USDA Forest Service awards $1.4M contract for Land Line Surveys to Johnson-Frank & Associates, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,959,150 ($14.0M)

Contractor: Johnson-Frank & Associates, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2023-07-12

End Date: 2027-09-15

Contract Duration: 1,526 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.1K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: LAND LINE SURVEYS

Place of Performance

Location: QUINCY, PLUMAS County, CALIFORNIA, 95971

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $14.0 million to JOHNSON-FRANK & ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: LAND LINE SURVEYS Key points: 1. Contract value of $1.4M for land line surveys. 2. Awarded to Johnson-Frank & Associates, Inc. 3. Competition method: Competed under SAP. 4. Sector: Forestry support activities.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.4M for a 4-year period (2023-2027) for land line surveys appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar forestry support contracts is difficult without more specific data on the complexity and geographic coverage of the surveys.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a limited competition environment. While this can lead to faster awards, it may not always yield the most competitive pricing compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP suggests an effort to streamline procurement for smaller value contracts, potentially leading to efficient use of taxpayer funds for this specific service.

Public Impact

Ensures accurate land boundary data for Forest Service operations. Supports sustainable forest management and resource allocation. Impacts land use planning and potential disputes resolution.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP.
Potential for price escalation over the contract duration.

Positive Signals

Clear contract duration and end date.
Firm fixed price contract type.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Support Activities for Forestry, a sector crucial for managing national forest resources. Spending in this area typically supports land management, environmental monitoring, and operational efficiency within the Forest Service.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this specific award or if the prime contractor is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service. Oversight would involve ensuring the contractor meets performance standards and deliverables as per the BPA Call agreement.

Related Government Programs

Support Activities for Forestry
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition due to SAP.
Potential for cost overruns if scope expands.
Dependence on contractor's expertise and equipment.
Geographic and environmental challenges impacting survey accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $14.0 million to JOHNSON-FRANK & ASSOCIATES, INC.. LAND LINE SURVEYS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JOHNSON-FRANK & ASSOCIATES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-12. End: 2027-09-15.

What is the typical cost per mile or acre for land line surveys in similar geographic regions and terrain?

Determining a precise per-unit cost benchmark for land line surveys is challenging without detailed specifications of the survey area, terrain complexity, and required accuracy. However, general industry estimates can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per mile, depending heavily on these factors. A more accurate benchmark would require comparing this contract's scope to publicly available data on similar government or private sector land surveying projects.

What are the risks associated with relying on Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for this type of service?

Using SAP, while efficient for smaller procurements, can limit the pool of potential bidders, potentially leading to less competitive pricing and reduced innovation. There's also a risk that agencies might not explore all available market options, potentially overlooking more cost-effective solutions or highly specialized providers that might emerge in a broader competition.

How will the accuracy and reliability of these land line surveys be verified to ensure effective use of funds?

Verification of survey accuracy typically involves adherence to established surveying standards (e.g., PLSS - Public Land Survey System), review of survey reports and plats by qualified Forest Service personnel, and potentially independent quality assurance checks. The contract's firm fixed price nature incentivizes the contractor to deliver accurate results within budget, but robust government oversight remains critical.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 12363N23Q4214

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5150 E HUNTER AVE, ANAHEIM, CA, 92807

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,959,150

Exercised Options: $13,959,150

Current Obligation: $13,959,150

Actual Outlays: $6,919,110

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12363N23A4268

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline