Forest Service Purchases $5,300 Equipment Trailer for Timber Program from Timberline Truck & Trailer

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,300 ($5.3K)

Contractor: Timberline Truck & Trailer, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 24 days

Daily Burn Rate: $221/day

Competition Type: NOT 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 TIMBER PROGRAM.

Place of Performance

Location: HAMILTON, RAVALLI County, MONTANA, 59840

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $5,300 to TIMBERLINE TRUCK & TRAILER, LLC for work described as: THE BITTERROOT NATIONAL FOREST IS IN NEED OF AN EQUIPMENT TRAILER FOR THE TIMBER PROGRAM. Key points: 1. The purchase is for a single equipment trailer valued at $5,300. 2. The contract was not competed under SAP, raising questions about price discovery. 3. The small business status of the awardee is not specified. 4. The trailer is for the Timber Program within the Bitterroot National Forest.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The price of $5,300 for an equipment trailer is difficult to benchmark without specific details on size, capacity, and features. Given the lack of competition, it's hard to ascertain if this represents fair market value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). This suggests a limited competition approach, potentially leading to a higher price than if it were openly competed.

Taxpayer Impact: The impact on taxpayers is likely minimal due to the low dollar amount, but the lack of competition prevents assurance of the best possible price.

Public Impact

Supports the operational needs of the Timber Program in the Bitterroot National Forest. Ensures necessary equipment can be transported for timber management activities. The purchase contributes to the maintenance and efficiency of forest management operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Unknown small business status

Positive Signals

Supports critical forest program needs
Low dollar value purchase

Sector Analysis

This purchase falls under the 'Truck Trailer Manufacturing' sector, specifically for equipment used in natural resource management. Spending benchmarks for such specialized trailers are not readily available, but typical government procurement emphasizes competition for cost efficiency.

Small Business Impact

The data does not specify whether Timberline Truck & Trailer, LLC is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business goals were considered or met in this procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

The procurement process, particularly the lack of competition under SAP, warrants oversight to ensure fair pricing and adherence to procurement regulations. The short delivery window also needs monitoring.

Related Government Programs

Truck Trailer Manufacturing
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpricing
No clear justification for limited competition
Unknown small business status of awardee

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $5,300 to TIMBERLINE TRUCK & TRAILER, LLC. THE BITTERROOT NATIONAL FOREST IS IN NEED OF AN EQUIPMENT TRAILER FOR THE TIMBER PROGRAM.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TIMBERLINE TRUCK & TRAILER, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5,300.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-04-30.

What specific features and capacity does the equipment trailer have to justify its $5,300 price point without competitive bidding?

Without detailed specifications, it's impossible to definitively justify the $5,300 price. Key factors influencing trailer cost include size (length, width, height), weight capacity, axle configuration, braking systems, material (steel vs. aluminum), and specialized features like ramps, winches, or enclosed storage. The lack of competition means the government did not explore options that might offer similar utility at a lower cost or superior features for the same price.

What is the risk associated with procuring this trailer through a limited competition, especially concerning potential overpricing?

The primary risk is overpricing due to the absence of competitive pressure. When a contract is not competed, the vendor may not feel compelled to offer the lowest possible price. This limited competition approach can lead to taxpayers paying more than necessary for goods or services, especially if the chosen vendor is not incentivized to provide the best value. The lack of a benchmark price further exacerbates this risk.

How effective is this purchase in supporting the long-term goals of the Timber Program, considering the procurement method?

The purchase is likely effective in meeting the immediate operational need for an equipment trailer, thereby supporting the Timber Program's day-to-day activities. However, the effectiveness in terms of achieving long-term value for money is questionable due to the limited competition. If similar trailers could have been acquired at a significantly lower cost through a competitive process, the long-term financial efficiency of the program is compromised.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MOTOR VEHICLES, CYCLES, TRAILERS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8523 ROLLER COASTER RD, MISSOULA, MT, 59808

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,300

Exercised Options: $5,300

Current Obligation: $5,300

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline