Department of the Interior awards $24,000 fixed-price purchase order for real estate appraisal services in West Virginia

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,000 ($24.0K)

Contractor: Vista Realty Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-10-14

Contract Duration: 195 days

Daily Burn Rate: $123/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: APPRAISAL SERVICE FOR: AVIS PROJECT NUMBER: P260121, AGENCY CASE ID: 00231296, CASE NAME: NERI TRACTS 111-24, 111-26, 111-27, 111-32, 109-19, LOCATION: RALEIGH COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA.

Place of Performance

Location: LAWRENCEVILLE, TIOGA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 16929

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $24,000 to VISTA REALTY SERVICES, INC. for work described as: APPRAISAL SERVICE FOR: AVIS PROJECT NUMBER: P260121, AGENCY CASE ID: 00231296, CASE NAME: NERI TRACTS 111-24, 111-26, 111-27, 111-32, 109-19, LOCATION: RALEIGH COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA. Key points: 1. The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 2. The fixed-price contract type shifts risk to the contractor, VISTA REALTY SERVICES, INC., for cost overruns. 3. The short performance period of approximately six months indicates a focused, time-sensitive requirement. 4. The contract is for appraisal services, a common need for government property management and disposition. 5. The geographic focus on Raleigh County, West Virginia, highlights a specific regional requirement for the Department of the Interior.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $24,000 for real estate appraisal services appears to be within a reasonable range for a single property or a small group of properties, especially considering the location. Without specific details on the complexity or number of parcels being appraised, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests the government has a clear understanding of the scope and has negotiated a price deemed acceptable for the defined deliverables.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for a broader range of competition than sole-source awards but may not involve the extensive outreach of full and open competition for larger contracts. The data indicates two bids were received, suggesting a moderate level of competition for this procurement. This level of competition is generally sufficient to ensure fair market pricing for smaller value contracts.

Taxpayer Impact: The competition level indicates that taxpayers likely benefited from a reasonably competitive price, as multiple firms were able to bid on the requirement.

Public Impact

The Department of the Interior benefits from accurate property valuations for its land management activities. Residents and businesses in Raleigh County, West Virginia, may be indirectly impacted by land use decisions informed by these appraisals. The services delivered are professional real estate appraisals, crucial for asset management and potential transactions. The geographic impact is localized to Raleigh County, West Virginia, indicating a specific operational need.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if the initial appraisal scope is not clearly defined and adhered to.
Risk of contractor performance issues if the firm lacks sufficient local market expertise.
The fixed-price nature could incentivize cutting corners if not properly monitored.

Positive Signals

The contract was competed, indicating multiple interested parties and a selection process.
The fixed-price contract type transfers cost overrun risk to the contractor.
The short duration suggests a focused and manageable task.

Sector Analysis

The real estate appraisal sector involves professionals who provide valuations of properties for various purposes, including government acquisitions, sales, and management. This contract falls within the professional services category for the federal government. The market for appraisal services is diverse, with many small and medium-sized firms capable of performing such work. Federal spending in this area is typically tied to land management, infrastructure projects, and asset disposition.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses. However, given the contract value and the nature of appraisal services, it is plausible that small businesses were among the bidders or could have been. The competition under SAP often includes small businesses. There is no explicit information on subcontracting requirements.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Interior's contracting officer and program managers. As a purchase order, it is likely managed through established internal procurement and financial controls. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Specific Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on the nature of any potential issues arising from the contract's performance.

Related Government Programs

Real Estate Services
Property Appraisal
Land Management Services
Department of the Interior Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for inaccurate valuation if scope is not clearly defined.
Risk of contractor performance issues impacting delivery timeline.
Fixed-price contract requires careful monitoring to ensure quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $24,000 to VISTA REALTY SERVICES, INC.. APPRAISAL SERVICE FOR: AVIS PROJECT NUMBER: P260121, AGENCY CASE ID: 00231296, CASE NAME: NERI TRACTS 111-24, 111-26, 111-27, 111-32, 109-19, LOCATION: RALEIGH COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VISTA REALTY SERVICES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $24,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-10-14.

What is the track record of VISTA REALTY SERVICES, INC. with federal contracts?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that VISTA REALTY SERVICES, INC. has received multiple federal contracts, primarily for real estate appraisal and related services. These contracts have been awarded by various agencies, including the Department of the Interior and potentially others involved in land management or property transactions. The contract history suggests a specialization in this niche service area. Further analysis would involve examining the performance history, any past performance evaluations, and the total value of contracts awarded to the firm to assess its overall reliability and experience within the federal contracting landscape.

How does the $24,000 award compare to similar real estate appraisal contracts?

The $24,000 award for real estate appraisal services is a moderate amount for a federal contract of this nature. Contracts for appraisals can vary significantly based on the complexity of the property, the number of parcels, the required level of detail, and the geographic location. Simpler appraisals for standard residential or small commercial properties might fall within this range, especially under Simplified Acquisition Procedures. More complex valuations, such as for large tracts of undeveloped land, specialized facilities, or properties with significant environmental considerations, could easily cost tens of thousands more. Without knowing the specifics of the NERI TRACTS appraisal, it's difficult to benchmark precisely, but the amount suggests a focused scope.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of appraisal contract?

The primary risks associated with this real estate appraisal contract include potential inaccuracies in the valuation due to incomplete data, flawed methodologies, or lack of local market expertise by the appraiser. For the government, there's a risk of overpaying for services if the price is not competitive or if the scope is not well-defined, leading to potential cost increases. For the contractor, the main risk lies in the fixed-price nature of the contract; if the appraisal work proves more complex or time-consuming than anticipated, their profit margin will decrease. Additionally, ensuring timely delivery within the specified performance period is a key risk factor.

How effective are real estate appraisals in supporting the Department of the Interior's mission?

Real estate appraisals are fundamental to the Department of the Interior's mission, which involves managing vast amounts of federal land and resources. Accurate appraisals provide the necessary data for informed decision-making regarding land acquisition, disposal, leasing, and resource management. They ensure that the government receives fair market value in transactions, protecting taxpayer interests. Without reliable appraisals, the Department risks financial losses, legal challenges, and inefficient resource allocation. Therefore, the effectiveness of these appraisals directly supports the Department's stewardship responsibilities and fiduciary duties.

What is the historical spending pattern for real estate appraisal services by the Department of the Interior?

Historical spending by the Department of the Interior on real estate appraisal services typically fluctuates based on agency priorities, land management initiatives, and infrastructure projects. The Department manages a significant real estate portfolio, necessitating regular appraisals for various purposes, including land exchanges, sales, acquisitions for conservation or development, and rights-of-way. Spending patterns can be observed through aggregated federal procurement data, which would show annual outlays for appraisal services across different bureaus within the Department (e.g., Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service). This spending is generally consistent but can see spikes related to major land transactions or policy shifts.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Real Estate and Rental and Leasing › Activities Related to Real Estate › Offices of Real Estate Appraisers

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140D0426Q0289

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1509 BLISS RD, LAWRENCEVILLE, PA, 16929

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,000

Exercised Options: $24,000

Current Obligation: $24,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline