Department of Agriculture Awarded a Contract to CTA INC for $151,907.02

Summary of Award

The awarded contract between the U.S. federal government and CTA Inc., identified by the unique award ID "CONT_AWD_12639524F0971_12K3_12639521D0052_12K3," pertains to engineering services specifically for the design and repair of plumbing systems at the Phoenix Rearing Facility. This contract, categorized under "DELIVERY ORDER" and outlined under the product or service code "C1AZ," involves architectural and engineering services for infrastructure projects, placing particular emphasis on construction and administrative facility enhancements.

The contract is facilitated through the Department of Agriculture via its sub-agency, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), based in Minnesota and operating through the Minneapolis and Phoenix offices. The contract execution aligns with standard federal procurement processes, characterized by full and open competition as denoted by the "extent competed" description. Such a framework ensures the selection process remains transparent and accessible to capable entities, affirming the federal commitment to fair market practices.

The contract's financial metrics reveal a total obligation of $151,907.02 with no subawards, underscoring CTA Inc.'s direct engagement as the sole executing entity. The period of performance spans from July 26, 2024, to April 1, 2025, signifying a structured timeline dedicated to project completion, with the possibility of extending until April 2025. The total account outlay recorded stands at $79,058.50, indicating spending progress midsession in the contract execution. CTA Inc., based in Billings, Montana, services the government through its professional expertise in engineering disciplines, reflecting its capabilities within NAICS code 541330. The company's recognition as a U.S.-owned corporate entity not designated as a small business aligns with its involvement in larger-scale federal projects. Its lack of small business designation suggests a comprehensive profile with the necessary resources and infrastructure to undertake complex and voluminous projects, such as the present one at the Phoenix facility. The contract's financial data, complemented by the transaction sequence, illustrates the project's fiscal flow and management. Three notable transaction actions are recorded: 1. **Transaction on September 25, 2024 (Mod P00001):** This transaction marks the initial major expenditure related to the contract, with an amount of $31,101.84. This outlay aligns with the commencement phase, likely including preliminary assessment, design blueprint development, and initial orchestration of resources and manpower. 2. **Transaction on January 7, 2025 (Mod P00002):** While this transaction does not delineate a specific financial distribution, it represents a continuity or modification in the contract's process. Such actions often correspond with compliance checks, scope alterations, or milestones acknowledgment, ensuring the ongoing adherence to project benchmarks. 3. **Transaction on April 10, 2025 (Mod P00003):** Similar to the earlier January transaction, no new financial allocation is recorded, signifying completion reviews, final inspections, or administrative modifications ensuring project congruency with initial stipulations. The recorded transactions with zero dollar amounts suggest administrative adjustments rather than financial exchanges. These adjustments often indicate the government's flexible approach in managing contracting efforts, which includes reviewing progress, modifying objectives, or extending project timelines as necessary to accommodate unforeseen developments or additional requirements. In analyzing the contract's pricing structure, the firm-fixed price model is crucial. This contractual form curtails pricing fluctuations, providing CTA Inc. with a definitive budget while safeguarding governmental fiscal interests. The absence of commercial items in acquisition procedures emphasizes a reliance on specialized services tailored specifically for government needs rather than off-the-shelf commercial solutions. Throughout contracting stages, labor standards compliance underscores fair labor practices, beneficial to the workforce involved in the project. These standards ensure that contract execution meets federal labor regulations, potentially encompassing wage norms and occupational safety guidelines. In conclusion, the contract awarded to CTA Inc. exemplifies strategic federal investment in infrastructure enhancements, leveraging specialized engineering expertise to address integral facility needs. From financial allocations to operational frameworks and systemic reviews, this contract reflects the exhaustive measures undertaken to ensure accountability, efficiency, and the fulfillment of regulatory compliance. Through this collaboration, CTA Inc. continues to contribute significantly to federal infrastructural endeavors, providing valuable services that bolster public facility operations and maintenance. This delivery order not only enhances the physical infrastructure at the Phoenix Rearing Facility but also exemplifies a wider commitment to innovation and public service efficiency.