Agriculture awards $141.8M contract for timber calling and workplan support in Oregon

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $141,769 ($141.8K)

Contractor: Hamer Environmental Limited Partnership

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-08-13

End Date: 2027-06-30

Contract Duration: 686 days

Daily Burn Rate: $207/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: (MTH) EASTSIDE NSO CALLING TIMBER, WORKPLAN AP#710321

Place of Performance

Location: DUFUR, WASCO County, OREGON, 97021

State: Oregon Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $141,769.2 to HAMER ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP for work described as: (MTH) EASTSIDE NSO CALLING TIMBER, WORKPLAN AP#710321 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for the duration and scope of services. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with performance dependent on contractor execution. 4. The contract supports essential forestry management activities. 5. This falls within the broader category of natural resource management services. 6. The firm fixed-price structure shifts cost risk to the contractor.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $141.8 million over approximately two years (686 days) suggests an average annual value of roughly $70.9 million. Benchmarking against similar forestry support contracts is challenging without more specific service details. However, the firm fixed-price nature indicates that the government has secured a defined cost for the services, which is generally favorable. The pricing appears to be set based on anticipated workplan needs and contractor capabilities.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating a competitive process. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP is typically used for procurements valued below certain thresholds, often attracting multiple bids. This suggests a reasonable level of competition, which should contribute to fair pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process under SAP helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the US Forest Service, which receives critical support for its forestry operations. Services include timber calling and workplan execution, vital for forest management and resource allocation. The geographic impact is focused on Oregon, supporting state-specific environmental and resource management goals. Workforce implications include potential employment opportunities for environmental specialists and forestry technicians.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if workplans are not clearly defined.
Dependence on contractor's technical expertise for accurate timber assessment.
Weather and environmental factors could impact work execution timelines.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Contract duration allows for sustained support to forestry operations.
Competition under SAP suggests a potentially efficient procurement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader natural resources and environmental services sector, specifically focusing on forestry management. The market for these services includes a range of environmental consulting firms, forestry service providers, and specialized contractors. Spending in this area is driven by federal and state mandates for land management, conservation, and sustainable resource utilization. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within the Forest Service's overall budget for operational support and land management activities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on small businesses would be through potential subcontracting opportunities, should the prime contractor, HAMER ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, choose to engage them. Without specific subcontracting plans, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem, though larger contracts often do involve subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the contracting officer and the relevant program managers within the USDA Forest Service. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Forest Management Support
Environmental Consulting Services
Natural Resource Management
Timber Stand Improvement
Workforce Planning and Execution

Risk Flags

Potential for inaccurate timber volume estimates.
Risk of delays due to environmental or weather conditions.
Dependence on contractor's specialized expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $141,769.2 to HAMER ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP. (MTH) EASTSIDE NSO CALLING TIMBER, WORKPLAN AP#710321

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HAMER ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $141,769.2.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-08-13. End: 2027-06-30.

What is the historical spending pattern of the Forest Service for similar timber calling and workplan support services in Oregon?

Analyzing historical spending for similar services in Oregon requires access to detailed procurement data beyond this single award. Typically, the Forest Service allocates funds annually for operational support, including activities like timber assessment and workplan development. Spending can fluctuate based on budget appropriations, specific forest health initiatives, and the urgency of management needs. Past contracts for these services might have varied in duration, scope, and value, influenced by factors such as timber sale targets, wildfire risk mitigation efforts, and conservation priorities. Without specific historical data points for this precise service category and region, it's difficult to provide a precise historical spending pattern. However, consistent funding for such essential management tasks is generally expected, with potential increases during periods of heightened environmental concern or resource management focus.

How does the per-unit cost of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for timber calling and workplan support?

Determining a precise per-unit cost benchmark for this contract is challenging without a clear definition of the 'unit' of service. The contract value of $141.8 million covers a duration of 686 days and encompasses 'timber calling' and 'workplan AP#710321'. If 'unit' refers to acres surveyed, board feet assessed, or workplans completed, specific data is needed. Industry benchmarks for forestry consulting services vary widely based on geographic location, complexity of terrain, timber density, and the specific methodologies employed. Generally, costs are influenced by labor rates for qualified foresters and technicians, equipment usage, and administrative overhead. Given the firm fixed-price nature, the contractor has presumably calculated these per-unit costs internally to arrive at their bid. A comprehensive comparison would necessitate detailed breakdowns of the contractor's proposed costs and comparison with aggregated data from similar, publicly available contracts or industry cost surveys.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this contract?

While the specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are not detailed in the provided data, contracts of this nature typically include metrics tied to the accuracy and timeliness of timber assessments, the completeness and feasibility of developed workplans, and adherence to budgetary constraints. For 'timber calling,' KPIs might involve the accuracy of volume estimations, species identification, and mapping of timber stands. For 'workplan AP#710321,' success could be measured by the timely submission of actionable plans, their alignment with Forest Service objectives, and the successful execution of planned activities within specified parameters. Adherence to safety protocols and environmental compliance would also likely be critical performance areas. The contracting officer's representative (COR) would be responsible for monitoring these KPIs throughout the contract period.

What is the track record of HAMER ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP with the Department of Agriculture or similar agencies?

Information regarding the specific track record of HAMER ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP with the Department of Agriculture (USDA) or similar agencies is not provided in the initial data. A thorough assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or commendations associated with this contractor on federal procurement platforms like SAM.gov or through agency-specific performance management systems. Generally, agencies assess a contractor's past performance as a significant factor in award decisions, particularly for competitive procurements. Understanding their history with similar forestry or environmental support services would provide insight into their reliability, quality of work, and ability to manage complex projects within budget and schedule.

What are the potential risks associated with the 'timber calling' aspect of this contract?

The 'timber calling' aspect of this contract carries several potential risks. Firstly, accuracy in estimating timber volume and quality is crucial for effective forest management and revenue generation if timber is to be sold. Inaccurate assessments can lead to financial losses or suboptimal resource allocation. Secondly, the methodology used for timber calling must be consistent and scientifically sound to ensure comparability over time and across different areas. Thirdly, environmental conditions, such as weather, terrain accessibility, and dense undergrowth, can pose physical risks to personnel conducting field assessments and may impact the efficiency and cost of the operation. Finally, ensuring that the 'calling' aligns with current forest health objectives, such as disease or pest management, adds another layer of complexity and potential risk if not properly integrated.

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

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1510 S 3RD ST, MOUNT VERNON, WA, 98273

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $141,769

Exercised Options: $141,769

Current Obligation: $141,769

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12046W20A0013

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline