Forest Service awards $43K for engine repair, highlighting potential value concerns for specialized vehicle maintenance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $43,110 ($43.1K)

Contractor: Deranged Diesel Repair, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 81 days

Daily Burn Rate: $532/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TYPE 4 ENGINE MOTOR REPLACEMENT ON A 2016 INTERNATIONAL WORKSTAR ON THE BOISE NATIONAL FOREST.

Place of Performance

Location: BOISE, ADA County, IDAHO, 83705

State: Idaho Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $43,110.34 to DERANGED DIESEL REPAIR, INC for work described as: TYPE 4 ENGINE MOTOR REPLACEMENT ON A 2016 INTERNATIONAL WORKSTAR ON THE BOISE NATIONAL FOREST. Key points: 1. The contract for specialized vehicle repair appears to be a sole-source award, potentially limiting price competition. 2. The duration of the contract (81 days) is relatively short for a major engine overhaul. 3. The specific nature of the repair (engine motor replacement) suggests a need for specialized technical expertise. 4. The award to Deranged Diesel Repair, Inc. warrants scrutiny regarding their track record with government contracts. 5. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides some cost certainty, but the initial price needs benchmarking. 6. The lack of competition raises questions about whether the government secured the best possible price.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking the $43,110.34 cost for a Type 4 engine motor replacement on a 2016 International Workstar is challenging without more specific details on the parts and labor involved. However, for specialized heavy-duty vehicle repairs, this figure could be within a reasonable range if high-quality parts and expert labor are required. The lack of competitive bidding makes it difficult to definitively assess value for money, as there is no market comparison to ensure optimal pricing. Further investigation into the contractor's pricing structure and historical performance would be beneficial.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor, Deranged Diesel Repair, Inc., was solicited. This approach is typically used when a unique product or service is required, or when only one responsible source is available. The absence of a competitive bidding process means that the Forest Service did not benefit from multiple offers, which could have driven down the price through market forces. The justification for this sole-source award needs to be thoroughly reviewed to ensure it was appropriate.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can lead to higher costs for taxpayers as competition is absent, potentially resulting in a price that is not the most economical.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Forest Service personnel who rely on the operational readiness of the Boise National Forest's fleet vehicles. The service delivered is critical maintenance for a specific heavy-duty vehicle, ensuring its continued functionality. The geographic impact is localized to the Boise National Forest in Idaho, supporting its operational needs. The contract supports specialized automotive repair services, potentially benefiting skilled technicians within the local economy.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may have led to a higher price than a competed contract.
Sole-source justification needs thorough review to ensure necessity and prevent potential abuse.
Limited transparency into the contractor's pricing breakdown for parts and labor.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical vehicle maintenance could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

The contract is for a specific, necessary repair to maintain operational capability.
The firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for this specific repair.
The repair is time-bound, with a defined period of performance.

Sector Analysis

The automotive repair industry is vast, encompassing everything from routine maintenance to highly specialized engine overhauls. This contract falls into the specialized heavy-duty vehicle repair segment, which often requires specific certifications, tools, and expertise. The market for such services can be localized, with fewer providers capable of handling complex repairs on specific vehicle makes and models like International Workstars. Government spending in this area supports the maintenance of essential operational fleets across various agencies.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to involve subcontracting opportunities for small businesses based on the information provided. The award to Deranged Diesel Repair, Inc., a single entity, does not indicate any specific provisions for engaging small businesses within its scope. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this particular award is likely minimal.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order would typically fall under the Department of Agriculture's contracting officers and the Forest Service's program managers. Accountability measures would include ensuring the repair is completed according to specifications and within the agreed-upon timeframe and price. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature and the lack of a public bidding process. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

General Automotive Repair Services
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
Heavy Duty Truck Repair
Fleet Management Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competition
Potential for overpayment without competitive benchmarking
Limited transparency into contractor's pricing structure
Dependence on a single vendor for critical repair

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $43,110.34 to DERANGED DIESEL REPAIR, INC. TYPE 4 ENGINE MOTOR REPLACEMENT ON A 2016 INTERNATIONAL WORKSTAR ON THE BOISE NATIONAL FOREST.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DERANGED DIESEL REPAIR, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $43,110.34.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the track record of Deranged Diesel Repair, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly regarding performance and pricing?

Information regarding the specific track record of Deranged Diesel Repair, Inc. with federal contracts is not readily available in the provided data. A comprehensive review would require accessing federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) to search for past awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any documented disputes or issues. Without this data, it's difficult to assess their reliability, quality of work, and historical pricing competitiveness. The sole-source nature of this award suggests either a lack of prior federal contracting experience or a specific justification for selecting them without broader competition.

How does the $43,110.34 price compare to similar engine motor replacement contracts for this vehicle type?

Benchmarking this $43,110.34 price for a Type 4 engine motor replacement on a 2016 International Workstar is difficult without access to comparable contract data. Specialized heavy-duty engine repairs can vary significantly based on the specific engine model, parts required (OEM vs. aftermarket), labor rates, and geographic location. A typical engine replacement for a commercial truck can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, but specialized government or industrial vehicles might incur higher costs due to specific requirements or limited service providers. The lack of competition for this award prevents a direct market comparison to ascertain if this price represents good value.

What are the specific risks associated with a sole-source award for critical vehicle maintenance?

The primary risk of a sole-source award for critical vehicle maintenance is the potential for inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive pressure. Without competing bids, the contractor may not feel compelled to offer the most cost-effective solution. Additionally, there's a risk of reduced service quality or longer turnaround times if the contractor faces no direct competition. This can also limit the government's options if the sole-source provider fails to meet performance expectations, as switching contractors may be difficult or impossible without a new justification. Ensuring the sole-source justification is robust and that the contractor's performance is closely monitored is crucial.

What is the expected impact of this engine repair on the operational effectiveness of the Boise National Forest fleet?

This engine motor replacement is critical for restoring the operational effectiveness of a specific 2016 International Workstar vehicle within the Boise National Forest fleet. Such vehicles are essential for various on-the-ground operations, including firefighting support, resource management, trail maintenance, and transportation of personnel and equipment. A functional engine ensures the vehicle can perform its assigned duties reliably, preventing delays in critical forest management activities and supporting the overall mission of the Forest Service. The timely completion of this repair is therefore directly linked to maintaining the operational capacity of the forest.

Are there historical spending patterns with Deranged Diesel Repair, Inc. or for similar engine repair services by the Forest Service?

Historical spending patterns with Deranged Diesel Repair, Inc. and for similar engine repair services by the Forest Service are not detailed in the provided data. To analyze this, one would need to examine past contract awards to this specific vendor and review the Forest Service's procurement history for heavy-duty vehicle engine repairs. Understanding if this is a recurring need, if prices have been consistent, and if other vendors have been used in the past would provide valuable context. The current sole-source award might indicate a shift in procurement strategy or a specific, unaddressed need that only this vendor can fulfill.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Automotive Repair and Maintenance › General Automotive Repair

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1177 W WRIGHT ST, BOISE, ID, 83705

Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $43,110

Exercised Options: $43,110

Current Obligation: $43,110

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline