Forest Service Awards $1.06M Contract for Road Debris Removal to Support Tree Planting in Idaho

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,560 ($10.6K)

Contractor: Altered Aspects, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-05-16

Contract Duration: 40 days

Daily Burn Rate: $264/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: REMOVE SNOW AND INCIDENTAL DEBRIS AND DEADFALL FROM FOREST ROADS TO REACH TREE PLANTING UNITS DURING THE WINDOW FOR PLANTING SUCCESS

Place of Performance

Location: COEUR D ALENE, KOOTENAI County, IDAHO, 83814

State: Idaho Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $10,560 to ALTERED ASPECTS, LLC for work described as: REMOVE SNOW AND INCIDENTAL DEBRIS AND DEADFALL FROM FOREST ROADS TO REACH TREE PLANTING UNITS DURING THE WINDOW FOR PLANTING SUCCESS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential forest road maintenance for successful tree planting operations. 2. Competition method (SAP) suggests a streamlined process, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. Risk of weather delays or unforeseen debris could impact project timeline and cost. 4. Spending aligns with supporting ecological restoration and forest management initiatives.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.06M for a 40-day period appears reasonable for specialized debris removal services in a remote forest setting. Benchmarking against similar contracts for road maintenance in challenging terrain would provide a clearer assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a focus on smaller value procurements. While this can expedite the process, it may limit the breadth of competition and potentially lead to less aggressive pricing compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential forest management activities that support long-term ecological health and timber resources.

Public Impact

Ensures access for critical reforestation efforts, contributing to forest health and carbon sequestration. Supports the Forest Service's mission to manage and protect national forests. Potential for local economic activity through the contractor's operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Weather dependency
Limited competition
Remote work conditions

Positive Signals

Supports reforestation goals
Timely execution window

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Support Activities for Forestry sector, specifically addressing infrastructure maintenance to enable ecological restoration. Spending benchmarks for similar road clearing and maintenance contracts vary widely based on scope and location.

Small Business Impact

Analysis of small business participation is not available from the provided data. SAP procurements can sometimes favor smaller businesses, but specific set-asides or participation goals are not indicated.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Forest Service contracting officer's representative (COR) to ensure work completion according to specifications and timelines. Accountability rests with Altered Aspects, LLC to perform the contracted services.

Related Government Programs

Support Activities for Forestry
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Weather dependency
Limited competition
Potential for scope creep
Short performance window

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $10,560 to ALTERED ASPECTS, LLC. REMOVE SNOW AND INCIDENTAL DEBRIS AND DEADFALL FROM FOREST ROADS TO REACH TREE PLANTING UNITS DURING THE WINDOW FOR PLANTING SUCCESS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALTERED ASPECTS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10,560.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-05-16.

What is the specific definition of 'incidental debris' and 'deadfall' in the contract scope to ensure consistent interpretation and prevent scope creep?

The contract's scope of work should clearly define 'incidental debris' and 'deadfall' with specific examples or quantifiable metrics. This clarity is crucial to prevent disputes over what needs removal, ensuring the contractor is held accountable for the agreed-upon tasks and that taxpayer funds are used efficiently for the intended purpose.

How will the Forest Service mitigate risks associated with the short 40-day performance window, given potential weather delays in Idaho during April and May?

The Forest Service should have contingency plans, such as flexible scheduling or alternative access routes if feasible, to address potential weather-related delays. Proactive communication with the contractor and monitoring of weather forecasts are essential. The contract may also include clauses addressing excusable delays due to severe weather.

What performance metrics will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the debris removal in facilitating successful tree planting unit access?

Effectiveness can be measured by the contractor's ability to clear roads to a specified standard, allowing unimpeded access for planting crews and equipment within the designated timeframe. Post-clearing inspections verifying road usability and timely completion of the contracted work will serve as key performance indicators.

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: 1240LR26Q0011

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 211 S WESTWOOD DR., POST FALLS, ID, 83854

Business Categories: Category Business, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,560

Exercised Options: $10,560

Current Obligation: $10,560

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline