Department of the Interior Awarded a Contract to LA TIERRA ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING LLC for $192,760.00

Summary of Award

The United States federal government's awarded contract with LA TIERRA ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING LLC reflects a targeted investment towards environmental conservation, specifically focusing on the Willow Flycatcher Survey and Monitoring project. This contract, categorized as a purchase order, was issued by the Department of the Interior through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), emphasizing the government’s dedication to safeguarding wildlife and ensuring ecological health.

The contract is identified by the award ID "140L4023P0047" and was officially signed on September 22, 2023, marking the start of the period of performance, which is anticipated to run until December 31, 2025, with a potential extension to December 31, 2028. The Willow Flycatcher, a small songbird classified under special studies and wildlife analysis, benefits directly from this initiative, showcasing the government’s commitment to wildlife preservation and scientific study.

Financial details reveal a total obligation of $76,837, with the potential to rise to $192,760, reflecting the contract’s base and all potential options. Of this amount, an outlay of $38,393 has been disbursed, demonstrating a phased approach to funding. The Department of the Interior’s financial management involves detailed allocations tracked under the Definite Codes (def_codes) "Q", ensuring funds streamline to the right segments of the project. The recipient of this contract, LA TIERRA ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING LLC, is well-suited to carry out such specialized studies. Based in Las Cruces, New Mexico, this consultancy falls under several business categories: a small business, a limited liability corporation, and a sole proprietorship, all classified as U.S.-owned. Their expertise lies within the NAICS code "541690" – Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services – emphasizing their capability in delivering technical and consulting services effectively and scientifically. The transaction history associated with this award highlights the dynamic nature of contractual agreements and adjustments made throughout the project lifecycle. Three significant transactions detail the financial journey and reflect an ongoing commitment to the project’s success: 1. **Initial Transaction (Mod 0)**: Initiated on the signing date, September 22, 2023, this transaction laid the financial groundwork with a disbursement of $38,394. This initial funding chunk enabled the commencement of preliminary surveying activities and the groundwork essential for comprehensive ecological studies. 2. **Subsequent Adjustment (Mod P00001)**: Dated September 3, 2024, this transaction reflects further funding of $38,443. It indicates an ongoing need for financial resources as the project progresses, ensuring successive phases of investigation, data collection, and analysis are adequately supported. 3. **Recent Financial Correction (Mod P00002)**: On April 10, 2025, a negative transaction amount of -$37,553 suggests a financial reconciliation, possibly reflecting an overestimate in required funds or correction of previous allocations. Such adjustments are common in prolonged contracts, ensuring financial prudence and transparency. The procedural aspects surrounding the award demonstrate a well-structured competitive acquisition framework. The solicitation was conducted under simplified acquisition procedures, receiving three offers under a small business set-aside (SBA) – a testament to fostering small business engagement in significant governmental projects. Despite the limited number of bids, the contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), ensuring fair competition and value delivery. Within the framework of government spending and project implementation, several key characteristics of the contract stand out: - **Firm Fixed Price Contracting**: The chosen contracting pricing model, "Firm Fixed Price," establishes a foundation of financial security and predictability, ensuring the government’s interests are safeguarded against fluctuating costs and reinforcing the budgeting strategy over the contract’s lifetime. - **Award and Project Oversight**: Oversight by the Bureau of Land Management’s New Mexico State Office underscores regional expertise and resource allocation, ensuring that the project’s outcomes align with localized ecological and environmental goals. - **Performance and Quality Assurance**: The ongoing evaluation of project milestones against the outlined objective of high-quality scientific study guarantees that the ecological goals, such as wildlife health improvement and data gathering, are met with precision and effectiveness. Overall, the contract between the Department of the Interior and LA TIERRA ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING LLC embodies the multifaceted approach of the federal government towards environmental sustainability, business engagement, and scientific advancement. By leveraging specialized expertise and maintaining rigorous financial and procedural oversight, this contract contributes significantly to both governmental and ecological priorities within the United States.