Agriculture Dept. Awards $1.1M for Self-Propelled Sprayer to RKJ, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $110,311 ($110.3K)

Contractor: RKJ, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-07-01

Contract Duration: 84 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.3K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SELF-PROPELLED SPRAYER

Place of Performance

Location: PARLIER, FRESNO County, CALIFORNIA, 93648

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $110,311.3 to RKJ, LLC for work described as: SELF-PROPELLED SPRAYER Key points: 1. Spending on farm machinery manufacturing is significant, with this contract representing a portion of that. 2. RKJ, LLC is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract is for a self-propelled sprayer, a specialized piece of agricultural equipment. 4. The award is a Purchase Order under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP).

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1,103,111.30 for a self-propelled sprayer appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized agricultural equipment, though a direct comparison is difficult without more specific feature data. The awarded amount is below the benchmark of $1,313,000.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP, suggesting a limited competition approach. While SAP aims for efficiency, it may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to full and open competition, especially for higher-value items.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for this purchase. The limited competition may result in a higher cost than if broader competition were pursued, impacting the overall value for taxpayer dollars.

Public Impact

Supports agricultural research and operations through specialized equipment. Potential for increased efficiency in farming practices. Funds allocated to a specific company for a defined period.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP
Potential for price not being fully optimized

Positive Signals

Supports critical agricultural research
Clear contract duration and delivery dates

Sector Analysis

The agricultural sector relies heavily on specialized machinery like self-propelled sprayers for efficient crop management. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining productivity and innovation in farming. Benchmarks for such specialized equipment can vary widely based on features and capabilities.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if RKJ, LLC is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation in federal contracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of a Purchase Order under SAP suggests a streamlined process. Oversight would focus on ensuring the equipment meets specifications and the price remains fair throughout the contract term.

Related Government Programs

Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Agricultural Research Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for suboptimal pricing
Lack of detailed specifications in award data
Unclear justification for SAP procurement method

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $110,311.3 to RKJ, LLC. SELF-PROPELLED SPRAYER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RKJ, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Agricultural Research Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $110,311.3.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-07-01.

What specific features and capabilities of this self-propelled sprayer justify its cost, and how do they compare to commercially available alternatives?

Detailed specifications for the sprayer are not provided in the data. To assess value, a comparison of its technical capabilities (e.g., boom width, tank capacity, precision application technology, engine power) against similar models from other manufacturers would be necessary. This would help determine if the $1.1M price reflects unique features or a premium due to limited competition.

What were the specific reasons for using limited competition under SAP for a contract of this value, and were alternative procurement methods considered?

The rationale for using SAP and limited competition for a contract valued over $1 million is unclear from the provided data. Typically, higher-value procurements warrant broader competition to ensure best value. An investigation into the justification for this approach, such as specific urgency or unique requirements, would be prudent to assess potential risks to price competition.

How will the effectiveness of this self-propelled sprayer be measured to ensure it meets the needs of the Agricultural Research Service?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through performance metrics outlined in the contract's statement of work. This could include successful application rates, operational uptime, adherence to spraying specifications, and feedback from end-users within the Agricultural Research Service. Post-delivery inspections and operational trials are standard methods to confirm the equipment meets requirements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Agriculture, Construction, and Mining Machinery Manufacturing › Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY AND EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1232SA26Q0290

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4581 W PICACHO AVE, LAS CRUCES, NM, 88007

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $110,311

Exercised Options: $110,311

Current Obligation: $110,311

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline