Agriculture Dept. Awards $70.5K for 455,000 Shortleaf Pine Seedlings to PRT USA INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $70,525 ($70.5K)

Contractor: PRT USA Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 182 days

Daily Burn Rate: $388/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: OZARK-ST. FRANCIS NF - GROW CONTAINERIZED SHORTLEAF SEEDLINGS (455,000)

Place of Performance

Location: RUSSELLVILLE, POPE County, ARKANSAS, 72801

State: Arkansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $70,525 to PRT USA INC for work described as: OZARK-ST. FRANCIS NF - GROW CONTAINERIZED SHORTLEAF SEEDLINGS (455,000) Key points: 1. Cost-effective procurement of essential reforestation materials. 2. Competition ensured competitive pricing for the Forest Service. 3. Low contract value minimizes significant financial risk. 4. Supports ecological restoration and forest management goals.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $70,525 for 455,000 seedlings appears reasonable, aligning with typical nursery stock pricing. Benchmarking against similar forestry supply contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a robust process to solicit bids. This method generally leads to competitive pricing and best value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The relatively small contract value of $70,525 represents a minimal direct impact on taxpayers, focused on a specific, beneficial environmental project.

Public Impact

Supports reforestation efforts in Arkansas, contributing to forest health and biodiversity. Ensures the availability of young trees for habitat restoration and timber management. Procurement of specialized seedlings aids in combating invasive species and disease.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

No small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

Clear need for reforestation materials.
Competitive bidding process utilized.
Defined delivery period.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products NAICS code. Spending in this sector is crucial for land management agencies to maintain healthy ecosystems and timber resources.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business set-aside goals were considered or if opportunities were missed.

Oversight & Accountability

The Forest Service, part of the Department of Agriculture, is responsible for managing national forests. Oversight typically involves contract monitoring for delivery and quality standards.

Related Government Programs

Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

No small business participation.
Potential for delivery/quality issues.
Environmental risks at planting site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $70,525 to PRT USA INC. OZARK-ST. FRANCIS NF - GROW CONTAINERIZED SHORTLEAF SEEDLINGS (455,000)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PRT USA INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $70,525.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the typical per-unit cost for containerized shortleaf pine seedlings of this size and quality?

Per-unit costs for containerized seedlings can vary significantly based on species, size, age, nursery practices, and quantity. For shortleaf pine, prices can range from $0.15 to $0.50 per seedling, depending on these factors. The $70,525 award for 455,000 seedlings suggests a per-unit cost of approximately $0.155, which appears competitive if the seedlings meet standard quality specifications.

What are the potential risks associated with the delivery and survival of these seedlings?

Risks include potential delays in delivery impacting planting schedules, damage during transit, or poor seedling quality leading to low survival rates. Environmental factors like drought or pests at the planting site also pose risks. The short delivery window (April-September 2026) requires efficient logistics and careful handling to mitigate these issues.

How effectively does this procurement support the Forest Service's long-term reforestation goals?

This procurement directly supports reforestation goals by providing essential young trees for planting. The use of full and open competition suggests an effort to obtain the best value, maximizing the impact of funds. However, long-term effectiveness also depends on site preparation, planting techniques, and post-planting care, which are outside the scope of this specific contract.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting › Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products › Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVERVAT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 31783 S MERIDIAN RD, HUBBARD, OR, 97032

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $70,525

Exercised Options: $70,525

Current Obligation: $70,525

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12444024D0007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline