Forest Service Awards $8.1M for Archeological Surveys in Hurricane Helene Response
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,103,917 ($8.1M)
Contractor: NEW South Associates, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture
Start Date: 2025-12-03
End Date: 2027-12-03
Contract Duration: 730 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.1K/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: PERFORM ARCHEOLOGICAL SURVEYS ACROSS 30,000 ACRES IN SUPPORT OF HURRICANE HELENE RESPONSE AND RECOVERY PROJECTS
Place of Performance
Location: ASHEVILLE, BUNCOMBE County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28801
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Agriculture obligated $8.1 million to NEW SOUTH ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: PERFORM ARCHEOLOGICAL SURVEYS ACROSS 30,000 ACRES IN SUPPORT OF HURRICANE HELENE RESPONSE AND RECOVERY PROJECTS Key points: 1. Contract supports critical post-hurricane recovery efforts. 2. Competition method (SAP) suggests potential for price discovery. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract mitigates cost overrun risk. 4. Archeological survey services are specialized, potentially limiting competition.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The $8.1M award for a 2-year period appears reasonable for specialized archeological survey services across a large acreage. Benchmarking against similar large-scale environmental survey contracts would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
Competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), this contract likely involved a limited number of bidders. While SAP can expedite procurement, it may not always yield the most competitive pricing compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential disaster recovery, with the firm fixed price mitigating uncontrolled cost escalation.
Public Impact
Ensures cultural heritage is preserved during recovery. Supports long-term environmental and community rebuilding. Provides employment for specialized archeological survey teams.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP.
- Potential for unoptimized pricing due to limited bidders.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical disaster response.
- Firm Fixed Price contract.
- Specialized service delivery.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically environmental consulting and support. Spending on disaster response and recovery can fluctuate significantly based on natural events.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this procurement. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Forest Service is responsible for overseeing this contract to ensure the archeological surveys are conducted thoroughly and meet all federal requirements for disaster recovery.
Related Government Programs
- Support Activities for Forestry
- Department of Agriculture Contracting
- Forest Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for higher costs due to limited competition.
- Scope of work complexity.
- Timeliness of delivery critical for recovery.
- Geographic challenges in survey area.
Tags
support-activities-for-forestry, department-of-agriculture, nc, bpa-call, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Agriculture awarded $8.1 million to NEW SOUTH ASSOCIATES, INC.. PERFORM ARCHEOLOGICAL SURVEYS ACROSS 30,000 ACRES IN SUPPORT OF HURRICANE HELENE RESPONSE AND RECOVERY PROJECTS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NEW SOUTH ASSOCIATES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $8.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-12-03. End: 2027-12-03.
What is the typical cost per acre for similar archeological surveys in disaster recovery zones?
The cost per acre for archeological surveys can vary widely based on terrain, survey intensity, and the specific regulatory requirements of the region. In disaster recovery zones, costs might be higher due to urgency and logistical challenges. A benchmark of $200-$500 per acre could be a starting point, but detailed analysis of the scope of work is needed for precise comparison.
What are the risks associated with limited competition under SAP for specialized services?
Limited competition under SAP can lead to higher prices and potentially less innovation compared to full and open competition. While SAP is efficient for smaller procurements, for significant awards like this, it might mean that not all qualified vendors had an opportunity to bid, potentially impacting the government's ability to secure the best value.
How effectively will these surveys contribute to the overall Hurricane Helene recovery goals?
These surveys are crucial for identifying and protecting cultural resources that might be damaged or uncovered by the hurricane and subsequent recovery efforts. By ensuring compliance with historical preservation laws, they prevent delays and allow for informed planning of reconstruction, thus directly contributing to the long-term success and cultural sensitivity of the recovery.
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: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 12363N25Q4184
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 6150 E PONCE DE LEON AVE, STONE MOUNTAIN, GA, 30083
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $8,103,917
Exercised Options: $8,103,917
Current Obligation: $8,103,917
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 12363N23A4498
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-12-03
Current End Date: 2027-12-03
Potential End Date: 2027-12-03 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-03
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