Interior Department awards $5.6M contract for animal production support, with a firm fixed price

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,638 ($5.6K)

Contractor: Spanish Q Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-04-10

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TO SPANISH Q, INC, L0125C0003 ADD'L FDS

Place of Performance

Location: ENNIS, MADISON County, MONTANA, 59729

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $5,637.84 to SPANISH Q INC. for work described as: TO SPANISH Q, INC, L0125C0003 ADD'L FDS Key points: 1. The contract utilizes a firm fixed price structure, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is one year, indicating a need for ongoing support. 4. The specific service, 'Support Activities for Animal Production,' suggests a niche requirement. 5. The contractor, SPANISH Q INC., will be responsible for delivering these support activities. 6. The contract is a purchase order, typically used for smaller value acquisitions.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $5.6 million for a one-year support services agreement appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized animal production support. Without specific benchmarks for 'Support Activities for Animal Production,' a direct value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the government, assuming the scope of work is well-defined and the contractor can execute efficiently within the agreed price. Further analysis would require comparing this to similar contracts for comparable services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The number of bidders is not specified, but this method generally promotes price discovery and allows the government to select the offer that represents the best value. The open competition suggests that the agency sought a broad range of potential providers, which can lead to more competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the potential for lower prices and better service quality due to the competitive nature of the award process.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely entities involved in animal production that require specialized support services. The services delivered will focus on supporting animal production activities, though the exact nature is not detailed. The contract is geographically located in Montana (MT), suggesting a regional focus for the support. Workforce implications may include employment opportunities for individuals with expertise in animal production support within Montana.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed scope of work for 'Support Activities for Animal Production' could lead to scope creep or unmet needs.
The one-year duration might indicate a short-term need or a pilot program, requiring future re-competition or extension.
Reliance on a single contractor for specialized support could create dependency if alternatives are not readily available.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract shifts cost risk to the contractor, potentially saving taxpayer money if costs are managed effectively.
Full and open competition generally leads to better pricing and a wider selection of qualified contractors.
The contract award to SPANISH Q INC. provides a clear point of accountability for the services.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the broader 'Agriculture' or 'Government Services' sectors. 'Support Activities for Animal Production' is a specialized niche, likely serving agricultural operations or research facilities. The market size for such specific support services can vary significantly depending on the region and the scale of animal production. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within government procurement data for agricultural support or specialized operational services.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a specific set-aside criterion for this contract. Therefore, there are no direct set-aside implications for small businesses. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would depend on SPANISH Q INC.'s internal policies and the specific requirements of the support activities, which are not detailed in this award notice.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) within the Department of the Interior. As a purchase order, it is subject to standard procurement regulations and agency oversight processes. Accountability measures would be tied to the contractor's performance against the terms and conditions of the firm fixed-price contract. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of contract award data, though detailed performance metrics are not publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Animal Husbandry Services
Agricultural Support Contracts
Bureau of Land Management Operations
Federal Purchase Orders

Risk Flags

Undefined Scope of Work
Contractor Performance Risk
Potential for Cost Overruns (if scope changes)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $5,637.84 to SPANISH Q INC.. TO SPANISH Q, INC, L0125C0003 ADD'L FDS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SPANISH Q INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Land Management).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5,637.84.

What is the period of performance?

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

What specific services are included under 'Support Activities for Animal Production'?

The provided data does not specify the exact services encompassed by 'Support Activities for Animal Production.' This category is broad and could include a range of activities such as veterinary support, feed management, breeding assistance, animal welfare monitoring, data collection related to animal health and productivity, or operational support for facilities involved in animal husbandry. A detailed statement of work (SOW) or contract line item numbers (CLINs) would be necessary to understand the precise deliverables. Without this, it's difficult to assess the full scope and value of the contract beyond its general description and financial value.

How does the $5.6 million value compare to similar contracts for animal production support?

Benchmarking the $5.6 million value requires access to a database of comparable contracts for 'Support Activities for Animal Production.' Such specific data is not readily available in the provided award details. However, for a one-year firm fixed-price contract, this amount suggests a significant scope of services or a highly specialized need. To perform a robust comparison, one would need to identify contracts with similar service descriptions, durations, and geographic locations, ideally awarded by agencies with similar missions. The firm fixed-price nature implies that the government has defined the scope and expects the contractor to deliver within that budget, making cost efficiency a key performance indicator.

What is the track record of SPANISH Q INC. in providing similar support services?

Information regarding the specific track record of SPANISH Q INC. in providing 'Support Activities for Animal Production' is not included in the provided award data. To assess their past performance, one would need to consult federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for previous contracts awarded to this entity, focusing on contracts with similar service requirements, agencies, and contract types. Evaluating past performance would involve reviewing performance evaluations, any past disputes or terminations, and the overall success rate in fulfilling contractual obligations. This information is crucial for understanding the risk associated with awarding this contract to SPANISH Q INC.

What are the potential risks associated with this firm fixed-price contract?

The primary risk with a firm fixed-price (FFP) contract, especially for specialized services, is that the contractor may underperform if the scope of work is not precisely defined or if unforeseen challenges arise. If SPANISH Q INC. underestimated the effort required or if the scope expands without a formal modification, they might cut corners to maintain profitability, potentially impacting service quality. Conversely, if the government's requirements are overly restrictive or change frequently, the FFP structure can make it difficult to adapt. The agency's ability to clearly define requirements and monitor performance is critical to mitigating these risks.

How does the 'full and open competition' impact taxpayer value for this contract?

Awarding this contract through 'full and open competition' is generally beneficial for taxpayers. It ensures that a wide range of potential contractors had the opportunity to bid, fostering a competitive environment that typically drives down prices and encourages innovation. This process allows the Department of the Interior to select the offer that provides the best overall value, considering both price and non-price factors like technical approach and past performance. The competition helps prevent price gouging and ensures that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by selecting a contractor capable of delivering the required support services at a reasonable cost.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting › Support Activities for Animal Production › Support Activities for Animal Production

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVERVAT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 400 CENTENNIAL DR, ENNIS, MT, 59729

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,638

Exercised Options: $5,638

Current Obligation: $5,638

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline