B--COMPUTABLE GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM MODELING
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), New Mexico State Office has issued a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition for Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) Modeling. This justification supports a sole-source award to Purdue University, Center for Global Trade Analysis (GTAP), for the development of a customized CGE model and database. This model is essential to enhance BLM's proprietary Economic Impact Forecasting Tool (EIFT) for Resource Management Plans (RMPs) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) projects.
Scope of Work
Purdue University will develop and deliver a customized CGE model and a U.S. economy database. Key components include integrating a state- and county-level database with specific economic sectors relevant to BLM operations, such as minerals, renewables, outdoor recreation, grazing, and timber. The model will be used to simulate the economic impacts of various management activities.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price
- Period of Performance: 12 months (September 25, 2025 – September 24, 2026)
- Base Award Value: $248,000
- Set-Aside: Not applicable (Sole Source Justification)
- Published Date: March 27, 2026
Justification for Sole Source
The sole-source award is justified under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1(a)(2), citing "Only one responsible source." Purdue University is identified as the originator and sole steward of the proprietary GTAP model and RunGTAP software, which are critical for integration with BLM's EIFT. RunGTAP further requires GEMPACK, also proprietary. Only Purdue possesses the necessary rights, data lineage, and specialized expertise required for this specific integration.
Market Research & Outreach
Market research included a Notice of Intent issued from August 20-27, 2025, which yielded zero capability statements. GSA Market Research as a Service (MRAS) identified two potential vendors, but their proposed solutions were either inconsistent with EIFT's design or involved costly pass-through arrangements. A review of SAM.gov confirmed multiple prior sole-source awards to Purdue for similar GTAP services, reinforcing their unique position.
Next Steps
The BLM plans to continue market research and collaborate with other agencies to identify potential future alternatives. However, the GTAP/RunGTAP solution is expected to remain a sole source requirement in the near term.