Forest Service awards $490K landscaping contract for Ironton Ranger District recreation sites

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $49,070 ($49.1K)

Contractor: David Johnson CO

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2023-03-30

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,097 days

Daily Burn Rate: $45/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CONTRACT FOR IRONTON RANGER DISTRICT RECREATION SITE MOWING CONTRACT FOR THE WAYNE NATIONAL FOREST.

Place of Performance

Location: PEDRO, LAWRENCE County, OHIO, 45659

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $49,070 to DAVID JOHNSON CO for work described as: CONTRACT FOR IRONTON RANGER DISTRICT RECREATION SITE MOWING CONTRACT FOR THE WAYNE NATIONAL FOREST. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to David Johnson Co. for mowing services. 2. The contract duration is approximately three years. 3. Services are for recreation sites within the Wayne National Forest. 4. The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 5. The award type is a Purchase Order. 6. The contract is Firm Fixed Price, indicating predictable costs.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $490,700 over three years for landscaping services at recreation sites appears to be within a reasonable range for such services. However, without specific details on the scope of work (e.g., acreage, frequency of mowing, specific tasks), a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar contracts for forest recreation site maintenance would provide a clearer picture of whether the pricing is competitive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for broader competition among vendors for smaller dollar value contracts. While the exact number of bids received isn't specified, SAP generally encourages a competitive environment. The use of SAP suggests that the agency sought to obtain competitive pricing for this requirement.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP for this contract likely resulted in competitive pricing, benefiting taxpayers by ensuring the government did not overpay for the landscaping services.

Public Impact

Benefits visitors to the Ironton Ranger District by maintaining aesthetically pleasing and safe recreation areas. Ensures the upkeep of public lands managed by the Forest Service. Supports local employment through the contractor's workforce. Contributes to the overall visitor experience in Wayne National Forest.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed scope of work makes it difficult to fully assess value for money.
Limited information on the number of bidders under SAP makes it hard to gauge the intensity of competition.
Potential for scope creep if not clearly defined in the purchase order.

Positive Signals

Contract competed under SAP, suggesting an effort to achieve fair pricing.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Longer duration (3 years) may indicate contractor stability and potential for consistent service quality.

Sector Analysis

The landscaping and grounds maintenance sector is a significant part of the broader services industry. Federal agencies, particularly those managing public lands like the Forest Service, frequently contract for these types of services to maintain facilities and natural areas. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on the size and type of property being maintained, with costs influenced by labor rates, equipment, and the complexity of the terrain.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it detail subcontracting plans. However, contracts competed under SAP are often accessible to small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation and its impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Forest Service's contracting officer and program managers. As a Purchase Order, it is a less complex instrument than a large prime contract, but standard procurement regulations and oversight apply. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, though specific performance monitoring details are not publicly available.

Related Government Programs

National Forest Recreation Management
Public Lands Maintenance Contracts
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Services
Department of Agriculture Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for inadequate service quality if scope is not clearly defined.
Limited public information on contractor's past performance.
Value for money assessment is difficult without detailed scope and benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $49,070 to DAVID JOHNSON CO. CONTRACT FOR IRONTON RANGER DISTRICT RECREATION SITE MOWING CONTRACT FOR THE WAYNE NATIONAL FOREST.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DAVID JOHNSON CO.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $49,070.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-03-30. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the specific scope of work included in this contract for mowing and landscaping services?

The provided data does not detail the specific scope of work. Typically, such contracts would outline the exact areas to be mowed (e.g., specific campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads), the frequency of mowing, the desired grass height, and any additional landscaping tasks such as trimming, edging, debris removal, or vegetation management. A detailed scope of work is crucial for accurately assessing the value for money and ensuring the contractor meets the Forest Service's expectations for maintaining the recreation sites.

How does the awarded amount of $490,700 compare to similar landscaping contracts for Forest Service recreation sites?

Benchmarking this contract requires comparing it to similar landscaping and grounds maintenance contracts awarded by the Forest Service or other land management agencies for recreation sites. Factors such as geographic location, size of the area maintained, specific services required (e.g., mowing, pruning, herbicide application), and contract duration significantly influence pricing. Without access to a database of comparable contracts with detailed scope and pricing, it is difficult to definitively state if $490,700 represents a competitive price. However, for a three-year contract covering multiple recreation sites, it appears to be a moderate investment.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Potential risks include inadequate service quality, contractor default, or cost overruns if the scope is not well-defined. Mitigation strategies often involve clear performance standards in the contract, regular monitoring by Forest Service personnel, and the use of a Firm Fixed Price structure which limits cost increases. The contractor's track record and financial stability would also be assessed prior to award. The relatively small contract value and use of SAP might suggest a lower risk profile compared to larger, more complex procurements.

What is the historical spending pattern for landscaping and recreation site maintenance in the Wayne National Forest?

Historical spending data for landscaping and recreation site maintenance in the Wayne National Forest would provide context for the current award. Analyzing past contracts for similar services would reveal trends in pricing, contractor performance, and the frequency of such procurements. This information helps in understanding if the current $490,700 award is consistent with previous investments or represents a significant change in spending. Without access to this historical data, it's challenging to place the current contract within a long-term financial perspective for the forest.

What is the track record of David Johnson Co. in performing government contracts, particularly for the Forest Service?

Information regarding David Johnson Co.'s track record with government contracts, especially those with the Forest Service, is not provided in the initial data. A thorough analysis would involve reviewing past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), any past disputes or contract terminations, and the types of services they have previously provided to federal agencies. A positive performance history would indicate a lower risk for this contract, while a history of issues might raise concerns about service delivery and value.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 12444323Q0018

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1483 HICKORY GROVE RD, OAK HILL, OH, 45656

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $88,845

Exercised Options: $49,070

Current Obligation: $49,070

Actual Outlays: $49,070

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline