Interior Department awards $350K for new tractor, highlighting need for specialized equipment in remote areas

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $35,066 ($35.1K)

Contractor: Bison Trail Development LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 83 days

Daily Burn Rate: $422/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PURCHASE NEW TRACTOR - LAKE VALLEY

Place of Performance

Location: MIDDLEPORT, NIAGARA County, NEW YORK, 14105

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $35,066.3 to BISON TRAIL DEVELOPMENT LLC for work described as: PURCHASE NEW TRACTOR - LAKE VALLEY Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment and its intended use. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a single award from a competed solicitation, suggesting potential for broader engagement. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed-price contract and a short duration. 4. Performance context suggests a need for reliable machinery to support infrastructure or operational tasks. 5. Sector positioning is within the industrial machinery manufacturing and supply chain for government operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $350,663 for a new tractor appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized industrial equipment. While direct comparisons are difficult without specific model details, the price reflects the acquisition of new, likely heavy-duty machinery. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government. Benchmarking against similar government procurements for tractors of comparable specifications would offer further insight into value, but the initial assessment suggests fair pricing for the item procured.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a full and open competition process for procurements below a certain threshold. While the data shows 4 bids were received, only one award was made. The level of competition, while present, could potentially be enhanced for future procurements to ensure the most competitive pricing and terms are secured. The SAP process aims to balance efficiency with competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The competed nature of this award, even under SAP, suggests that taxpayers benefited from multiple offers being considered, likely leading to a more competitive price than a sole-source acquisition.

Public Impact

The Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education are the primary beneficiaries, likely utilizing the tractor for infrastructure maintenance, land management, or operational support on tribal lands or educational facilities. The service delivered is the provision of essential heavy machinery, crucial for tasks that may include groundskeeping, construction support, or agricultural activities. The geographic impact is focused on New York (ST: NY, SN: NEW YORK), where the equipment will be deployed. Workforce implications include enabling government employees or contractors to perform their duties more efficiently with updated and reliable equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition in future procurements if not actively managed.
Dependence on a single supplier for maintenance or parts could arise if not addressed.
Ensuring the tractor meets all specific operational requirements for the diverse needs of BIA/BIE.

Positive Signals

Procurement conducted under a competitive process (SAP).
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Short contract duration minimizes long-term financial exposure.
Award to a specific company indicates successful sourcing of needed equipment.

Sector Analysis

The acquisition of industrial machinery, such as tractors, falls within the broader manufacturing and industrial equipment sector. This sector is vital for supporting government operations across various agencies, including those focused on land management, infrastructure, and public works. The market for such equipment is typically characterized by established manufacturers and distributors, with government procurement often leveraging competitive bidding processes to secure necessary assets. Benchmarks for similar tractor procurements vary widely based on specifications, but this award appears aligned with typical government spending for specialized units.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it detail subcontracting plans. However, the award was made to BISON TRAIL DEVELOPMENT LLC. Further investigation would be needed to determine if this entity is a small business and if any small business subcontracting goals were established or met. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on the size status of the awardee and any subcontracting opportunities created.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the contracting officers and program managers within the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education. As a purchase order under SAP, it likely falls under standard procurement regulations and agency-specific oversight protocols. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Bureau of Indian Affairs Operations
Bureau of Indian Education Facilities Management
Department of the Interior Fleet Management
Government Purchase of Industrial Machinery
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures)

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition in future procurements.
Need for detailed specifications to fully assess value.
Contractor's past performance history requires further review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $35,066.3 to BISON TRAIL DEVELOPMENT LLC. PURCHASE NEW TRACTOR - LAKE VALLEY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BISON TRAIL DEVELOPMENT 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 $35,066.3.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-06-30.

What specific model of tractor was purchased, and what are its key specifications relevant to its intended use?

The provided data does not specify the exact model of the tractor purchased or its detailed specifications. The description 'PURCHASE NEW TRACTOR - LAKE VALLEY' and the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code '333924' (Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, and Stacker Machinery Manufacturing) suggest it is a piece of industrial machinery. To fully assess the value and suitability, understanding the tractor's horsepower, lifting capacity, terrain capabilities, and any specialized attachments (e.g., for grounds maintenance, construction, or agricultural tasks) would be crucial. Without this information, a precise evaluation of its fit for purpose and comparison to market alternatives is limited.

How does the $350,663 price compare to similar government tractor procurements in the last two years?

Benchmarking the $350,663 price against similar government tractor procurements requires access to detailed specifications and award data. Tractors vary significantly in price based on size, power, features, and intended use (e.g., agricultural, construction, industrial). A review of federal procurement databases for awards of industrial or heavy-duty tractors within the last two years, filtered by similar NAICS codes and contract types (firm fixed-price purchase orders), would be necessary. Preliminary assessment suggests this price is within a reasonable range for a new, specialized piece of government equipment, but a direct comparison with detailed specifications is needed for a definitive value assessment.

What is the track record of BISON TRAIL DEVELOPMENT LLC in fulfilling government contracts, particularly for heavy machinery?

Information regarding the specific track record of BISON TRAIL DEVELOPMENT LLC in fulfilling government contracts, especially for heavy machinery, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive analysis would involve searching federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) for past awards to this contractor. Key metrics to examine would include the number of contracts awarded, their value, performance history (on-time delivery, quality), and any past issues or disputes. Understanding their experience with similar equipment and their capacity to deliver is essential for assessing future performance risk.

What are the specific operational needs or projects that necessitate the purchase of this new tractor for the Bureau of Indian Affairs/Education in New York?

The provided data indicates the purchase is for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education (BIA/BIE) in New York, but does not detail the specific operational needs driving this acquisition. Typically, such equipment is procured to support infrastructure maintenance, land management, construction projects, or agricultural activities on tribal lands or BIA/BIE facilities. Understanding the intended use—whether for road upkeep, building site preparation, resource management, or other tasks—is critical for evaluating the necessity and appropriateness of the tractor model and its specifications. This context helps justify the expenditure and assess its impact on agency mission effectiveness.

Given the 4 bids received, what factors might have led to only one award under this competed SAP solicitation?

Several factors could explain why only one award was made despite four bids under this Simplified Acquisition Procedure (SAP) solicitation. The bids may have varied significantly in price, technical compliance, or proposed delivery timelines. It's possible that only BISON TRAIL DEVELOPMENT LLC met all the mandatory requirements outlined in the solicitation, or their offer was deemed the best value based on the evaluation criteria. Alternatively, the solicitation might have been structured in a way that favored a specific type of offer, or perhaps other bidders withdrew their offers. Without the solicitation details and evaluation documentation, the precise reason remains speculative.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing › Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, and Stacker Machinery Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: TRACTORS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140A2326Q089

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10 KELLY AVE STE 4, MIDDLEPORT, NY, 14105

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $35,066

Exercised Options: $35,066

Current Obligation: $35,066

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline