Interior Department awards $2.1M water easement contract to Henry Miller Reclamation District

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,137,982 ($2.1M)

Contractor: Henry Miller Reclaimation District 2131

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-06-25

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 462 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CA-SAN LUIS NWRC-HMRD-CVPIA-WATER EASEMT

Place of Performance

Location: DOS PALOS, MERCED County, CALIFORNIA, 93620

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $2.1 million to HENRY MILLER RECLAIMATION DISTRICT 2131 for work described as: CA-SAN LUIS NWRC-HMRD-CVPIA-WATER EASEMT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single entity, raising questions about competition and potential cost savings. 2. The fixed-price contract aims to secure water supply and irrigation systems, crucial for environmental restoration. 3. Duration of 462 days suggests a focused scope of work for the easement. 4. The contract's value is modest in the context of federal infrastructure spending. 5. Geographic focus on California highlights regional water management needs. 6. Lack of detailed procurement data makes a comprehensive value assessment challenging.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of approximately $2.1 million for a water easement is difficult to benchmark without comparable contracts or detailed service descriptions. Given the sole-source nature, it's challenging to assess if this represents a competitive price. The fixed-price structure offers some cost certainty, but the absence of competitive bidding prevents a robust value-for-money analysis against market alternatives. Further details on the specific easement terms and the services provided would be needed for a more precise valuation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed and was awarded directly to the Henry Miller Reclamation District. The 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' designation indicates that the agency determined that only this specific entity could fulfill the requirement. This lack of competition limits the opportunity for price discovery and may result in a higher cost to the government than if multiple bids were solicited.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards mean taxpayers do not benefit from the cost reductions typically achieved through competitive bidding processes. This can lead to less efficient use of federal funds.

Public Impact

The Henry Miller Reclamation District will benefit directly from this contract, enabling them to manage water resources. The contract supports the acquisition of water easements, essential for maintaining and restoring water supply and irrigation systems. The geographic impact is concentrated in California, addressing specific regional water management challenges. The contract's primary impact is on water resource management and environmental stewardship within the specified region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
Limited transparency in the procurement process due to sole-source award.

Positive Signals

Contract supports critical water infrastructure and environmental goals.
Fixed-price contract provides cost predictability for the awarded amount.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader category of water resource management and infrastructure, a critical sector for environmental protection and agricultural support. Federal spending in this area often involves easements, water rights, and infrastructure development. While specific benchmarks for water easements are scarce, the overall federal investment in water infrastructure and conservation is substantial, often involving complex negotiations and regulatory frameworks. This contract represents a small but specific investment in California's water management system.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides, as it was awarded sole-source to a reclamation district. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data. The focus is on a direct award to a specific entity for a specialized service.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the awarding agency. As a sole-source award, the justification for not competing the contract would be subject to internal agency review and potentially oversight by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) if challenged. Transparency is limited due to the non-competitive nature, but the contract details and performance should be auditable.

Related Government Programs

Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA)
Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act
Bureau of Reclamation Programs
Environmental Protection Agency Water Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Lack of detailed justification for sole-source award.
Limited public information on contractor's specific experience with federal easements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $2.1 million to HENRY MILLER RECLAIMATION DISTRICT 2131. CA-SAN LUIS NWRC-HMRD-CVPIA-WATER EASEMT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HENRY MILLER RECLAIMATION DISTRICT 2131.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-06-25. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the specific nature of the water easement being acquired and its intended use?

The contract data indicates the acquisition of a water easement related to the CA-SAN LUIS NWRC-HMRD-CVPIA-WATER EASEMT. While the exact terms are not detailed, water easements typically grant rights to use or access water resources for specific purposes. Given the context of the CVPIA (Central Valley Project Improvement Act) and the involvement of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this easement likely supports environmental restoration efforts, habitat preservation, or ensures water availability for ecological purposes within the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The Henry Miller Reclamation District's involvement suggests a connection to local water management and distribution infrastructure crucial for these environmental goals.

Why was this contract awarded on a sole-source basis?

The contract was designated as 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' indicating a sole-source award. Agencies typically use sole-source procurements when only one responsible source can satisfy the agency's needs. This could be due to unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or specific legal or regulatory requirements that limit the pool of potential contractors. In this case, the Henry Miller Reclamation District may possess unique rights, infrastructure, or authority over the specific water resources or easements required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, making them the only viable option for fulfilling the agency's objectives for this particular water easement.

What is the track record of the Henry Miller Reclamation District in managing similar water easements or contracts?

Information regarding the specific track record of the Henry Miller Reclamation District in managing federal water easement contracts is not readily available in the provided data. However, as a reclamation district, its primary mission typically involves the management, development, and distribution of water resources within its jurisdiction. This suggests a foundational understanding of water rights, infrastructure, and potentially environmental considerations related to water. To fully assess their track record for this specific federal contract, a review of their past performance on similar projects, financial stability, and compliance history would be necessary.

How does the contract duration and value compare to similar federal water easement acquisitions?

Comparing this contract's duration (462 days) and value ($2.1 million) to similar federal water easement acquisitions is challenging without access to a broader database of comparable contracts. Water easement values can vary significantly based on geographic location, water rights involved, acreage, and the specific terms of the easement. A 462-day duration suggests a focused, medium-term acquisition process. The $2.1 million price point is moderate for federal infrastructure-related contracts, but its 'fairness' is difficult to ascertain without competitive bidding or detailed cost breakdowns. Further analysis would require identifying contracts with similar scope, location, and purpose.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for this water easement?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award is the potential for a lack of price competition, which could lead to the government paying a higher price than necessary. Without multiple bids, there is less incentive for the contractor to offer the most cost-effective solution. Additionally, sole-source awards can sometimes indicate a lack of planning or market research by the agency, or potentially a situation where only one entity has the unique qualifications or rights needed. This limits transparency and the government's ability to explore alternative solutions or contractors, potentially impacting overall program efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Utilities › Water, Sewage and Other Systems › Water Supply and Irrigation Systems

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › UTILITIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 140F0S24Q0044

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11704 HENRY MILLER AVE, DOS PALOS, CA, 93620

Business Categories: Category Business, Government, U.S. Local Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,731,352

Exercised Options: $2,137,982

Current Obligation: $2,137,982

Actual Outlays: $1,297,540

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline