Interior's National Park Service awards $644K for unpaved road rehab to Alta Science & Engineering

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $64,412 ($64.4K)

Contractor: Alta Science & Engineering Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-07-25

End Date: 2026-04-01

Contract Duration: 250 days

Daily Burn Rate: $258/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CIRO 343162 - REHAB UNPAVED ROADS (15% AND SUPP SERVICES)

Place of Performance

Location: ALMO, CASSIA County, IDAHO, 83312

State: Idaho Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $64,411.54 to ALTA SCIENCE & ENGINEERING INC for work described as: CIRO 343162 - REHAB UNPAVED ROADS (15% AND SUPP SERVICES) Key points: 1. Spending focuses on essential infrastructure maintenance within the National Park Service. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a deliberate sourcing strategy. 3. The contract value is relatively small, indicating a targeted scope for road rehabilitation. 4. Engineering services are critical for ensuring the longevity and safety of park roads.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $644,115.54 for road rehabilitation and support services appears reasonable for a specialized engineering task. Benchmarking against similar infrastructure projects would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a competitive process that may have involved initial source identification followed by broader competition. This method aims to balance efficiency with broad market access.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is moderate, reflecting the investment in maintaining federal lands and infrastructure, which indirectly supports tourism and resource management.

Public Impact

Improved road conditions in national parks enhance visitor access and safety. Investment in infrastructure supports the preservation of natural and cultural resources. Rehabilitation projects can create local employment opportunities during the execution phase.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise.
Dependence on specific engineering expertise may limit future contractor options.
Scope creep could increase the final cost beyond the initial award.

Positive Signals

Focus on essential infrastructure maintenance.
Competitive award process ensures some level of price discovery.
Clear delivery order structure for phased execution.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically related to infrastructure development and maintenance. Spending benchmarks for road rehabilitation projects vary widely based on scope, location, and complexity, but this award appears to be for a focused effort.

Small Business Impact

The contract does not indicate specific set-asides for small businesses, and the prime contractor, Alta Science & Engineering Inc., is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The National Park Service is responsible for overseeing this contract to ensure the rehabilitation work meets quality standards and is completed within the specified timeframe and budget. Regular progress reports and site inspections are typical oversight mechanisms.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of the Interior Contracting
National Park Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep
Limited visibility into specific engineering challenges
Uncertainty regarding long-term maintenance strategy
Impact of 'exclusion of sources' on competition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $64,411.54 to ALTA SCIENCE & ENGINEERING INC. CIRO 343162 - REHAB UNPAVED ROADS (15% AND SUPP SERVICES)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALTA SCIENCE & ENGINEERING INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (National Park Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $64,411.54.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-07-25. End: 2026-04-01.

What specific engineering challenges are anticipated in rehabilitating these unpaved roads, and how do they impact the project's cost-effectiveness?

Unpaved road rehabilitation can face challenges like soil instability, drainage issues, and material sourcing. The effectiveness hinges on the engineering firm's ability to address these proactively through robust design and material selection. Cost-effectiveness is achieved by balancing initial investment against long-term durability and reduced maintenance needs, ensuring the roads remain functional and safe for visitors and park operations.

How does the 'exclusion of sources' clause in the competition affect the potential for cost savings and innovation?

Excluding specific sources might streamline the initial vetting process but could limit the pool of potential bidders, potentially reducing competitive pressure on pricing. While it can ensure specialized expertise, it might also stifle innovation if alternative, potentially more cost-effective or novel approaches from excluded firms are not considered. The impact on savings and innovation depends heavily on the justification for source exclusion and the breadth of the subsequent 'full and open' competition.

What is the long-term maintenance plan for these rehabilitated roads, and how does this contract contribute to overall park infrastructure sustainability?

This contract focuses on the initial rehabilitation, implying a need for a separate, ongoing maintenance plan managed by the National Park Service. The sustainability impact depends on the quality of the rehabilitation work and the adequacy of future maintenance funding. Effective rehabilitation should reduce the frequency and cost of future repairs, contributing to the long-term infrastructure sustainability and operational efficiency of the park.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 140P2025F0241

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1220 BIG CREEK ROAD, SUITE A, KELLOGG, ID, 83837

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $64,412

Exercised Options: $64,412

Current Obligation: $64,412

Actual Outlays: $64,412

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140F0822D0184

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline