Interior Department awards $18.4M environmental consulting contract for Nevada, focusing on T&E surveys

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,431 ($18.4K)

Contractor: Alicia Arcidiacono

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-04-15

End Date: 2027-05-21

Contract Duration: 766 days

Daily Burn Rate: $24/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ACQ-MUDDY RIVER (BL91) YBCU - T&E SURVEY

Place of Performance

Location: LAS VEGAS, CLARK County, NEVADA, 89130

State: Nevada Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $18,431 to ALICIA ARCIDIACONO for work described as: ACQ-MUDDY RIVER (BL91) YBCU - T&E SURVEY Key points: 1. Contract awarded for environmental consulting services, indicating a need for specialized expertise. 2. The contract duration of 766 days suggests a significant scope of work. 3. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictability. 4. Awarded to a single vendor, highlighting potential for focused delivery. 5. Geographic focus on Nevada suggests specific environmental challenges or projects in the region. 6. The contract falls under the Environmental Consulting Services NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's fixed-price nature provides cost certainty for the government. Benchmarking against similar environmental consulting contracts would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. Given the specific nature of T&E surveys, the pricing is likely competitive within its niche. The award amount of $18.4 million over approximately two years suggests a moderate investment for specialized environmental services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting it was likely a smaller procurement or one with specific justifications for limited competition. The number of bidders is not explicitly stated but SAP often implies fewer than full and open competition. This could mean less price discovery compared to a broad solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: While SAP can offer efficiency, it may limit the potential for the lowest possible price due to a smaller pool of potential bidders.

Public Impact

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Nevada will benefit from enhanced environmental assessment capabilities. Services include T&E (Testing and Evaluation) surveys, crucial for environmental compliance and resource management. The geographic impact is primarily within Nevada, supporting state-specific environmental initiatives. The contract supports specialized environmental consulting roles, potentially creating or sustaining jobs in this sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP might have restricted the number of potential bidders, potentially impacting price competitiveness.
The specific nature of T&E surveys requires specialized expertise, which may limit the pool of qualified contractors.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty and encourages contractor efficiency.
The contract duration of over two years allows for sustained focus on environmental survey needs.
Awarding to a single vendor can ensure continuity and a deep understanding of project requirements.

Sector Analysis

Environmental consulting services are a critical component of government operations, particularly for agencies managing public lands like the Department of the Interior. This sector involves a wide range of expertise, from impact assessments to compliance monitoring. The market size for federal environmental consulting is substantial, with agencies frequently procuring these services to meet regulatory requirements and manage natural resources effectively. This contract fits within the broader category of professional services supporting land management and environmental stewardship.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract included a small business set-aside. If it was not set aside, larger firms may have competed. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses could exist if the primary contractor utilizes them for specialized tasks, but this is not explicitly detailed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Bureau of Land Management's contracting officers and program managers. The firm fixed-price nature of the award provides a degree of accountability by linking payment to deliverables. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases, though specific performance metrics and oversight reports may not be publicly detailed.

Related Government Programs

Bureau of Land Management Environmental Services
Department of the Interior T&E Surveys
Federal Environmental Consulting Contracts
Nevada State Environmental Projects

Risk Flags

Limited competition under SAP
Potential for scope creep in environmental surveys
Contractor's specific track record not immediately verifiable

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $18,431 to ALICIA ARCIDIACONO. ACQ-MUDDY RIVER (BL91) YBCU - T&E SURVEY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALICIA ARCIDIACONO.

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 $18,431.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-15. End: 2027-05-21.

What is the historical spending pattern for environmental consulting services by the Bureau of Land Management in Nevada?

Analyzing historical spending for environmental consulting by the BLM in Nevada requires access to detailed federal procurement data. Typically, agencies like the BLM procure these services annually or as project needs arise. Spending can fluctuate based on specific land management initiatives, environmental impact studies required for new projects (e.g., energy development, conservation efforts), and regulatory changes. Without specific historical data for this contract's predecessors or similar services in Nevada, it's difficult to establish a precise pattern. However, it's reasonable to assume consistent, albeit variable, spending to address ongoing environmental monitoring and compliance needs within the state's diverse ecosystems.

How does the awarded amount of $18.4 million compare to similar T&E survey contracts awarded by federal agencies?

Benchmarking the $18.4 million award for T&E surveys requires comparing it against contracts of similar scope, duration, and complexity across federal agencies. T&E surveys can vary significantly in cost depending on the type of testing, the environment, and the required deliverables. For instance, large-scale environmental impact assessments for major infrastructure projects could run into tens of millions, while smaller, site-specific surveys might be in the hundreds of thousands. Given this contract's duration of approximately two years and its focus on environmental consulting services, $18.4 million appears to be a substantial but potentially reasonable figure for specialized, ongoing survey work, especially if it involves complex ecological assessments or regulatory compliance support.

What are the primary risks associated with this environmental consulting contract?

Key risks for this contract include potential scope creep, where the requirements for T&E surveys expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns or delays. Another risk is the availability of specialized expertise; if the contractor faces staffing challenges or key personnel depart, it could impact service delivery. Environmental conditions themselves can pose risks, such as unforeseen ecological complexities or regulatory changes that necessitate adjustments to survey methodologies. Furthermore, if the contract was competed under SAP, there's a risk that the limited competition may have resulted in a less competitive price than could have been achieved through a broader solicitation.

What is the track record of the awarded contractor (Alicia Arcidiacono) with federal environmental consulting contracts?

Information regarding the track record of 'Alicia Arcidiacono' as a contractor for federal environmental consulting services is not readily available in standard public procurement databases based solely on the name provided. It's possible this name refers to an individual consultant or a very small entity. To assess their track record, one would need to search federal contract databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) using a registered Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) or a more formal company name. Without this, it's impossible to evaluate past performance, past performance ratings, or experience with similar T&E survey contracts.

What are the potential performance challenges for T&E surveys in Nevada's environment?

Nevada's environment presents unique challenges for T&E surveys, including arid and semi-arid conditions, diverse geological formations, and sensitive ecosystems (e.g., desert tortoise habitats, riparian zones). Surveys may need to account for extreme temperatures, limited water resources, and potential dust control issues. Furthermore, the vast and often remote nature of public lands managed by the BLM in Nevada can increase logistical complexities and costs associated with accessing survey sites. Ensuring compliance with federal and state environmental regulations, which can be stringent for protected species and water resources, adds another layer of complexity to survey design and execution.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 800 8TH ST, BOULDER CITY, NV, 89005

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,233

Exercised Options: $18,431

Current Obligation: $18,431

Actual Outlays: $9,020

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline