Forest Service awards $5,475 for silviculture equipment trailer to Western States Trailer & Auto, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,475 ($5.5K)

Contractor: Western States Trailer & Auto, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 58 days

Daily Burn Rate: $94/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE BITTERROOT NATIONAL FOREST IS IN NEED OF AN EQUIPMENT TRAILER FOR THE SILVICULTURE PROGRAM 0103-5045

Place of Performance

Location: HAMILTON, RAVALLI County, MONTANA, 59840

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $5,475 to WESTERN STATES TRAILER & AUTO, LLC for work described as: THE BITTERROOT NATIONAL FOREST IS IN NEED OF AN EQUIPMENT TRAILER FOR THE SILVICULTURE PROGRAM 0103-5045 Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of equipment trailers. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a single award from a competed solicitation. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the relatively small contract value and short duration. 4. Performance context is tied to the silviculture program's equipment needs. 5. Sector positioning is within the Forest Service's operational support and equipment procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5,475 for an equipment trailer is modest. Benchmarking against similar federal procurements for specialized trailers suggests this price is within a competitive range, especially considering potential customization for silviculture program needs. The firm fixed-price structure helps manage cost certainty for the agency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a broader outreach but may result in fewer formal bids than larger procurements. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP aims to achieve fair and reasonable pricing through competition among qualified vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP for this purchase aims to balance efficient procurement with obtaining competitive pricing for taxpayers, ensuring funds are used judiciously for essential equipment.

Public Impact

The Bitterroot National Forest's silviculture program will benefit from the new equipment trailer. The trailer will support the transportation and storage of essential equipment for forest management activities. The geographic impact is focused on Montana, where the Bitterroot National Forest is located. Workforce implications include enabling forest service personnel to more effectively carry out their duties.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded to a specific LLC, indicating potential for specialized vendor support.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost predictability.
Short duration limits long-term financial commitment and potential for cost overruns.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader category of government procurement for specialized equipment, supporting natural resource management. The market for custom or specialized trailers can vary, but federal agencies often procure such items to meet specific operational requirements. Benchmarks for similar equipment can be found across various federal agencies involved in land management and conservation.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting is not explicitly provided for this award. However, the nature of the procurement under SAP may allow for participation by small businesses, depending on their capabilities and the specific solicitation requirements.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made by the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service, which has established procurement oversight processes. As a purchase order under SAP, it is subject to standard federal acquisition regulations and internal agency review to ensure compliance and accountability.

Related Government Programs

Forest Service Equipment Procurement
Silviculture Program Support
National Forest Management Equipment

Risk Flags

Potential for wear and tear in rugged terrain
Need for specialized maintenance in remote locations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $5,475 to WESTERN STATES TRAILER & AUTO, LLC. THE BITTERROOT NATIONAL FOREST IS IN NEED OF AN EQUIPMENT TRAILER FOR THE SILVICULTURE PROGRAM 0103-5045

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WESTERN STATES TRAILER & AUTO, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5,475.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-05-31.

What is the typical lifespan and maintenance cost of such equipment trailers for federal agencies?

The typical lifespan of a specialized equipment trailer for federal agencies can range from 10 to 20 years, depending on the quality of construction, frequency of use, and maintenance protocols. Factors like material (steel vs. aluminum), load capacity, and environmental exposure (e.g., weather, terrain) significantly influence durability. Maintenance costs are generally associated with regular inspections, lubrication of moving parts (axles, brakes, lights), tire replacement, and potential repairs due to wear and tear or damage. For a $5,475 trailer, annual maintenance might range from 2-5% of the initial cost, assuming diligent upkeep and no major unforeseen repairs. Federal agencies often have maintenance schedules and budgets allocated for such equipment to ensure operational readiness and extend its service life.

How does the price of this trailer compare to commercially available, similar capacity trailers?

Comparing the $5,475 price to commercially available trailers requires understanding the specific features and customization required for the silviculture program. Standard utility or equipment trailers of similar size and capacity (e.g., 10,000-14,000 lb GVWR) can range from $3,000 to $7,000 or more, depending on brand, materials, and features like ramps, braking systems, and deck type. If this federal procurement includes specialized features, reinforced construction, or specific mounting points for silviculture equipment, the price could be justified. Without detailed specifications, it's difficult to make a precise comparison, but the award price appears to be within the expected range for a purpose-built or robust equipment trailer.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the silviculture program that this trailer will support?

The key performance indicators (KPIs) for the silviculture program that this trailer will support are likely related to operational efficiency and effectiveness in forest management. These could include metrics such as the timely deployment of personnel and equipment to project sites, the volume of seedlings or planting materials transported, the number of acres treated or monitored, and the reduction in equipment downtime due to reliable transportation. The trailer's ability to safely and efficiently move specialized tools, vehicles (like ATVs or small tractors), and supplies directly impacts the program's capacity to execute its mission, which may involve reforestation, vegetation management, and forest health assessments. Improved logistics facilitated by the trailer can lead to more acres managed and better overall forest health outcomes.

What is Western States Trailer & Auto, LLC's track record with federal contracts?

Information on Western States Trailer & Auto, LLC's specific track record with federal contracts is not detailed in the provided data. However, as a recipient of this purchase order from the Department of Agriculture, they have demonstrated the capability to meet federal procurement requirements, at least at the simplified acquisition level. Further investigation into federal contract databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) would be necessary to ascertain the extent of their past federal awards, contract types, agencies served, and performance history. This would provide a clearer picture of their experience and reliability as a federal contractor.

Are there any potential risks associated with the use of this trailer in remote or challenging forest environments?

Potential risks associated with using this trailer in remote or challenging forest environments include mechanical failures due to rough terrain, weather exposure, or inadequate maintenance. The trailer's suspension, tires, and braking system must be robust enough to handle unpaved roads and uneven surfaces. Furthermore, security risks such as theft or vandalism in remote locations could be a concern, necessitating secure storage and potentially GPS tracking. Ensuring the trailer is properly rated for the intended loads and that operators are trained in safe towing practices in off-road conditions are crucial mitigation strategies. The Forest Service likely has protocols in place to manage these risks, including regular inspections and maintenance schedules.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing › Truck Trailer Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MOTOR VEHICLES, CYCLES, TRAILERS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4810 US HIGHWAY 93 S, MISSOULA, MT, 59804

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,475

Exercised Options: $5,475

Current Obligation: $5,475

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline