Cibola National Forest Restoration Projects Awarded to Sagebrush Advisors for $221K, Aiming for Forest Thinning and Prescribed Fire

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $221,426 ($221.4K)

Contractor: Sagebrush Advisors, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2027-01-15

Contract Duration: 289 days

Daily Burn Rate: $766/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST IS PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING FOREST RESTORATION PROJECTS ACROSS THE MT. TAYLOR, MAGDALENA, MOUNTAINAIR, AND SANDIA RANGER DISTRICTS, INCLUDING FOREST THINNING AND PRESCRIBED FIRE. THESE PROJECTS REQUIRE MEXICAN SPOTTED OWL

Place of Performance

Location: ALBUQUERQUE, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87113

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $221,426.35 to SAGEBRUSH ADVISORS, LLC for work described as: THE CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST IS PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING FOREST RESTORATION PROJECTS ACROSS THE MT. TAYLOR, MAGDALENA, MOUNTAINAIR, AND SANDIA RANGER DISTRICTS, INCLUDING FOREST THINNING AND PRESCRIBED FIRE. THESE PROJECTS REQUIRE MEXICAN SPOTTED OWL Key points: 1. The contract supports critical forest restoration efforts across multiple ranger districts. 2. Sagebrush Advisors, LLC, a single awardee, will perform forest thinning and prescribed fire activities. 3. The project's success is contingent on the presence and protection of the Mexican Spotted Owl. 4. This initiative addresses forest health and wildfire risk reduction in New Mexico.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $221,426.35 for a 289-day duration appears reasonable for specialized forestry services. Benchmarking against similar forest management contracts is difficult without more specific service details.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a limited competition approach. This method may not always yield the lowest price compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential environmental management and wildfire prevention, which can have long-term cost savings by mitigating damage.

Public Impact

Enhances forest health and reduces wildfire risk in key New Mexico areas. Supports biodiversity by protecting habitats, including that of the Mexican Spotted Owl. Contributes to local economies through contract work and resource management. Improves air and water quality through responsible forest management practices.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 76 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential environmental impact on Mexican Spotted Owl habitat.
Limited competition may not ensure optimal pricing.
Dependence on specific weather conditions for prescribed burns.

Positive Signals

Addresses critical forest restoration needs.
Supports long-term ecological health and wildfire mitigation.
Utilizes a firm fixed-price contract for cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Forestry and Wildfire Management sector, a critical area for environmental stewardship and public safety. Spending benchmarks for similar projects vary widely based on scope and location.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this specific contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Forest Service is responsible for overseeing these restoration projects. Accountability will be measured by project completion, adherence to environmental regulations, and effectiveness in achieving restoration goals.

Related Government Programs

Support Activities for Forestry
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Environmental impact on endangered species.
Effectiveness of prescribed fire under varying weather conditions.
Potential for limited competition to inflate costs.
Ensuring successful completion within the defined timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $221,426.35 to SAGEBRUSH ADVISORS, LLC. THE CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST IS PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING FOREST RESTORATION PROJECTS ACROSS THE MT. TAYLOR, MAGDALENA, MOUNTAINAIR, AND SANDIA RANGER DISTRICTS, INCLUDING FOREST THINNING AND PRESCRIBED FIRE. THESE PROJECTS REQUIRE MEXICAN SPOTTED OWL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SAGEBRUSH ADVISORS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $221,426.35.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2027-01-15.

What specific metrics will be used to measure the success of the forest restoration efforts and the impact on the Mexican Spotted Owl population?

Success metrics likely include acres treated (thinned or prescribed burned), reduction in fuel load, and post-project ecological assessments. Monitoring of the Mexican Spotted Owl population and habitat quality will be crucial. The Forest Service should have established protocols for these measurements, potentially involving wildlife biologists and environmental scientists to ensure accurate data collection and reporting.

How will potential risks to the Mexican Spotted Owl habitat be mitigated during thinning and prescribed fire operations?

Mitigation strategies typically involve pre-activity surveys to identify nesting sites, establishing buffer zones around sensitive areas, and timing operations to avoid critical breeding periods. Specific protocols mandated by the Endangered Species Act will guide these actions. The contract likely includes clauses requiring adherence to these environmental protection measures.

What is the projected long-term cost-benefit of these restoration projects in terms of wildfire damage reduction and ecosystem health?

The long-term benefits are expected to significantly outweigh the initial investment. Reduced wildfire intensity and spread can save millions in suppression costs and property damage. Improved ecosystem health leads to better watershed management, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity, providing sustained environmental and economic value.

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: 12363N26Q4060

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 632 CANYON POINT CIR, GOLDEN, CO, 80403

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $221,426

Exercised Options: $221,426

Current Obligation: $221,426

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12363N23A4487

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline