Interior Department Purchases Alfalfa Hay for Animal Feed
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $410,000 ($410.0K)
Contractor: John C Barnum
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2026-04-01
End Date: 2026-11-30
Sector: Other
Official Description: ALFALFA HAY TO FEED ANIMALS
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $410,000 to JOHN C BARNUM for work described as: ALFALFA HAY TO FEED ANIMALS Key points: 1. Significant expenditure for essential animal sustenance. 2. Competition appears limited, with a single vendor identified. 3. Potential risk of price fluctuations impacting future needs. 4. Contract duration covers a substantial portion of a fiscal year.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The total award of $410,000 for alfalfa hay is substantial, reflecting the volume and duration of the need. The value appears reasonable for feed procurement over an extended period.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was awarded via purchase order to John C Barnum. Details on the justification for a sole-source award are not provided, raising questions about competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used to secure necessary feed for animals managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Public Impact
Ensures the welfare of animals under federal care. Supports agricultural producers through procurement.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding could lead to higher costs.
- Dependence on a single supplier presents supply chain risk.
Positive Signals
- Secures a critical resource for animal management.
- Supports a known vendor for reliable delivery.
Sector Analysis
This procurement falls within the agricultural support sector, specifically for livestock feed. Such contracts are common for agencies managing land and wildlife.
Small Business Impact
No indication of small business participation or set-aside was provided in the data. The award was made via purchase order.
Oversight & Accountability
The Bureau of Land Management is responsible for managing this contract. Oversight would typically involve monitoring delivery, quality, and adherence to contract terms.
Related Government Programs
- Animal Feed Procurement
- Agricultural Supplies
- Bureau of Land Management Operations
Risk Flags
- Sole-source justification
- Lack of competition
Tags
alfalfa-hay, animal-feed, department-of-the-interior, bureau-of-land-management, purchase-order, sole-source, agriculture, livestock
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $410,000 to JOHN C BARNUM. ALFALFA HAY TO FEED ANIMALS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is JOHN C BARNUM.
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 $410,000.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-11-30.
Analysis insight 1
The contract duration spans approximately eight months, from April to November.
Analysis insight 2
The specific animal populations being fed and their dietary needs are not detailed.
Analysis insight 3
Further investigation into the sole-source justification would clarify competitive concerns.