre-award estimates, or the agency's budget allocation for this specific task order, it is impossible to definitively compare the awarded amount to the estimated cost. However, the fact that it was awarded under full and open competition suggests that the final price reflects market conditions and the bids received. If the awarded amount is significantly lower than any internal estimates, it could indicate successful competition. Conversely, if it aligns closely or exceeds estimates, further scrutiny of the bidding process and scope might be warranted to ensure optimal value for taxpayer funds.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or deliverables expected under this contract?

While the specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided data, typical deliverables for a construction phase engineering services contract for historical site stabilization would include detailed engineering reports, construction oversight, quality assurance checks, progress monitoring, and potentially final as-built documentation. The primary goal is to ensure the stabilization work is executed according to the approved engineering plans and specifications, maintaining the historical integrity of the terraces and graves. Performance would likely be evaluated based on the timeliness of reports, the effectiveness of oversight in preventing construction defects, adherence to budget (if applicable to the engineering phase), and the overall success of the stabilization efforts as verified by the National Park Service.

Are there any potential risks associated with the firm fixed-price contract type for this project?

The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type generally offers cost certainty for the government, as the price is set at the outset. However, for a project involving historical site stabilization, there can be inherent risks. If unforeseen conditions arise during construction that were not reasonably foreseeable during the engineering and bidding phases (e.g., discovering fragile materials, unexpected soil instability), the contractor might seek equitable adjustments, potentially leading to cost increases or disputes. Conversely, if the contractor underestimates the effort required, they bear the risk of reduced profit or even a loss. The success of an FFP contract in this context relies heavily on a thorough initial assessment of the site and a well-defined scope of work.

What is the historical spending trend for similar engineering services at Vicksburg National Military Park or other NPS sites?

Analyzing historical spending trends for similar engineering services at Vicksburg National Military Park and other National Park Service (NPS) sites is crucial for context. Without access to historical spending databases, it's difficult to provide specific figures. However, preservation and stabilization projects at historical sites are often cyclical, driven by funding availability, condition assessments, and strategic planning by the NPS. Spending can fluctuate significantly year-to-year based on the scale and number of projects undertaken. Comparing this $163K contract to previous engineering contracts for stabilization or construction phase services at similar NPS locations would help determine if this represents a typical investment or an outlier, informing assessments of value and necessity.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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

Parent Company: Stantec Consulting Michigan Inc.

Address: 410 17TH ST STE 1400, DENVER, CO, 80202

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $163,354

Exercised Options: $163,354

Current Obligation: $163,354

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAA19D000Q

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline