Department of the Interior Awarded a Contract to CEIBA ADVENTURES INC for $8,256.40

Summary of Award

The contract under review, identified by the unique award ID "CONT_AWD_140P1525F0015_1443_140P1524A0003_1443," represents an agreement between the U.S. federal government, specifically the Department of the Interior through the National Park Service (NPS), and the recipient Ceiba Adventures Inc. The contract is categorized as a "BPA CALL," indicating it is part of a Blanket Purchase Agreement, a type of contract utilized for acquiring a wide variety of products or services at predetermined prices over a specified period.

**Purpose and Scope:**

This particular contract, signed on April 10, 2025, is focused on providing a "Rapid Response Boat Operation Request" for the Grand Canyon National Park. The period of performance extends from the signing date to May 15, 2025. The total obligation for this contract amounts to $8,256.40, with an equal amount noted for both base exercised options and the base and all options—suggesting that the agreement's financial terms do not include additional financial options or extensions. **Awarding and Funding Agency:** The contract is administered and funded by the Department of the Interior, specifically through its sub-agency, the National Park Service. The NPS plays a crucial role in managing and preserving national parks like the Grand Canyon, and contracts like this are essential for maintaining park operations and ensuring the safety and security of park premises. **Recipient Details:** The contract recipient, Ceiba Adventures Inc., is a small U.S.-owned business based in Flagstaff, Arizona, with a specific business category of "Inland Water Passenger Transportation." This classification is aligned with the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 483212, which pertains to businesses engaged in transporting passengers via inland waterways—an apt service for operations requiring rapid response boats within a natural setting like the Grand Canyon. Ceiba Adventures Inc. is categorized under several business categories, including "Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt," "Small Business," and "Special Designations," highlighting its status within the broader landscape of federal contracting. The company's location in Coconino County situates it strategically close to the Grand Canyon, offering logistical advantages for executing the contract efficiently. **Contract Specifications and Competition:** The contract's latest transaction details emphasize its competitive nature, described as "COMPETED UNDER SAP" (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating a procurement process designed to streamline the acquisition of goods and services while maintaining competition. Only one offer was received, underlining the specific expertise required for this niche service area. Other contractual specifications include a "Firm Fixed Price" pricing model, meaning the payment amount is predetermined and not subject to change based on resource usage or project duration. This model benefits both parties by promoting clear cost expectations. The contract is marked as "NOT CONSOLIDATED," confirming its focus on a particular service without broader resource or contractual integration. **Place of Performance:** The place of performance is the Grand Canyon in Arizona, within the same congressional district as the recipient's business location. This geographical proximity facilitates Ceiba Adventures Inc.'s ability to mobilize resources and provide timely services in alignment with the National Park Service’s operational requirements. **Products and Services:** The primary service provided, as outlined by the Product or Service Code (PSC) "F099," falls under "Natural Resources/Conservation—Other." The nature of the service caters to conservation and management needs in national parks, furthering the NPS’s mission to conserve natural and cultural resources while ensuring public safety and enjoyment of these majestic landscapes. **Conclusion:** This contract between the Department of the Interior's National Park Service and Ceiba Adventures Inc. underscores the strategic partnerships the federal government maintains with small businesses to address specific, high-demand operational needs within protected lands. While the financial obligation and operational scope appear modest, the service's critical nature—facilitating rapid response capabilities within the Grand Canyon—reflects a significant investment in protecting one of America's most iconic landmarks. In the broader context, such agreements illustrate the importance of small, geographically-focused businesses in supporting national conservation objectives, enabling the federal government to leverage specialized regional expertise in maintaining operational readiness and upholding public trust. Through these partnerships, the National Park Service continues to build on its legacy of stewardship, ensuring that natural wonders like the Grand Canyon are preserved and accessible for future generations.