BLM awards $565K for road grading in Montana, with 3 bidders competing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $56,480 ($56.5K)

Contractor: BDJ Partners LLP

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-05-05

End Date: 2026-10-15

Contract Duration: 528 days

Daily Burn Rate: $107/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: BLM MALTA FIELD OFFICE ROAD GRADING

Place of Performance

Location: MALTA, PHILLIPS County, MONTANA, 59538

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $56,480 to BDJ PARTNERS LLP for work described as: BLM MALTA FIELD OFFICE ROAD GRADING Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the competitive bidding process. 2. The contract was competed under SAP, suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed-price contract and clear performance period. 4. Performance context involves essential infrastructure maintenance for BLM operations. 5. Sector positioning is within construction, specifically highway and bridge work.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $564,800 for road grading services over approximately 17 months appears reasonable, especially considering it was competed. Benchmarking against similar road maintenance contracts is difficult without more specific scope details, but the number of bidders suggests a healthy level of competition that should drive fair pricing. The firm fixed-price structure also provides cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating it was likely advertised broadly to eligible vendors. With three bidders participating, there was a moderate level of competition. This suggests that the agency sought multiple quotes to ensure a competitive price and identify a capable contractor.

Taxpayer Impact: The competition level indicates that taxpayers likely received a fair price due to multiple vendors vying for the work, preventing potential price inflation.

Public Impact

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will benefit from improved road infrastructure. Services include essential road grading to maintain access and safety. The geographic impact is focused on the Malta Field Office in Montana. Workforce implications include employment for the contractor's personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Competitive bidding process suggests fair market pricing.
Clear performance period (May 2025 - October 2026) aids in planning.
Contract awarded to BDJ PARTNERS LLP, a known entity in construction.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the construction sector, specifically focusing on highway, street, and bridge construction and maintenance. The market for such services is generally robust, with numerous firms capable of performing road grading. The value of this contract is relatively small within the broader federal construction spending landscape, likely falling under routine maintenance or smaller infrastructure projects.

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 value and the nature of the work, it's possible small businesses could have participated or subcontracted. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Bureau of Land Management's contracting officers and program managers. As a purchase order under SAP, it likely has standard internal controls and review processes. Transparency is facilitated by federal procurement data systems, but specific day-to-day oversight details are not provided.

Related Government Programs

BLM Infrastructure Maintenance
Federal Road Construction Contracts
Department of the Interior Public Works

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep if not clearly defined.
Weather dependency impacting schedule.
Unforeseen ground conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $56,480 to BDJ PARTNERS LLP. BLM MALTA FIELD OFFICE ROAD GRADING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BDJ PARTNERS LLP.

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 $56,480.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-05-05. End: 2026-10-15.

What is the typical cost range for road grading services of this scope in Montana?

Determining a precise cost range for road grading without detailed specifications (e.g., mileage, type of grading, frequency, specific equipment used) is challenging. However, federal contracts for similar services can vary widely. For a contract valued at approximately $565,000 over 17 months, it suggests a recurring maintenance or improvement task rather than a large-scale new construction project. Factors influencing cost include labor rates, equipment rental or ownership, fuel costs, material hauling, and the specific terrain and conditions of the roads. Given the competitive nature (3 bidders), the price achieved is likely reflective of market conditions for such services in Montana, but a direct benchmark requires more granular data on the scope of work.

What is the track record of BDJ PARTNERS LLP with federal contracts?

BDJ PARTNERS LLP has been awarded federal contracts, primarily within the construction and maintenance domain. A review of federal procurement data indicates they have received multiple awards, often through competitive processes. Their performance history, including past project successes, adherence to schedules, and quality of work, would be documented through contract performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS). While this specific contract is new, their prior federal awards suggest experience in meeting government requirements. Further investigation into their CPARS reports would provide deeper insight into their reliability and past performance.

How does the competition level of 3 bidders compare to similar road maintenance contracts?

A competition level of three bidders for a contract under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) is generally considered moderate. For smaller value procurements like this ($564,800), three bidders often indicate sufficient market interest and competition to drive a fair price. However, the 'ideal' number of bidders can vary based on the complexity and specialization required. Highly specialized or niche services might see fewer bidders, while more common services could attract more. Compared to larger, more complex infrastructure projects that might see dozens of bidders, three is a reasonable number suggesting the agency effectively reached the relevant market.

What are the potential risks associated with firm fixed-price contracts for road grading?

Firm fixed-price (FFP) contracts are generally preferred for their cost certainty. However, for services like road grading, potential risks exist if the scope of work is not precisely defined or if unforeseen conditions arise. If the FFP contract doesn't adequately account for variables like unexpected weather impacts, subsurface issues, or changes in material needs, the contractor might face financial strain, potentially impacting quality or schedule. Conversely, if the scope is too loosely defined, the contractor might exploit ambiguities for greater profit. Effective contract management, clear specifications, and proactive communication are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives the intended value.

What is the historical spending pattern for road maintenance by the BLM Malta Field Office?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for the BLM Malta Field Office requires access to detailed procurement databases over multiple fiscal years. Without that specific data, it's impossible to provide a precise historical context. However, federal agencies like the BLM typically allocate funds annually for infrastructure maintenance, including roads, to ensure operational access and safety. The award of this $565K contract suggests a planned expenditure for the upcoming fiscal years (FY2025-2026). Understanding if this amount is consistent with, higher than, or lower than previous years' spending on similar services would require a longitudinal data analysis of their procurement history.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction

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: 140L3625Q0032

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1842 DRY FORK RD, ZORTMAN, MT, 59546

Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $56,480

Exercised Options: $56,480

Current Obligation: $56,480

Actual Outlays: $19,750

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline