Agriculture's Forest Service Awards $39K for Marking Paint to Lighthouse for the Blind

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $39,050 ($39.1K)

Contractor: Lighthouse for the Blind

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 176 days

Daily Burn Rate: $222/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CNF-CON NIKX-TREE MARKING PAINT SUPPLIES

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT LOUIS, SAINT LOUIS County, MISSOURI, 63134

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $39,050.22 to LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND for work described as: CNF-CON NIKX-TREE MARKING PAINT SUPPLIES Key points: 1. Spending is concentrated on a single purchase order for marking paint supplies. 2. The awardee, Lighthouse for the Blind, suggests a social enterprise or specialized manufacturing capability. 3. The contract duration is relatively short, spanning approximately 5.5 months. 4. The total award value is modest, indicating a small-scale procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award value of $39,050.22 is relatively small. Without specific unit pricing or comparison data for marking paint, it's difficult to definitively assess value. However, the limited scope suggests it may be within a reasonable range for specialized supplies.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP,' indicating it was likely procured through simplified acquisition procedures, potentially limiting competition. The specific reason for this limited competition is not detailed, but it could be due to the small dollar value or specific vendor qualifications.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal given the small award amount of $39,050.22. The primary concern is ensuring fair pricing and appropriate use of funds, even for smaller procurements.

Public Impact

Supports a social enterprise (Lighthouse for the Blind) through government procurement. Ensures availability of essential marking paint for the Forest Service's operational needs. The procurement process, while limited, should still adhere to principles of good stewardship of taxpayer funds.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may lead to suboptimal pricing.
Lack of detailed justification for limited competition.

Positive Signals

Supports a social enterprise.
Procurement meets an identified agency need.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls under general supplies and services, specifically paint manufacturing. Government spending in this sector is typically driven by operational needs across various agencies. Benchmarks for paint manufacturing vary widely based on type and volume, but this award is small.

Small Business Impact

The awardee is identified as 'LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND,' which may qualify as a small business or a specialized non-profit entity. Further analysis would be needed to confirm its small business status and any specific set-aside programs it may benefit from.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a Purchase Order under simplified acquisition procedures. Oversight would focus on ensuring the terms of the purchase order were met, the quality of goods delivered, and that the limited competition was appropriately justified.

Related Government Programs

Paint and Coating Manufacturing
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition.
Lack of detailed product specification.
Potential for higher unit costs due to limited competition.
Short contract duration may not reflect long-term needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $39,050.22 to LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND. CNF-CON NIKX-TREE MARKING PAINT SUPPLIES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $39,050.22.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the specific type and quantity of marking paint being procured, and how does the unit price compare to market rates for similar products?

The data does not specify the exact type or quantity of marking paint. The total award is $39,050.22. To assess value, a comparison of the unit price against industry benchmarks for specialized marking paints, considering factors like durability, color, and application method, would be necessary. Without this granular data, a precise value assessment is challenging.

What is the justification for not competing this requirement more broadly, given the potential for multiple suppliers of paint products?

The contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP.' This suggests it was handled under simplified acquisition procedures, often used for purchases below certain thresholds. The justification might stem from the small dollar value, a need for a specific product only available from a limited source, or a desire to support a specific type of vendor, such as a social enterprise. A more detailed justification would clarify the rationale.

How effectively does this procurement meet the Forest Service's long-term needs for marking paint, considering potential future requirements and supply chain resilience?

This procurement is for a short duration (ending Sept 30, 2026) and a modest amount, suggesting it addresses immediate or short-term needs. Its effectiveness for long-term needs is limited. The Forest Service should consider consolidating future requirements or establishing longer-term agreements if marking paint is a recurring necessity to potentially achieve better pricing and ensure supply chain stability.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Paint, Coating, and Adhesive Manufacturing › Paint and Coating Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: BRUSHES, PAINTS, SEALERS, ADHESIVES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: THE Lighthouse for the Blind

Address: 8833 FLEISCHER PL, SAINT LOUIS, MO, 63134

Business Categories: AbilityOne Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $39,050

Exercised Options: $39,050

Current Obligation: $39,050

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline