Interior Department awards $6.5M purchase order for crane services to Montana Crane Service

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,530 ($6.5K)

Contractor: Montana Crane Service, Limited

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-10-15

Contract Duration: 196 days

Daily Burn Rate: $33/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: MT - CF CRANE SERVICE

Place of Performance

Location: HELENA, LEWIS AND CLARK County, MONTANA, 59602

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $6,530 to MONTANA CRANE SERVICE, LIMITED for work described as: MT - CF CRANE SERVICE Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the fixed-price nature of the purchase order. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a single awardee, raising questions about price discovery. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a short performance period and fixed-price contract. 4. Performance context suggests a need for specialized crane services for Bureau of Reclamation projects. 5. Sector positioning is within specialty trade contracting, supporting infrastructure and construction needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $6.5 million for crane services over approximately six months is within a reasonable range for specialized equipment and operators. As a purchase order under the simplified acquisition procedures, detailed benchmarking against similar large-scale contracts is limited. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor assumed the risk for cost overruns, which is a positive indicator for the government. The specific services required will dictate the ultimate value, but the initial award appears to be a fair assessment for the scope.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involve a broader range of competition than micro-purchases but may not always reach full and open competition. The data indicates one awardee, Montana Crane Service, Limited. The specific competition level (e.g., number of quotes received, whether it was publicly posted) is not detailed, making it difficult to definitively assess the extent of competition. This limited information suggests that while competition was sought, it may not have been as robust as in larger, more formally advertised procurements.

Taxpayer Impact: The level of competition directly impacts taxpayer value. Limited competition can lead to higher prices than might be achieved in a more open bidding environment. Without more data on the bidding process, it's difficult to quantify the precise impact on taxpayers, but it suggests a potential for suboptimal price discovery.

Public Impact

The Bureau of Reclamation, part of the Department of the Interior, is the primary beneficiary, securing necessary equipment for its operations. Specialty crane services will be delivered, likely supporting infrastructure maintenance, construction, or repair projects within the agency's purview. The geographic impact is focused on Montana, where the awarded contractor is based, suggesting services will be performed within the state or region. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for crane operators and support staff employed by Montana Crane Service, Limited.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition data raises concerns about potential overpayment.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes assessing service quality difficult.
Reliance on a single awardee for specialized services could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Award to a local Montana business supports regional economic activity.
Purchase order under SAP can expedite service delivery for urgent needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Specialty Trade Contractors sector, specifically encompassing services related to heavy equipment operation. This sector is crucial for infrastructure development, maintenance, and repair across various government agencies. The market for specialized crane services is often regional, with demand driven by construction projects, industrial operations, and emergency response needs. Benchmarking this specific award against broader construction or equipment rental markets is challenging without more granular data on service scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false) and the contractor is not identified as a small business (sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a small business set-aside. The award to Montana Crane Service, Limited, a firm, suggests it is likely a larger entity within its specialty.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order will primarily reside with the Bureau of Reclamation's contracting officers and program managers within the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to deliver services as specified. Transparency is facilitated by the public availability of contract awards, though detailed operational oversight and Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on the specific nature and value thresholds of the underlying projects supported by these crane services.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Supply Schedule contracts for heavy equipment rental
Department of Defense construction and engineering support contracts
Department of Transportation infrastructure repair and maintenance contracts
Army Corps of Engineers construction and civil works projects

Risk Flags

Limited competition data
Potential for price not being fully optimized due to competition level

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $6,530 to MONTANA CRANE SERVICE, LIMITED. MT - CF CRANE SERVICE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MONTANA CRANE SERVICE, LIMITED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Reclamation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6,530.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-10-15.

What is the typical track record of Montana Crane Service, Limited with federal contracts?

Information regarding Montana Crane Service, Limited's specific track record with federal contracts is not detailed in the provided data. As a single awardee under a purchase order, it's possible this is their first or one of few federal engagements, or they may have a history of smaller awards not captured in this summary. Further investigation into the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or other government contract databases would be necessary to ascertain their past performance, any prior awards, and their compliance history with federal regulations. Without this historical data, it is difficult to assess their reliability and experience in serving federal agencies.

How does the $6.5 million value compare to similar crane service contracts awarded by the Bureau of Reclamation or other Interior Department bureaus?

Benchmarking the $6.5 million value requires comparing it to similar crane service contracts awarded by the Bureau of Reclamation or other Department of the Interior bureaus. Given the limited information, a direct comparison is challenging. Purchase orders under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are typically for amounts under $250,000, though exceptions can apply. The $6.5 million figure suggests this might be a significant procurement, potentially covering a substantial project or a long duration of service. To provide a meaningful comparison, one would need to analyze the contract's duration, the specific types of cranes and operators required, the geographic location of service, and the complexity of the tasks. Without these details, it's difficult to definitively state if $6.5 million represents a high, low, or average cost for such services within the agency.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance issues (e.g., equipment downtime, operator availability, safety incidents), cost overruns if the fixed-price assumption proves inaccurate for unforeseen circumstances, and limited competition potentially leading to suboptimal pricing. Mitigation strategies are embedded within the contract structure and agency oversight. The firm fixed-price nature transfers cost risk to Montana Crane Service, Limited. The Bureau of Reclamation's contracting officers are responsible for monitoring performance, ensuring adherence to specifications, and addressing any issues that arise. The relatively short contract duration (approx. 6 months) also limits the exposure to long-term risks. However, the lack of detailed competition data remains a potential risk factor regarding value for money.

What specific projects or operational needs within the Bureau of Reclamation is this crane service intended to support?

The provided data does not specify the exact projects or operational needs that this $6.5 million purchase order for crane services is intended to support. However, the Bureau of Reclamation is responsible for managing water and irrigation infrastructure, including dams, canals, and related facilities. Therefore, it is highly probable that these crane services are required for activities such as the maintenance or repair of dams, the construction of new water infrastructure components, the installation or removal of heavy equipment at water treatment facilities, or emergency response operations related to water management infrastructure. The specific nature of the work would dictate the type and capacity of cranes needed.

What is the historical spending pattern for specialty trade contractors, particularly crane services, within the Department of the Interior?

Analyzing the historical spending patterns for specialty trade contractors, including crane services, within the Department of the Interior (DOI) would require a comprehensive review of past contract awards. The DOI, encompassing agencies like the Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service, frequently engages contractors for infrastructure maintenance, construction, and resource management projects. Spending on specialized services like crane operation can fluctuate based on capital improvement cycles, infrastructure repair needs, and specific project demands. Without access to historical DOI procurement data, it's impossible to provide precise figures or trends. However, it is reasonable to assume that spending in this category is significant and ongoing, reflecting the vast physical assets managed by the department.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Other Specialty Trade Contractors › All Other Specialty Trade Contractors

Product/Service Code: LEASE/RENT EQUIPMENT › LEASE OR RENTAL OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140R6026Q0035

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 209 CEDAR ST, BOZEMAN, MT, 59715

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,530

Exercised Options: $6,530

Current Obligation: $6,530

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline