Department of the Interior Awarded a Contract to MARRERO, COUVILLON & ASSOCIATES, L.L.C. for $250,000,000.00

Summary of Award

The awarded contract between the U.S. federal government and Marrero, Couvillon & Associates, L.L.C., as detailed in the JSON response from USAspending.gov, is an illustrative example of the complex processes involved in government contracting. This contract is a Multiple-Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) related to alteration and repair construction services. It is specifically designed to cater to the needs of the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Forest Service (FS) within the continental United States, Hawaii, and any U.S. territory.

### Contract Overview

The contract in question carries the generated unique award ID: CONT_IDV_140F0822D0072_1448 and has been categorized under the type "Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity" (IDV_B_B). This model reflects a flexible contracting mechanism allowing the government to procure a range of services as needed during the contract's period of performance, which spans from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2026. This contract type is especially useful for addressing unpredictable needs and was signed in early 2022. With a firm upper limit set at $250 million, it provides a structured approach to ensuring availability without committing to a fixed volume of services. #### Agency Details The contract is both funded and awarded by the Department of the Interior, specifically the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Interestingly, the process involved in gaining this contract was marked by a competitive atmosphere. As many as 139 offers were received, denoting significant interest within the industry to engage with USFWS. #### Set-Aside Designations A notable aspect of the contract is its designation as a "Small Business Set-Aside - Total," indicating a commitment to fostering small business growth. This falls in line with broader federal strategies aimed at supporting small, disadvantaged businesses. The recipient, Marrero, Couvillon & Associates, L.L.C., fulfills several criteria of business categories such as being a "Hispanic American Owned Business," "Limited Liability Corporation," and a "Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business." ### Recipient Profile Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Marrero, Couvillon & Associates, L.L.C. is a construction firm categorized under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 236220, which pertains to Commercial and Institutional Building Construction. This implies that the organization is well-versed in constructing office buildings and other institutional structures, aligning strategically with the contract's requirements. The company is also listed under multiple business categories that signify its involvement and recognition in various governmental programs. These include being part of the 8(a) Program, a special designation by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to assist small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. ### Contractual Elements The contract's pricing is described as "Firm Fixed Price," which means the government will pay a set amount for the executed services, ensuring no unforeseen cost fluctuations. This facilitates effective budgeting for the government while providing the contractor with clear financial expectations. The contract also included adjustments and considerations pertaining to various regulatory standards, like construction wage rates, indicating compliance with federal wage determinations to protect fair labor standards. ### Legal and Competitive Framework This contractual engagement involved "Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources," as recognized under federal acquisition procedures. This includes competitions that emphasize transparency and fairness while excluding offers that do not meet specific small business criteria. Although the federal business opportunities listing (fed_biz_opps) description affirms the procurement's public solicitation, the contract itself, happened through "Negotiated Proposal/Quote" procedures. This means that dialogue and negotiation were integral to reaching terms satisfactory to both parties. ### Conclusion The awarded contract to Marrero, Couvillon & Associates, L.L.C. signifies a collaborative attempt to enhance infrastructure and building capabilities within the governmental landscape. By aligning with small, minority-owned businesses, the Department of the Interior not only seeks to fulfill operational mandates but also supports broader societal imperatives of empowering underrepresented business segments. As a firm rooted in Louisiana, Marrero, Couvillon & Associates stands as a key player in this national effort and a testament to the pluralistic engagement strategies of modern federal procurement.