USDA Forest Service Awards $321K for Mechanical Site Prep, Competed Under SAP
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $32,175 ($32.2K)
Contractor: Back Forty Solutions Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture
Start Date: 2026-05-01
End Date: 2026-08-31
Contract Duration: 122 days
Daily Burn Rate: $264/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: MECHANICAL SITE PREPARATION (5.4.2) FOR PLANTING
Place of Performance
Location: WIGGINS, PERRY County, MISSISSIPPI, 39577
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Agriculture obligated $32,175 to BACK FORTY SOLUTIONS INC for work described as: MECHANICAL SITE PREPARATION (5.4.2) FOR PLANTING Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Back Forty Solutions Inc. for mechanical site preparation. 2. The contract is for support activities within the forestry sector. 3. Competition was conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 4. The contract value is $321,750 with a duration of 122 days. 5. The contract is firm-fixed-price, indicating clear cost expectations.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $321,750 for 122 days of mechanical site preparation appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar forestry support contracts suggests this pricing is competitive.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders. While competed, the specific number of offers received is not detailed, impacting the full extent of price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP aims for efficiency in smaller procurements, potentially reducing administrative costs for taxpayers. The competitive nature, even if limited, helps ensure a fair price.
Public Impact
Supports forestry management and land restoration efforts. Enhances ecological health and wildfire prevention through site preparation. Provides services in Mississippi, contributing to local land management goals.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP may not yield the absolute lowest price.
- Specific details on the number of bids received are not provided.
- Potential for scope creep if site conditions are more complex than anticipated.
Positive Signals
- Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
- Supports critical forestry and land management activities.
- Awarded to a single vendor, streamlining execution.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Support Activities for Forestry sector, specifically focusing on mechanical site preparation. Spending in this area is crucial for land management, ecological restoration, and wildfire mitigation, with benchmarks varying based on terrain and specific preparation needs.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if Back Forty Solutions Inc. is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation in this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would involve ensuring the contractor adheres to the firm-fixed-price terms, completes the site preparation to the specified standards, and meets the delivery dates. The Forest Service's contracting officer is responsible for monitoring performance.
Related Government Programs
- Support Activities for Forestry
- Department of Agriculture Contracting
- Forest Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition under SAP.
- Potential for unstated complexities in site conditions.
- Dependence on weather for timely completion.
- Contract duration is relatively short, requiring efficient execution.
Tags
support-activities-for-forestry, department-of-agriculture, ms, bpa-call, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Agriculture awarded $32,175 to BACK FORTY SOLUTIONS INC. MECHANICAL SITE PREPARATION (5.4.2) FOR PLANTING
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BACK FORTY SOLUTIONS INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $32,175.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-05-01. End: 2026-08-31.
What is the typical cost range for mechanical site preparation services of this nature in Mississippi?
The typical cost range for mechanical site preparation can vary significantly based on factors like terrain difficulty, vegetation density, required equipment, and labor rates specific to the region. For a 122-day contract of this scope, costs could range from $200,000 to $450,000, depending on these variables. The awarded price of $321,750 appears to fall within this general range, suggesting a potentially fair market price.
What are the primary risks associated with mechanical site preparation contracts, and how are they mitigated?
Primary risks include unforeseen site conditions (e.g., rocky terrain, protected species), equipment failure, weather delays, and contractor performance issues. Mitigation strategies involve thorough site assessments prior to bidding, clear contract specifications, contingency planning for weather, and robust contractor oversight. The firm-fixed-price structure also incentivizes the contractor to manage risks effectively to maintain profitability.
How effectively does this contract contribute to the Forest Service's broader land management and ecological goals?
This contract directly contributes to land management by preparing sites for planting, which is essential for reforestation, habitat restoration, and potentially wildfire fuel reduction. Effective execution ensures healthier ecosystems and supports long-term conservation objectives. The success hinges on the quality of the preparation and its suitability for subsequent planting activities.
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: 12443926Q0021
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4771 BAYOU BLVD, PENSACOLA, FL, 32503
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $32,175
Exercised Options: $32,175
Current Obligation: $32,175
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 12444223A0032
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-05-01
Current End Date: 2026-08-31
Potential End Date: 2026-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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