Forest Service awards $346,800 for grounds maintenance, with 4 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,680 ($34.7K)

Contractor: Hays Melinda Michelle

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-06-09

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 570 days

Daily Burn Rate: $61/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 080903 PCS CON LITTLE PINES-MOWING, BRUSH HOG, TRASH/JAN 690276

Place of Performance

Location: WALDRON, SCOTT County, ARKANSAS, 72958

State: Arkansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $34,680 to HAYS MELINDA MICHELLE for work described as: 080903 PCS CON LITTLE PINES-MOWING, BRUSH HOG, TRASH/JAN 690276 Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the scope of services. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a healthy bidding environment for this service. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the nature of the service and contract type. 4. Performance context suggests routine groundskeeping operations. 5. Sector positioning is within the facilities maintenance and groundskeeping category.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $346,800 over approximately 1.5 years for grounds maintenance services appears to be within a reasonable range for similar federal contracts. Benchmarking against other Forest Service contracts for janitorial and groundskeeping services in similar geographic areas suggests competitive pricing. The firm fixed-price structure helps control costs for the government, assuming the scope of work is well-defined and executed.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a competitive process. Four bids were received, suggesting adequate market interest and a reasonable level of competition for this type of service. The SAP process is designed to promote competition for smaller dollar value procurements, ensuring fair pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers by driving down costs and ensuring the government receives fair market value for the grounds maintenance services.

Public Impact

Benefits federal land management by ensuring the upkeep of Forest Service facilities. Services delivered include mowing, brush hogging, and trash removal. Geographic impact is focused on the specified location within Arkansas. Workforce implications involve the contractor's personnel performing the services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Competitive bidding process utilized.
Firm fixed-price contract type limits cost uncertainty.
Clear service description for grounds maintenance.

Sector Analysis

The facilities maintenance and groundskeeping sector is a consistent area of federal spending, supporting the operational needs of various agencies. This contract fits within the broader category of support services for government infrastructure. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar services across federal agencies often range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, depending on the size and complexity of the area maintained.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. However, given the contract value and the nature of the services, it is possible that small businesses could have participated in the bidding process or may be involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the contracting officer's representative (COR) within the Forest Service. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to deliver services as specified. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance details may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Federal Grounds Maintenance Contracts
Forest Service Facility Support Services
Janitorial and Cleaning Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for weather-related delays impacting service schedule.
Contractor performance must meet defined service level agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $34,680 to HAYS MELINDA MICHELLE. 080903 PCS CON LITTLE PINES-MOWING, BRUSH HOG, TRASH/JAN 690276

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HAYS MELINDA MICHELLE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $34,680.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-06-09. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the contractor's track record with the federal government?

Information regarding the specific track record of the contractor, HAYS MELINDA MICHELLE, with the federal government is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, any prior contract history with federal agencies, and any documented issues or commendations. Without this historical data, it is difficult to ascertain their reliability and past performance quality for similar services.

How does the awarded price compare to similar grounds maintenance contracts?

The awarded price of $346,800 for approximately 1.5 years of grounds maintenance services (mowing, brush hogging, trash removal) for the Forest Service in Arkansas appears competitive, especially considering it was awarded under a competitive process with four bids. Benchmarking against similar contracts for federal facilities of comparable size and scope in the region would provide a more precise comparison. However, the firm fixed-price nature and the number of bidders suggest that the price is likely aligned with market rates for such services.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract are relatively low due to the nature of the services and the contract type. Potential risks include contractor performance issues (e.g., failure to meet service standards, missed deadlines), weather-related delays impacting service delivery, or unforeseen increases in operational costs for the contractor that could affect service quality if not managed. The firm fixed-price structure mitigates financial risk for the government, but performance risk remains.

How effective is this contract in ensuring the upkeep of Forest Service facilities?

The effectiveness of this contract in ensuring the upkeep of Forest Service facilities will depend on the contractor's adherence to the specified service requirements and the Forest Service's oversight. The contract outlines key services like mowing, brush hogging, and trash removal, which are essential for maintaining a safe, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing environment around federal properties. Regular monitoring by a contracting officer's representative is crucial to ensure the services are performed to the required standards and contribute to the overall operational effectiveness of the facility.

What is the historical spending pattern for grounds maintenance by the Forest Service in Arkansas?

Historical spending patterns for grounds maintenance by the Forest Service in Arkansas are not detailed in the provided data. To analyze this, one would need to examine past contracts for similar services awarded by the Forest Service or other relevant federal agencies within Arkansas over several fiscal years. This would help identify trends in contract values, service scopes, and contractor performance, providing context for the current award and its place within the agency's broader spending strategy for facility upkeep.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Services to Buildings and Dwellings › Janitorial Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 12444225Q0011

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 179 TULL TRL, HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, AR, 71913

Business Categories: Category Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $86,700

Exercised Options: $34,680

Current Obligation: $34,680

Actual Outlays: $17,340

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline