Department of Agriculture Awarded a Contract to CTA INC for $15,000,000.00

Summary of Award

In examining the provided JSON data from usaspending.gov, we delve into an awarded contract between the U.S. federal government and CTA INC, a U.S.-based corporation specializing in architectural and engineering services. This comprehensive review will cover the contract's structure, the involved agencies, the recipient's profile, and the overall significance of such government spending within the realms of public service enhancements and economic activities.

### Overview of the Award

The awarded contract, identified as "CONT_IDV_12639521D0052_12K3," is classified as an "Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity" (IDV) contract, a common type used by the federal government to procure supplies or services over a set period without specifying exact quantities upfront. The primary purpose of this contract is to provide "Nationwide AE Services" for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifically directed towards the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This entails a predetermined budget of up to $15,000,000 to cover various projects until June 2026. ### Contract Structure and Transaction Details Despite being set at a high budget ceiling, the current obligation for this contract is $0, with no subawards or financial outlay recorded. This peculiarity of IDV contracts, where the total financial encumbrance is determined only as orders are issued over time, underscores the flexibility and foresightedness in government spending. The planned period of performance spans from July 2, 2021, to June 30, 2026, during which various architectural and engineering tasks will be managed and executed as needed. ### Agencies Involved The USDA serves as both the funding and awarding body, underscoring its pivotal role in ensuring operational efficiencies in national agricultural inspection services. Within the USDA, the APHIS is responsible for safeguarding the country's agriculture, and this contract indicates a drive towards upgrading or maintaining its operational infrastructure. This alignment of contracting activities with national strategic interests ensures that taxpayer funds are deployed effectively in enhancing public sector capabilities. ### Recipient Profile: CTA INC CTA INC, based in Billings, Montana, is a leading enterprise in the field of engineering services, as denoted by its NAICS code 541330. The firm is a corporate entity not exempt from taxes and is not a small business, elucidating that it holds substantial capacity and expertise for handling large-scale governmental projects. As a U.S.-owned business located in the heart of Montana, CTA INC embodies a strategic partner in executing architectural and engineering services critical to USDA operations. The business categorization as a "Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt" and "U.S.-Owned Business" highlights its robust commercial standing, devoid of government aid primarily aimed at smaller enterprises. This status reflects CTA INC's capability to provide high-level services independently, enhancing the public-good dimension of federal projects through competent and economically responsible means. ### Transaction Insights While transactional records are currently unlisted, the establishment of the contract forecasts a robust pipeline of task orders to be initiated as agencies identify infrastructural needs. The mechanisms of IDV agreements allow agencies like the USDA to optimize their planning and budgeting, conserving federal resources while encouraging accountability and progressiveness. ### Significance of the Award This contract represents strategic spending aimed at bolstering agricultural services, critical in sustaining a fundamental segment of national economic health and security. Through modernization and maintenance of facilities managed by the APHIS, the assurance of high sanitary standards in agriculture is maintained, aligning with public welfare and export quality standards — pivotal in a globalized food market. Furthermore, the competitive nature of this award process highlights the federal government's commitment to full and open competition, intending to derive both quality and value. With six offers received, the competitive landscape ensures that the chosen contractor, CTA INC, is not only a cost-effective option but meets the stringent standards required for federal contracts. ### Conclusion The presented contract exemplifies meticulous federal expenditure focused on essential services enhancing U.S. agricultural and inspection capabilities. By engaging CTA INC through this IDV contract, the USDA leverages a formidable partnership, aiming to deliver sustained improvements across nationwide facilities. This strategic financial initiative aligns with broader governmental goals of economic stability and public welfare enhancement, ensuring that the infusion of resources into such projects yields maximum benefits for the country and its residents.