Forest Service awards $44,235 for vehicle electronics to Laurel Trading Post Inc., with a 92-day duration

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $44,235 ($44.2K)

Contractor: Laurel Trading Post Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-03-30

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 92 days

Daily Burn Rate: $481/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 2560 WASHINGTON OFFICE, LAW ENFORCEMENT, REGION 13 SUBREGION 1, TRAILER 2 EACH 6198 6111 IAS 1164305

Place of Performance

Location: LAUREL, YELLOWSTONE County, MONTANA, 59044

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $44,235 to LAUREL TRADING POST INC. for work described as: 2560 WASHINGTON OFFICE, LAW ENFORCEMENT, REGION 13 SUBREGION 1, TRAILER 2 EACH 6198 6111 IAS 1164305 Key points: 1. The contract value appears modest, suggesting a focused scope of work. 2. Competition was conducted after excluding sources, warranting a closer look at the justification. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type indicates a defined cost structure. 4. The short duration of 92 days implies an urgent or short-term need. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 336320 points to the automotive electronics manufacturing sector. 6. The award was made to a single contractor, Laurel Trading Post Inc.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $44,235 for a 92-day period for vehicle electronics is difficult to benchmark without more specific details on the equipment or services required. Given the limited competition and short duration, it's challenging to definitively assess value for money. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests the government has a clear understanding of the costs involved.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that while the intent was competition, specific sources were excluded. The number of bidders is not explicitly stated, but the 'exclusion of sources' suggests a limited pool. This procurement method can sometimes lead to less competitive pricing if the exclusion is not well-justified.

Taxpayer Impact: The exclusion of sources may limit the potential for the most cost-effective solutions for taxpayers, as a narrower range of suppliers were considered.

Public Impact

Law enforcement agencies within Region 13 Subregion 1, specifically in Montana, will benefit from operational vehicle electronics. The services delivered likely involve the repair, maintenance, or supply of electrical and electronic components for government vehicles. The geographic impact is concentrated in Montana, serving the needs of the Forest Service's regional operations. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving a small team at Laurel Trading Post Inc. for fulfillment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Justification for exclusion of sources needs further review to ensure fair competition.
Limited competition could potentially result in higher costs than a fully open process.
The short contract duration may indicate a reactive procurement rather than strategic planning.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Award to a specific business, Laurel Trading Post Inc., supports established vendors.
The contract addresses a clear operational need for law enforcement vehicles.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the automotive manufacturing and repair sector, specifically focusing on electrical and electronic equipment for vehicles. The market for such components is vast, encompassing original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers. The Forest Service's spending in this area is likely part of a broader fleet management strategy to ensure operational readiness of its vehicles, particularly in remote or challenging environments.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if this was a small business set-aside. Laurel Trading Post Inc.'s size is not specified, but the contract value is relatively small, which could be within the scope of small business capabilities. Further investigation would be needed to determine subcontracting opportunities or impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the Forest Service contracting officer and program managers. Accountability is ensured through the firm fixed-price contract terms and delivery schedule. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, though detailed justifications for source exclusions are not always readily available.

Related Government Programs

Federal Fleet Management Programs
Law Enforcement Vehicle Procurement
Department of Agriculture Vehicle Maintenance
Forest Service Operational Support

Risk Flags

Limited Competition Justification
Short Contract Duration
Lack of Detailed Scope

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $44,235 to LAUREL TRADING POST INC.. 2560 WASHINGTON OFFICE, LAW ENFORCEMENT, REGION 13 SUBREGION 1, TRAILER 2 EACH 6198 6111 IAS 1164305

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LAUREL TRADING POST INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $44,235.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-30. End: 2026-06-30.

What specific vehicle electronic components or services are being procured under this contract?

The provided data indicates the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 336320, which pertains to 'Motor Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Equipment Manufacturing.' This suggests the contract is for the manufacturing, supply, or potentially installation of such components. Examples could include alternators, starters, batteries, lighting systems, electronic control units (ECUs), or diagnostic equipment for law enforcement vehicles used by the Forest Service in Region 13. Without further details from the contract's statement of work, the exact nature of the electronic equipment remains unspecified.

What is the justification for excluding other potential sources in this competition?

The contract type 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' implies that a decision was made to limit the pool of potential offerors. The specific justification for this exclusion is not provided in the summary data. Typically, such exclusions are based on factors like unique capabilities, urgent and compelling needs where only specific sources can meet the timeline, or if the contract is a follow-on to a previous effort where a specific contractor demonstrated exceptional performance. A thorough review of the contract file would be necessary to understand the rationale behind excluding other sources and to assess if it was appropriate and in the government's best interest.

How does the $44,235 contract value compare to similar procurements for law enforcement vehicle electronics?

Benchmarking this $44,235 contract value is challenging without knowing the precise nature of the electronic components or services. However, for a 92-day period, this amount suggests a relatively small-scale procurement, possibly for a limited number of vehicles or specific specialized equipment. Larger contracts for fleet-wide electronic upgrades or system installations could easily run into hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. The value here seems appropriate for a localized, short-term need, but a direct comparison would require detailed specifications of the items purchased.

What are the potential risks associated with a contract awarded after excluding sources?

The primary risk associated with excluding sources is reduced competition, which can lead to higher prices for the government and taxpayers than might be achieved in a fully open competition. There's also a risk that the government might overlook a more innovative or cost-effective solution from an excluded vendor. Furthermore, if the exclusion is not adequately justified or documented, it could raise concerns about fairness and potential favoritism. Ensuring that the exclusion was necessary and served the government's best interest is crucial for mitigating these risks.

What is the track record of Laurel Trading Post Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the Forest Service or Department of Agriculture?

Information on Laurel Trading Post Inc.'s specific track record with federal contracts, especially with the Forest Service or Department of Agriculture, is not detailed in the provided summary. To assess their performance history, one would need to consult federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS to review past awards, contract performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS), and any history of disputes or terminations. Without this data, it's impossible to evaluate their reliability or past success in fulfilling similar government requirements.

What are the implications of the short 92-day duration for the Forest Service's operational needs?

A 92-day contract duration suggests an immediate or short-term requirement for the specified vehicle electronics. This could be for a specific event, a temporary surge in need, or a gap-filler until a larger, longer-term contract is in place. For the Forest Service's law enforcement operations in Region 13, it implies that maintaining the operational readiness of their vehicle fleet is a current priority. The short timeframe might also indicate a need for rapid procurement and delivery, potentially influencing the choice of contractors and the scope of work.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing › Motor Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MOTOR VEHICLES, CYCLES, TRAILERS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1210 E RAILROAD ST, LAUREL, MT, 59044

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $44,235

Exercised Options: $44,235

Current Obligation: $44,235

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline