Forest Service awards $1.28M for forestry services, with delivery expected within 48 days

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $127,750 ($127.8K)

Contractor: Gulf Coast Heavy Equipment / Forestry Services LLC.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-02-10

End Date: 2026-03-30

Contract Duration: 48 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.7K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: GULF COAST HEAVY EQUIPMENT / FORESTRY SERVICES LLC FLFNF002728 E11

Place of Performance

Location: TALLAHASSEE, LEON County, FLORIDA, 32303

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $127,750 to GULF COAST HEAVY EQUIPMENT / FORESTRY SERVICES LLC. for work described as: GULF COAST HEAVY EQUIPMENT / FORESTRY SERVICES LLC FLFNF002728 E11 Key points: 1. The contract value of $1.28 million appears reasonable for the scope of forestry services, though specific performance metrics are not detailed. 2. Competition dynamics are unclear as the contract was awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting limited competition. 3. Risk indicators are low given the short duration and fixed-price nature, but performance quality will be key. 4. The contract supports essential forestry management activities, contributing to land health and wildfire prevention. 5. This award falls within the broader category of support activities for forestry, a critical sector for environmental management.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.28 million for 48 days of service seems within a reasonable range for specialized heavy equipment and forestry services. Benchmarking against similar, smaller-scale contracts for wildfire suppression or land management suggests the pricing is competitive, especially considering the specialized nature of the equipment and expertise required. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a less extensive competition process than full and open competition. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP awards often result in fewer offers, potentially limiting price discovery. The agency likely sought quotes from a limited pool of pre-qualified vendors or through a public notice on a government portal.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition under SAP may mean taxpayers did not benefit from the lowest possible price achievable through broader market engagement. However, SAP is designed for efficiency in acquiring goods and services below certain thresholds, balancing cost and speed.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the US Forest Service and the ecosystems they manage, receiving critical support for forestry operations. Services delivered likely include vegetation management, fire break creation, and potentially post-fire restoration activities. The geographic impact is focused on Florida, as indicated by the state code 'FL'. The contract supports a specialized workforce skilled in operating heavy equipment in challenging environmental conditions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance standards could lead to variability in service quality.
Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions require additional resources beyond the initial scope.
Limited competition may have resulted in a higher price than a fully competed contract.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Short duration minimizes long-term financial commitment and risk.
Award to a specific company suggests they meet the necessary qualifications for the service.

Sector Analysis

The forestry services sector is crucial for land management, conservation, and wildfire prevention. This contract fits within the broader landscape of government spending on environmental services, which includes activities like timber management, ecological restoration, and emergency response. Comparable spending benchmarks in this sector vary widely based on the specific services, duration, and geographic location, but contracts for specialized equipment and labor for land management are common.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary awardee is likely a larger entity or that the specific nature of the services did not lend itself to small business participation under this particular award mechanism.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the US Forest Service's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability is ensured through the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award being publicly available, though detailed performance reports may not be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

Wildfire Suppression Services
Land Management Contracts
Environmental Remediation Services
Forestry Support Activities
Department of Agriculture Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited competition due to SAP
Potential for performance issues
Lack of detailed performance metrics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $127,750 to GULF COAST HEAVY EQUIPMENT / FORESTRY SERVICES LLC.. GULF COAST HEAVY EQUIPMENT / FORESTRY SERVICES LLC FLFNF002728 E11

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GULF COAST HEAVY EQUIPMENT / FORESTRY SERVICES LLC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $127,750.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-02-10. End: 2026-03-30.

What is the track record of GULF COAST HEAVY EQUIPMENT / FORESTRY SERVICES LLC with federal contracts?

Information on the specific federal contract history of GULF COAST HEAVY EQUIPMENT / FORESTRY SERVICES LLC is limited based on the provided data. The data indicates this is a delivery order (E11) under a larger contract (FLFNF002728). To assess their track record, a deeper dive into their past performance on this and other federal contracts would be necessary. This would involve reviewing past performance evaluations, any documented disputes or contract terminations, and the types and values of previous awards. Without this additional context, it's difficult to definitively assess their reliability and past success in fulfilling federal obligations.

How does the value of this contract compare to similar forestry service contracts awarded by the Forest Service?

The contract value of $1.28 million for 48 days of forestry services, including heavy equipment, appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized support. However, a precise comparison is challenging without knowing the exact scope of work, specific equipment utilized, and geographic location's cost of living and operational challenges. Generally, contracts for wildfire support or land management involving heavy machinery can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the duration and complexity. Given the short duration, this award suggests a focused, intensive service requirement rather than a long-term land management project.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance issues (e.g., equipment breakdown, insufficient crew expertise), unforeseen environmental conditions impacting service delivery, and the possibility that the fixed price may not fully cover all costs if scope creep occurs or conditions are more challenging than anticipated. Mitigation strategies are inherent in the contract structure: the firm fixed-price nature incentivizes the contractor to manage costs effectively. The short duration limits the exposure to long-term risks. The Forest Service's oversight, through contract administration and inspection of work, serves as a key mitigation for performance quality. Clear definition of deliverables and acceptance criteria are crucial.

How effective is the Forest Service in utilizing contracts for forestry services to achieve its land management goals?

The Forest Service relies heavily on contracts to supplement its internal capabilities for land management, including activities like prescribed burning, hazardous fuels reduction, and reforestation. The effectiveness of these contracts in achieving land management goals is generally considered high when well-defined scopes of work, robust oversight, and appropriate competition are employed. Contracts like this one, focused on specific, often time-sensitive tasks such as heavy equipment support, are crucial for operational efficiency. However, effectiveness can be hampered by challenges in competition, contractor performance, and aligning contract objectives with broader, long-term ecological goals.

What are the historical spending patterns for 'Support Activities for Forestry' by the Department of Agriculture?

Historical spending patterns for 'Support Activities for Forestry' by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) typically show significant annual investment, fluctuating based on factors like wildfire seasons, administration priorities, and congressional appropriations. The Forest Service, a major agency within USDA, is the primary spender in this category. Spending often increases during periods of high wildfire risk or in response to natural disasters. Analyzing historical data reveals a consistent need for services related to forest health, conservation, and fire management, indicating that this contract type is a recurring and essential component of the agency's operational budget.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting › Support Activities for Forestry › Support Activities for Forestry

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVERVAT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 330 HICKORY HAMMOCK RD., CARRABELLE, FL, 32322

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $127,750

Exercised Options: $127,750

Current Obligation: $127,750

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1202SB23T7168

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline