Interior Department awards $102.8M contract for grants management support to Chenhall Sedona Services Joint Venture

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $102,808 ($102.8K)

Contractor: Chenhall Sedona Services Joint Venture, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-05-01

End Date: 2027-04-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $282/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: GRANTS MANAGEMENT SUPPORT FOR OCFO (BSS POOL 3)

Place of Performance

Location: DAVENPORT, SCOTT County, IOWA, 52803

State: Iowa Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $102,808.24 to CHENHALL SEDONA SERVICES JOINT VENTURE, LLC for work described as: GRANTS MANAGEMENT SUPPORT FOR OCFO (BSS POOL 3) Key points: 1. Contract provides essential administrative and management consulting services for grant programs. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, indicating a broad search for qualified bidders. 3. The contract duration of 364 days suggests a focused, project-specific need. 4. Services fall under administrative management and general management consulting, a common area for federal support. 5. The award amount is moderate for a single-year contract of this nature. 6. Performance is expected to enhance the efficiency of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education's grant processes.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $102.8 million for a one-year term appears reasonable for comprehensive grants management support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for administrative and management consulting services at this scale suggests that the pricing is likely competitive, especially given the specialized nature of supporting tribal grant programs. The 'Labor Hours' contract type allows for flexibility but requires diligent oversight to ensure efficient resource utilization and prevent cost overruns. Without specific per-unit cost data, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the overall award seems aligned with market expectations for such services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which implies that while the competition was broad, certain sources were initially excluded based on specific criteria. The presence of 7 bidders indicates a healthy level of interest and competition for this requirement. This competitive process is expected to drive fair pricing and ensure that the most capable and cost-effective solution was selected. The exclusion of sources, if justified and transparent, should not significantly hinder price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs and selecting the best value provider. The exclusion of sources, if properly documented, should not negatively impact taxpayers as long as the competition remains robust among the remaining eligible bidders.

Public Impact

Tribal nations and Native American organizations will benefit from improved efficiency and support in managing federal grants. The contract will deliver critical administrative and management consulting services to enhance grant program operations. Geographic impact is nationwide, supporting the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education's reach across various tribal communities. Workforce implications include the potential for specialized consulting roles and support staff within the awarded joint venture.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if grant program needs are not clearly defined and managed.
Reliance on labor hours necessitates robust performance monitoring to ensure efficiency and prevent overspending.
The 'joint venture' structure may present unique management and integration challenges.
Ensuring equitable distribution of support and resources across diverse tribal entities requires careful planning.

Positive Signals

The 'full and open competition' process suggests a strong pool of qualified bidders, increasing the likelihood of selecting a capable contractor.
The contract's focus on grants management support directly addresses a critical need for efficient program delivery.
The specific nature of the services (administrative management) is well-defined, reducing ambiguity.
The joint venture structure might bring together specialized expertise from multiple entities.

Sector Analysis

The federal government frequently procures administrative and management consulting services to support its vast array of programs. This contract falls within the broader professional services sector, specifically focusing on government program support. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous firms offering expertise in areas like grants management, financial oversight, and operational efficiency. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar consulting contracts can vary widely based on scope, duration, and agency, but a $100M+ annual contract for specialized grants support is significant, indicating a substantial operational requirement.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to a joint venture, which may include small business participation. However, the data indicates the primary awardee is Chenhall Sedona Services Joint Venture, LLC. Further analysis would be needed to determine the specific small business composition within the joint venture and any subcontracting plans. Without explicit small business set-aside provisions or clear subcontracting goals, the direct impact on the broader small business ecosystem is uncertain, though joint ventures themselves can be a mechanism for small businesses to access larger contracts.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by contracting officers and program managers within the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education. Accountability measures will be tied to performance metrics outlined in the contract statement of work. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports are typically internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Grants Management Systems
Tribal Assistance Programs
Bureau of Indian Affairs Operations
Bureau of Indian Education Programs
Administrative Management Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues if contractor lacks specific tribal grant expertise.
Risk of cost overruns due to labor-hour contract type without strict oversight.
Dependency on a single joint venture for critical administrative functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $102,808.24 to CHENHALL SEDONA SERVICES JOINT VENTURE, LLC. GRANTS MANAGEMENT SUPPORT FOR OCFO (BSS POOL 3)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CHENHALL SEDONA SERVICES JOINT VENTURE, 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 $102,808.24.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-05-01. End: 2027-04-30.

What is the track record of Chenhall Sedona Services Joint Venture, LLC in performing similar federal contracts?

A thorough review of Chenhall Sedona Services Joint Venture, LLC's contract history is necessary to assess their performance on similar federal contracts. This would involve examining past awards, contract durations, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any documented issues or successes. Understanding their experience with grants management, particularly within agencies serving tribal communities, would provide critical insight into their capability to fulfill the current contract's requirements. Without specific historical data on this joint venture's performance, it is difficult to definitively assess their track record. However, the fact that they were awarded this significant contract suggests they met the agency's pre-qualification criteria and demonstrated relevant experience during the competitive bidding process.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated value or previous spending on similar grants management support services?

The awarded amount of $102.8 million for a 364-day contract represents a substantial investment in grants management support. To benchmark this value, one would compare it against the agency's historical spending on similar services, the estimated cost provided by the agency during the solicitation phase, and the pricing proposed by other bidders. If this award is significantly higher or lower than previous contracts or estimates, it warrants further investigation into the reasons. Factors such as increased scope, inflation, market rate fluctuations, or a more competitive bidding environment could explain deviations. Without access to the agency's internal cost estimates or historical spending data for this specific function, a precise comparison is challenging, but the figure suggests a comprehensive service requirement.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks for this contract include potential scope creep, contractor performance issues, and inefficient resource utilization given the labor-hours contract type. Scope creep could occur if the requirements for grants management support are not clearly defined or if unforeseen needs arise within the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education. Contractor performance risks are inherent in any service contract and would be mitigated through robust contract oversight, regular performance reviews, and adherence to the contract's statement of work. Inefficient resource utilization is a risk with labor-hour contracts; mitigation involves diligent monitoring of hours expended against deliverables and ensuring that the contractor's personnel are productive and appropriately skilled. The agency's oversight mechanisms and the competitive nature of the award are intended to mitigate these risks.

How effective is the current grants management support likely to be under this contract?

The effectiveness of the grants management support under this contract will largely depend on the contractor's ability to deliver on the defined objectives and the agency's oversight. The contract aims to improve the efficiency and administration of grants, which are critical for supporting tribal communities. Success will be measured by improvements in grant processing times, accuracy, compliance, and overall satisfaction of grant recipients. The 'full and open competition' suggests the selection of a capable provider. However, ongoing monitoring of key performance indicators (KPIs) and regular communication between the agency and the contractor are essential to ensure the services provided are effective and meet the evolving needs of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education.

What are the historical spending patterns for grants management support within the Department of the Interior, particularly for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for grants management support within the Department of the Interior, specifically for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), is crucial for context. This would involve examining contract databases and budget documents over several fiscal years to identify trends in contract awards, amounts, and durations for similar services. Understanding whether spending has been consistent, increasing, or decreasing can indicate shifts in program needs or funding priorities. For instance, a consistent or increasing spend might suggest a growing reliance on external support for grants management, while a decrease could signal efforts towards in-house capacity building or program consolidation. This contract's value of $102.8 million should be viewed against this historical backdrop to assess its proportionality and significance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 140A1626Q0022

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2119 E 12TH ST, DAVENPORT, IA, 52803

Business Categories: Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $209,307

Exercised Options: $102,808

Current Obligation: $102,808

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140A1623D0005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline