Interior Department awards $101K janitorial contract in Montana, highlighting localized service needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $101,040 ($101.0K)

Contractor: Mark T Bartholomew

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-03-11

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 750 days

Daily Burn Rate: $135/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MILES CITY JANITORIAL SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: MILES CITY, CUSTER County, MONTANA, 59301

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $101,040 to MARK T BARTHOLOMEW for work described as: MILES CITY JANITORIAL SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded via simplified acquisition procedures, suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 2. Firm fixed-price contract type indicates predictable costs for the government. 3. The contract duration of approximately 2.5 years provides stable service delivery. 4. Awarded to a single vendor, potentially limiting immediate cost-saving opportunities through broader competition. 5. Geographic focus on Miles City, Montana, addresses specific regional operational requirements. 6. The service category, Janitorial Services, is essential for maintaining government facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $101,040 over approximately 2.5 years for janitorial services in Miles City, Montana, appears reasonable for a localized requirement. Without specific details on the scope of services (e.g., square footage, frequency, specialized cleaning), direct comparison is challenging. However, the award under simplified acquisition procedures suggests a price point appropriate for smaller-scale needs, likely benchmarked against local commercial rates for similar services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a less formal bidding process than full and open competition. While the data indicates it was 'competed,' the specific number of offers received (10) suggests a moderate level of interest for this type of procurement. The 'limited' competition level, common for smaller dollar value contracts, may not have driven the absolute lowest price but likely ensured fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competing under SAP aims to balance efficiency with fair pricing. While not as robust as full and open competition, it still allows multiple vendors to bid, preventing a sole-source situation and providing some price discovery.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the employees and visitors of the Bureau of Land Management facility in Miles City, Montana, who will experience a cleaner and more hygienic environment. Essential janitorial and cleaning services will be delivered to maintain the operational readiness and appearance of government facilities. The geographic impact is localized to Miles City, Montana, supporting local economic activity through the contract award. The contract supports the janitorial services workforce in the local Montana area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for higher costs due to limited competition under SAP.
Scope creep could increase costs if not managed tightly.
Dependence on a single vendor for essential services.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Awarded under competitive procedures, ensuring some level of market validation.
Contract duration offers stability for service provision.
Focus on a specific geographic location allows for tailored service delivery.

Sector Analysis

The janitorial services sector is a significant part of the commercial services industry, supporting the operational needs of government and private entities. Federal spending in this area is often decentralized, with agencies procuring services locally or regionally. This contract, valued at $101,040, falls within the typical range for simplified acquisition of janitorial services for a specific facility, reflecting a common approach to maintaining government infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it detail subcontracting plans. Given the award value and the nature of janitorial services, it is plausible that small businesses could compete for and win such contracts. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation and its impact on the local small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Bureau of Land Management contracting officer and the designated contract specialist. Performance monitoring is crucial to ensure services meet the required standards. As a purchase order under simplified acquisition, it may have less formal oversight than larger, more complex contracts, but accountability is maintained through performance evaluations and payment processes.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Maintenance Contracts
Government Facility Cleaning Services
Bureau of Land Management Operational Support

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to SAP.
Contract performance risk if vendor lacks experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $101,040 to MARK T BARTHOLOMEW. MILES CITY JANITORIAL SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MARK T BARTHOLOMEW.

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 $101,040.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-03-11. End: 2027-03-31.

What is the specific scope of janitorial services required under this contract, and how does it compare to similar contracts in the region?

The provided data does not detail the specific scope of janitorial services. This includes crucial information such as the square footage of the facilities to be cleaned, the frequency of cleaning (daily, weekly, monthly), the types of cleaning required (standard, deep cleaning, specialized disinfection), and any specific performance standards. Without this granular detail, a precise comparison to similar contracts in the Miles City, Montana region or nationally is difficult. However, the contract value of $101,040 over approximately 2.5 years suggests a scope commensurate with maintaining a medium-sized federal office or facility. Benchmarking would typically involve comparing the cost per square foot or cost per service visit against publicly available data for commercial janitorial contracts in similar geographic areas and for comparable facility types.

What is the track record of the contractor, Mark T. Bartholomew, with federal agencies?

Information regarding the specific track record of Mark T. Bartholomew with federal agencies is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their reliability and past performance, one would typically consult the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) or similar databases. These systems often contain past performance reviews, contract administration history, and any reported issues or disputes from previous government contracts. A thorough review would examine the number of previous federal contracts awarded, their value, the types of services provided, and any performance ratings or quality assurance feedback received. Without this external data, it's challenging to evaluate the contractor's established history with the government.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to market rates for janitorial services in Montana?

The contract is priced at $101,040 for approximately 750 days of service (from March 11, 2025, to March 31, 2027). This equates to roughly $134.72 per day. To benchmark this against market rates in Montana, one would need to consider the specific services rendered, the size and type of facility, and the prevailing labor and supply costs in the Miles City area. Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are intended to result in fair and reasonable prices, often based on market research or comparison to commercial prices. While the daily rate seems modest, a comprehensive analysis would require detailed service scope and local commercial pricing data. The fact that it was competed suggests some level of price validation against local market offerings.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Potential risks include service quality issues, contractor non-performance, or unexpected cost increases if the scope is not well-defined. Given the firm fixed-price nature, the primary risk shifts to the contractor regarding profitability. For the government, the main risks revolve around ensuring consistent service delivery and maintaining facility standards. Mitigation strategies typically involve clear performance work statements, regular inspections, performance monitoring by the contracting officer's representative (COR), and defined remedies for non-compliance. The relatively small contract value and localized nature may reduce the complexity of risks compared to larger, multi-year, or geographically dispersed contracts.

What is the historical spending pattern for janitorial services by the Bureau of Land Management in Montana?

The provided data focuses solely on this specific contract award. To understand historical spending patterns for janitorial services by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Montana, one would need to analyze historical contract databases (like FPDS or USASpending.gov) for previous awards made by the BLM or other Interior Department agencies within Montana. This analysis would reveal trends in contract values, types of services procured, number of vendors used, and competition levels over time. Without this historical context, it's difficult to determine if this $101,040 award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending for such services in the region.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Services to Buildings and Dwellings › Janitorial Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140L3625Q0013

Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 95 RAZORBACK RD, MILES CITY, MT, 59301

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $252,600

Exercised Options: $101,040

Current Obligation: $101,040

Actual Outlays: $42,100

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline