Interior Department awards $38K BPA call for interpretive panels to Interpretive Graphics Signs & Systems, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $38,061 ($38.1K)

Contractor: Interpretive Graphics Signs & Systems, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2027-04-06

Contract Duration: 368 days

Daily Burn Rate: $103/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ND - DES LACS NWR - BPA CALL - INTERPRETIVE PANELS AND MOUNTS

Place of Performance

Location: SALT LAKE CITY, SALT LAKE County, UTAH, 84109

State: Utah Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $38,060.78 to INTERPRETIVE GRAPHICS SIGNS & SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: ND - DES LACS NWR - BPA CALL - INTERPRETIVE PANELS AND MOUNTS Key points: 1. Contract value appears low, suggesting a focused scope or limited duration. 2. Competition was conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a focus on smaller procurements. 3. The contract is a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call, which is a mechanism for streamlined ordering against an existing agreement. 4. The fixed-price contract type suggests that cost risks are primarily borne by the contractor. 5. The contract duration is approximately three years, aligning with typical project lifecycles for such services. 6. The geographic location of performance is Utah.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $38,060.78 is relatively small, making direct comparison to larger contracts difficult. However, for graphic design services and the production of interpretive panels, this amount seems reasonable for a focused project. The fixed-price nature of the award suggests the government has a clear understanding of the scope and cost, and the contractor assumes the risk of cost overruns. Without specific details on the number or complexity of panels, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the modest award size implies efficient use of funds for a specific need.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which generally allows for full and open competition for procurements below the simplified acquisition threshold. The data indicates 5 offers were received, suggesting a healthy level of interest and competition for this requirement. The use of SAP aims to streamline the acquisition process while still ensuring fair opportunity for qualified vendors to compete.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award, with multiple offers received, is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down pricing and ensured the government received competitive proposals for the services.

Public Impact

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service benefits from this contract by acquiring necessary interpretive panels and mounts. These panels will likely enhance visitor experience and provide educational information at federal sites managed by the agency. The services delivered are graphic design and the production of interpretive materials. The geographic impact is focused on Utah, where the panels will be installed or utilized.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if the number or complexity of interpretive panels is not clearly defined in the BPA Call.
Reliance on a single BPA call for specific interpretive needs might limit flexibility if requirements change significantly.
Ensuring the contractor's design capabilities align with the specific interpretive and educational goals of the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Positive Signals

The contract was competed, indicating a fair process and potential for competitive pricing.
The use of a BPA Call suggests an existing framework that streamlines ordering and potentially reduces administrative burden.
The fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The award to a company specializing in interpretive graphics suggests relevant expertise.

Sector Analysis

The graphic design services sector is broad, encompassing a wide range of creative and technical skills. This contract falls within the niche of producing interpretive panels, often used in public spaces like national parks, museums, and visitor centers for educational and informational purposes. The market for such specialized design and fabrication can be competitive, with firms often differentiating on artistic quality, durability of materials, and adherence to specific agency branding and content guidelines. The value of this specific award is modest, typical for smaller projects or individual components within larger interpretive installations.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it provide information on subcontracting plans. Given the small contract value and the nature of the services, it is plausible that small businesses were among the bidders. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation or impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contracting officer and program managers. As a BPA Call, oversight is also influenced by the terms and conditions of the underlying BPA. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Accountability measures are inherent in the fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to deliver specified goods and services. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Interpretive Signage Contracts
Bureau of Land Management Visitor Center Development
U.S. Forest Service Educational Materials Procurement
Federal Agency Graphic Design Services

Risk Flags

Potential for undefined scope impacting cost and schedule.
Reliance on BPA Call mechanism requires careful task order management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $38,060.78 to INTERPRETIVE GRAPHICS SIGNS & SYSTEMS, INC.. ND - DES LACS NWR - BPA CALL - INTERPRETIVE PANELS AND MOUNTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTERPRETIVE GRAPHICS SIGNS & SYSTEMS, INC..

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 $38,060.78.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2027-04-06.

What is the specific scope of work for the interpretive panels and mounts covered by this BPA Call?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'INTERPRETIVE PANELS AND MOUNTS' under a BPA Call. The specific scope of work, including the number of panels, their size, material specifications, design complexity, and mounting requirements, is not detailed in the summary data. This information would typically be found in the BPA Call document itself or associated statements of work. Understanding these specifics is crucial for a thorough value assessment, as it dictates the effort and resources required from the contractor and influences the overall cost-effectiveness.

How does the pricing of Interpretive Graphics Signs & Systems, Inc. compare to other providers of similar interpretive signage?

Benchmarking the pricing for this specific BPA Call is challenging without detailed cost breakdowns or access to pricing from the other four bidders. However, the total award value of $38,060.78 for approximately three years of potential ordering suggests a modest per-unit cost or a limited quantity. To perform a robust comparison, one would need to analyze the contractor's proposed rates against industry standards for graphic design, fabrication, and installation of interpretive panels, considering factors like material durability, design innovation, and project management. The fact that it was competed under SAP with five offers provides some assurance of competitive pricing within that framework.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or quality standards expected for the interpretive panels?

Key performance indicators and quality standards for interpretive panels typically revolve around durability, aesthetic quality, accuracy of information, legibility, and compliance with accessibility standards (e.g., ADA). For this contract, specific KPIs would likely be detailed in the BPA Call document or task orders issued against it. These might include adherence to design specifications, timely delivery, material longevity under environmental conditions, and overall visitor engagement as perceived through feedback or agency assessment. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would be responsible for monitoring these aspects to ensure the contractor meets the required standards.

What is the track record of Interpretive Graphics Signs & Systems, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of the Interior or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?

Information on the specific track record of Interpretive Graphics Signs & Systems, Inc. with federal agencies, including the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is not provided in the summary data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance on similar contracts, including client satisfaction, on-time delivery, and adherence to budget. Examining their contract history in federal databases could reveal their experience level, the types of projects they have undertaken, and any performance issues or commendations.

How does this BPA Call fit into the broader strategy for visitor engagement and education at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sites?

This BPA Call for interpretive panels and mounts likely supports the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's broader mission of conservation, education, and visitor engagement. Interpretive signage plays a critical role in informing the public about wildlife, ecosystems, conservation efforts, and recreational opportunities at Service-managed lands. By providing visually appealing and informative panels, the agency aims to enhance the visitor experience, foster environmental stewardship, and communicate the importance of its work. This contract represents a tactical investment towards achieving those strategic communication and education goals, likely at specific sites within Utah.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Specialized Design Services › Graphic Design Services

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140F0S24A0057

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2370 E STRINGHAM AVE, SALT LAKE CITY, UT, 84109

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $38,061

Exercised Options: $38,061

Current Obligation: $38,061

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140F0S24A0057

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline