Forest Service Seeks $611K for Chemical Site Prep to Aid Pine Regeneration in Arkansas

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $61,110 ($61.1K)

Contractor: Gabino D Grano

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-05-26

End Date: 2027-08-31

Contract Duration: 462 days

Daily Burn Rate: $132/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE MENA-ODEN RANGER DISTRICT IS REQUESTING CONTRACT ACTION FOR THE PREPARATION OF SITES USING CHEMICALS FOR THE NATURAL REGENERATION OF SHORTLEAF PINE SEEDLINGS. THIS WORK (E.G., CHEMICAL SITE-PREPARATION) IS DESCRIBED IN THE 5.2.2.1.1 PORTION OF T

Place of Performance

Location: MENA, POLK County, ARKANSAS, 71953

State: Arkansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $61,110 to GABINO D GRANO for work described as: THE MENA-ODEN RANGER DISTRICT IS REQUESTING CONTRACT ACTION FOR THE PREPARATION OF SITES USING CHEMICALS FOR THE NATURAL REGENERATION OF SHORTLEAF PINE SEEDLINGS. THIS WORK (E.G., CHEMICAL SITE-PREPARATION) IS DESCRIBED IN THE 5.2.2.1.1 PORTION OF T Key points: 1. The contract focuses on chemical site preparation for natural regeneration of shortleaf pine seedlings. 2. This is a competitive award under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a potentially efficient process. 3. The contract duration is 462 days, with an estimated completion date in August 2027. 4. The award is a BPA Call, suggesting it's part of a larger pre-negotiated agreement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $611,100 for 462 days of work appears reasonable for specialized forestry services. Benchmarking against similar chemical site preparation contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under SAP, suggesting a competitive process was utilized. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of competitive bidding aims to secure the best value for taxpayer funds, ensuring efficient allocation for critical forestry management.

Public Impact

Supports ecological restoration efforts in Arkansas's Ouachita National Forest. Aims to improve the health and sustainability of shortleaf pine forests. Contributes to the long-term viability of timber resources and wildlife habitats. Demonstrates federal investment in natural resource management and conservation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential environmental impact of chemical use.
Reliance on specific chemical treatments may limit future management options.
Effectiveness of chemical site prep versus alternative methods.

Positive Signals

Supports critical forest regeneration goals.
Competitive award process.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Forestry and Natural Resources sector, specifically focusing on silvicultural treatments. Spending in this area supports land management agencies in maintaining forest health, timber production, and ecological balance.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was competed under SAP and awarded as a BPA Call. Further analysis is needed to determine if small businesses participated in the bidding process or were awarded subcontracts.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Forest Service, part of the Department of Agriculture. Oversight would involve ensuring adherence to contract terms, environmental regulations, and performance standards throughout the contract period.

Related Government Programs

Support Activities for Forestry
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Environmental impact of chemical application.
Long-term effectiveness and potential need for repeat treatments.
Dependence on specific chemical efficacy.
Potential for unintended consequences on non-target flora and fauna.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $61,110 to GABINO D GRANO. THE MENA-ODEN RANGER DISTRICT IS REQUESTING CONTRACT ACTION FOR THE PREPARATION OF SITES USING CHEMICALS FOR THE NATURAL REGENERATION OF SHORTLEAF PINE SEEDLINGS. THIS WORK (E.G., CHEMICAL SITE-PREPARATION) IS DESCRIBED IN THE 5.2.2.1.1 PORTION OF T

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GABINO D GRANO.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $61,110.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-05-26. End: 2027-08-31.

What is the specific chemical being used and what are its environmental safeguards?

The specific chemical is not detailed in the provided data. However, any chemical application for site preparation by the Forest Service would be subject to rigorous environmental impact assessments and regulatory compliance, including EPA guidelines and state-specific regulations. Safeguards typically include buffer zones, application timing restrictions, and monitoring protocols to minimize off-target effects and protect water resources and non-target species.

How does the cost of chemical site preparation compare to mechanical or manual methods for shortleaf pine regeneration?

The cost-effectiveness of chemical site preparation versus mechanical or manual methods can vary significantly based on terrain, scale, and specific site conditions. Chemical treatments can be highly efficient for large areas and difficult terrain, potentially offering a lower per-acre cost than extensive mechanical clearing or manual labor. However, long-term ecological impacts and the need for repeat applications must be factored into a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis.

What is the expected success rate of natural regeneration following this chemical site preparation?

The expected success rate of natural regeneration following chemical site preparation is contingent on several factors, including seed availability, soil conditions, rainfall, and the intensity of competition from other vegetation. While chemical treatments aim to reduce competing vegetation, allowing pine seedlings to establish, the Forest Service likely has established protocols and monitoring plans to assess regeneration success and implement adaptive management strategies if initial results are suboptimal.

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

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1123 FOXY LN, WALDRON, AR, 72958

Business Categories: Category Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $61,110

Exercised Options: $61,110

Current Obligation: $61,110

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12444223A0027

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline