State Department awards $477,618 contract for ATVs to Seneca Strategic Partners, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $477,618 ($477.6K)

Contractor: Seneca Strategic Partners, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2026-03-24

End Date: 2026-04-24

Contract Duration: 31 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ATVS AS A DONATION TO THE STATE OF SONORA FOR USE ALONG THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $477,618 to SENECA STRATEGIC PARTNERS, LLC for work described as: ATVS AS A DONATION TO THE STATE OF SONORA FOR USE ALONG THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized vehicles, but detailed cost breakdown is needed for full assessment. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Contract duration is short (31 days), indicating a specific, immediate need. 4. The award is a delivery order under a larger contract, suggesting potential for follow-on work. 5. Focus on border security aligns with stated agency priorities. 6. The specific use of ATVs for donation to Sonora highlights a unique international cooperation aspect.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $477,618 for 31 days of service and delivery of ATVs seems within a reasonable range for specialized vehicles. However, without a detailed breakdown of the cost per ATV and associated services, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult. Benchmarking against similar procurements for border patrol or donation vehicles would provide further context. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract shifts risk to the contractor, which can be beneficial for the government if costs are well-managed.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that multiple bidders were initially considered, but specific sources were later excluded. The presence of 5 bids suggests a degree of competition. The specific reasons for excluding certain sources would be critical to understanding the full competitive landscape and its impact on pricing. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition, despite exclusions, suggests that taxpayers likely benefited from a competitive bidding environment, potentially leading to a more favorable price than a sole-source award.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the State of Sonora, Mexico, receiving ATVs for border security operations. The services delivered include the provision of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and potentially related support. The geographic impact is focused along the U.S.-Mexico border, specifically within the state of Sonora. Workforce implications are likely minimal for the contracting agency, with the primary impact on the contractor's operations and potentially on border security personnel in Sonora.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed cost breakdown per unit makes value assessment challenging.
Reasons for exclusion of sources in a 'full and open' competition are not immediately clear and warrant further investigation.
Short contract duration may indicate a rushed procurement or a need for rapid deployment, potentially increasing costs.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a structured procurement process.
Firm fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government.
Contract aligns with stated U.S. foreign policy and border security objectives.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader automotive manufacturing and distribution sector, specifically focusing on light-duty motor vehicles (NAICS 336110). The market for ATVs is diverse, with numerous manufacturers and distributors. The State Department's procurement of these vehicles for international donation and use along a border highlights a niche application within this sector, driven by specific foreign policy and security needs rather than typical commercial sales. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found in other government procurements for law enforcement, border patrol, or international aid involving similar equipment.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears limited for this specific award, though the prime contractor's own use of small business subcontractors is unknown.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of State's contracting officers and potentially its Office of Inspector General. The firm fixed-price nature provides some cost control. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of contract awards, but detailed justifications for source exclusions and specific cost breakdowns would enhance accountability.

Related Government Programs

Department of State - Foreign Operations
Department of Homeland Security - Border Security Initiatives
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Bureau Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for higher per-unit cost due to short duration and specialized nature.
Lack of transparency regarding source exclusions in competition.
Limited insight into contractor's past performance for similar contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $477,618 to SENECA STRATEGIC PARTNERS, LLC. ATVS AS A DONATION TO THE STATE OF SONORA FOR USE ALONG THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SENECA STRATEGIC PARTNERS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $477,618.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-24. End: 2026-04-24.

What is the specific breakdown of costs per ATV and associated services included in the $477,618 contract value?

The provided data does not include a specific breakdown of costs per ATV or associated services. The total contract value is $477,618 for a delivery order with a duration of 31 days, ending April 24, 2026. To assess value for money, a detailed breakdown would be necessary, including the cost of each ATV, any required modifications, transportation, training, or maintenance included. Without this granular data, it is difficult to benchmark the pricing against market rates or similar government procurements effectively. The firm fixed-price contract type suggests the contractor is responsible for all costs, but the government needs visibility into unit costs for thorough analysis.

What were the specific reasons for excluding certain sources in this 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award?

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' with 5 bids received. While this indicates an initial broad solicitation, the exclusion of specific sources implies that not all initially interested parties were considered for the final award. The reasons for these exclusions are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, exclusions might stem from failure to meet technical requirements, past performance issues, or specific solicitation terms. Understanding these exclusions is crucial for evaluating the true level of competition and whether the government received the best possible offers. Without this context, it's difficult to definitively state the impact on price discovery.

How does the $477,618 contract value compare to similar procurements for ATVs by the Department of State or other agencies for border security or international donations?

Benchmarking this $477,618 contract requires comparing it to similar procurements. The contract is for ATVs to be donated to the State of Sonora for border use. Similar contracts might involve the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for its border patrol operations or other State Department programs focused on law enforcement assistance abroad. Factors influencing price include the specific ATV model, quantity, required modifications (e.g., for rugged terrain, surveillance equipment), delivery timelines, and included support services. A quick review of publicly available contract data reveals varying prices for government-procured ATVs, often ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per unit depending on specifications. If this contract includes a significant number of vehicles, the total value could be reasonable; however, if it's for a smaller quantity, the per-unit cost might be higher than average.

What is the track record of Seneca Strategic Partners, LLC in fulfilling government contracts, particularly those involving vehicle procurement or international aid?

Information regarding the specific track record of Seneca Strategic Partners, LLC in fulfilling government contracts, especially those involving vehicle procurement or international aid, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance history, including on-time delivery rates, quality of goods/services provided, and any instances of contract disputes or terminations. Examining their financial stability and experience with similar international procurements would also be pertinent. Without this background information, it's challenging to fully evaluate the risk associated with this contractor for this specific delivery order.

What are the potential risks associated with the short 31-day performance period for this contract?

The short 31-day performance period for this contract (ending April 24, 2026) presents several potential risks. Firstly, it implies a need for rapid delivery and deployment of the ATVs, which could lead to expedited shipping costs or pressure on the contractor to meet tight deadlines, potentially impacting quality. Secondly, it suggests this might be a time-sensitive requirement, possibly related to immediate border security needs or a specific event. If the contractor fails to deliver within this window, the government may face delays in its operational plans. Lastly, such short-term contracts can sometimes be less cost-effective than longer-term agreements if they involve significant setup or mobilization costs for the contractor that are then amortized over a brief period.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Motor Vehicle Manufacturing › Automobile and Light Duty Motor Vehicle Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MOTOR VEHICLES, CYCLES, TRAILERS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 19AQMM23R0287

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 90 OHI:YO' WAY, SALAMANCA, NY, 14779

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $477,618

Exercised Options: $477,618

Current Obligation: $477,618

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 19AQMM24D0051

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline