Department of the Interior Awarded a Contract to COUNTY OF KOOCHICHING for $4,336.00

Summary of Award

The awarded contract in question involves a significant interaction between the U.S. federal government and a local government entity, specifically the County of Koochiching, a local governmental unit located in International Falls, Minnesota. This contract is focused on procurement within the realm of environmental protection, a theme that underpins its specific focus on water quality testing services.

The contract, identified by the Award ID "140P6425P0016," is facilitated under the umbrella of a "Purchase Order." It has been executed by the Department of the Interior, specifically through its sub-agency, the National Park Service. This arrangement signifies a direct channel within the U.S. federal government's infrastructure aimed at leveraging local government resources, in this case, the County of Koochiching, to uphold and enhance the quality of natural resources within the United States.

Signed on April 10, 2025, the contract initiates officially on May 1, 2025, with a planned operational duration extending to April 30, 2026. However, provisions within the agreement allow for the potential extension of services up until April 30, 2030, a strategic foresight likely aligned to future needs in continuous environmental resource management. The scope of this contract encapsulates the necessity for systematic water quality testing, a critical service that ensures both compliance with environmental standards and the overall safety and sustainability of natural waterways within the jurisdiction concerned. The total obligation for this particular contract is set at $4,336, under a firm fixed-price agreement. This contractual pricing model underlines a commitment to cost containment and financial predictability throughout the execution term. Financially, the funds are sourced entirely through domestic U.S. resources, with both funding and awarding agencies being consistent in their designation, which denotes the Department of the Interior as the authoritative source for financial disbursements under this project. The procurement process that led to the awarding of this contract was notably characterized by a sole-source solicitation, as indicated by solicitation procedures "ONLY ONE SOURCE." This lack of competition often points to specialized service delivery capabilities or unique positioning of the recipient to fulfill contract requirements, though the typical transparency in competitive offerings is not apparent in this case. Delving deeper into the recipient entity, the County of Koochiching, we find it predominantly categorizes as a U.S. local government entity, engaged in public service rather than conventional private sector entrepreneurship. The services under this contract align with their governmental mandate, particularly in the arena of public health and environmental stewardship, echoing responsibilities often bestowed upon local government bodies. While not classified as a small business under conventional definitions, its established role and functional capacity to conduct such testing services forms the backbone of the contractual relationship with the national park service. The transaction tied to this contract, executed on April 10, 2025, mirrors the award amount exactly, reflecting the specified transaction amount of $4336. This is indicative of a straightforward financial transaction structure, devoid of typical complications, such as varying loan values or subsidy costs. The precise nature of this financial outlay underscores both the critical nature of environmental resource management and the assured capital flow from federal to local government in pursuit of said goals. The Place of Performance, identified as International Falls, Minnesota, is crucial to the contract's geographical relevance. Located within Koochiching County, this area known for its rich environmental footprint is an optimal choice for conducting such essential testing services. It conveys the overarching narrative of environmental systems protection and water quality support that is key within this county's jurisdiction, therefore justifying the specific selection as the operational locale for the project. While the executive details provided exhibit unspecified officer information, which is often the case with government entities given public service positions and reporting structures, the thrust of this contract leans on the collaborative capacity between federal oversight and localized execution. In summation, this contract forms a vital bridge between federal environmental initiatives and local execution capabilities, ensuring that essential water quality testing services are delivered seamlessly. While the contract's financial scale may appear modest within the broader spectrum of federal expenditure, its targeted intent and operational focus encapsulate the integral nature of localized governmental cooperation in upholding national environmental health standards. As both the immediate and potential long-term impacts of the project unfold, this award epitomizes a structured effort in environmental protection through strategic governmental collaboration.