Forest Service awards $322,987 contract for snow removal at Grey Towers National Historic Site

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $322,987 ($323.0K)

Contractor: TM Morey, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2022-09-29

End Date: 2026-10-31

Contract Duration: 1,493 days

Daily Burn Rate: $216/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: GREY TOWERS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL

Place of Performance

Location: HAWLEY, PIKE County, PENNSYLVANIA, 18428

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $322,987 to TM MOREY, INC. for work described as: GREY TOWERS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable for specialized snow and ice removal services in a historic site setting. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a standard procurement process for this type of service. 3. The fixed-price contract structure shifts performance risk to the contractor. 4. The duration of the contract suggests a need for consistent, long-term service. 5. This contract falls within the 'Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings' category, a common area for federal procurement. 6. The award to TM MOREY, INC. represents a specific allocation of resources for facility maintenance.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $322,987 over approximately four years for snow and ice removal at a national historic site is within a reasonable range. While direct comparisons are difficult without specific site data, similar contracts for building maintenance and groundskeeping in regions with significant snowfall often fall within this cost bracket. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the government has secured a defined cost for the services, which is generally favorable for value. Benchmarking against private sector snow removal contracts in Pennsylvania would provide further context, but the specialized nature of maintaining a historic site may justify the expenditure.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a full and open competition process for acquisitions below a certain dollar threshold. The presence of three bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this service. This level of competition is generally sufficient to drive competitive pricing and ensure that the government receives a fair market value for the services rendered. The SAP process is designed to be efficient while still allowing for broad participation.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award, even under SAP, suggests that taxpayer funds were used efficiently, with multiple vendors vying for the contract and likely leading to a more favorable price than a sole-source award.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the visitors and staff of the Grey Towers National Historic Site, ensuring safe access and operations during winter months. The services delivered include essential snow plowing, shoveling, and ice mitigation to maintain the grounds and access routes. The geographic impact is localized to Milford, Pennsylvania, where the historic site is located. This contract supports local employment through the contractor, TM MOREY, INC., and potentially its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if weather conditions are more severe than anticipated, though the fixed-price contract mitigates some of this.
Dependence on contractor performance for timely and effective snow removal, crucial for site accessibility.
Limited flexibility to change service scope mid-contract without potential renegotiation or additional costs.

Positive Signals

Clear definition of services through a firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Competition among three bidders suggests a reasonable market for these services.
The contract duration of over three years indicates a stable, ongoing need and a reliable service provider is expected.
Award to a single contractor streamlines management and accountability for the Forest Service.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader facilities maintenance and support services sector. The market for snow and ice removal is highly localized, with numerous small to medium-sized businesses specializing in this area. Federal spending in this category is consistent across various agencies requiring grounds maintenance for their facilities, especially in regions with harsh winter climates. The value of this specific contract is modest within the overall federal procurement landscape for building operations.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. TM MOREY, INC.'s size status is not provided. Without this information, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem, though the competition under SAP could have included small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Forest Service contracting officer and project managers responsible for the Grey Towers National Historic Site. Performance standards and delivery requirements are outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like SAM.gov. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Grounds Maintenance Contracts
General Services Administration (GSA) Building Operations Contracts
Department of Defense Facilities Support Contracts
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Winter Storm Support

Risk Flags

Performance Risk
Weather Volatility
Contractor Stability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $322,987 to TM MOREY, INC.. GREY TOWERS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TM MOREY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $322,987.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-29. End: 2026-10-31.

What is the track record of TM MOREY, INC. with federal contracts?

Information on TM MOREY, INC.'s specific track record with federal contracts is not detailed in the provided data. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases (e.g., SAM.gov, FPDS) would be necessary to ascertain their history, including past performance ratings, types of contracts awarded, and any reported issues. Generally, agencies assess past performance as part of the source selection process, especially for longer-term contracts. Without this specific data, it's assumed the Forest Service conducted its due diligence regarding the contractor's capabilities and reliability for this essential service at a historic site.

How does the cost of this contract compare to similar snow removal services for historic sites?

Directly comparing the cost of this $322,987 contract to similar services for other historic sites is challenging without access to specific data on those sites' needs, geographic locations, and contract terms. However, the contract's firm-fixed-price nature and duration suggest a structured approach to managing costs for essential winter maintenance. The value appears reasonable given the specialized requirements of maintaining a national historic site, which may involve more careful handling of grounds and infrastructure compared to standard commercial properties. Benchmarking against private sector contracts in similar climate zones in Pennsylvania would offer additional context, but the unique preservation needs of a historic site could influence pricing.

What are the primary risks associated with this snow removal contract?

The primary risks associated with this snow removal contract include potential performance failures by the contractor (e.g., delays in clearing, inadequate service), which could impact site accessibility and safety. Weather volatility presents another risk; while the fixed-price contract shifts some financial risk to the contractor, extreme weather could strain their resources or lead to disputes if service levels are perceived as insufficient. There's also a minor risk related to the contractor's financial stability over the contract's multi-year term. Finally, ensuring consistent adherence to the specific requirements for preserving a historic site adds a layer of operational complexity and risk.

How effective is the Forest Service in managing snow removal contracts?

The effectiveness of the Forest Service in managing snow removal contracts can be inferred from the structure of this award. The use of a firm-fixed-price contract with a defined duration and competition under SAP suggests a standard, well-understood procurement approach. The agency's effectiveness hinges on robust performance monitoring, clear communication with the contractor, and timely issue resolution. While this specific contract's effectiveness cannot be fully assessed without performance data, the Forest Service's experience with facility management implies established procedures are likely in place to ensure the Grey Towers site remains accessible and safe during winter.

What are the historical spending patterns for snow removal at Grey Towers National Historic Site?

Historical spending patterns for snow removal specifically at the Grey Towers National Historic Site are not detailed in the provided data. To analyze this, one would need to examine past Forest Service contracts for this location, looking at award amounts, contract durations, and any changes in service scope or pricing over time. Understanding historical spending would help determine if the current $322,987 award represents an increase, decrease, or stable expenditure compared to previous years, and whether it aligns with inflation or changes in service requirements.

What is the potential impact of this contract on local emergency response capabilities?

This contract directly supports the operational readiness of the Grey Towers National Historic Site by ensuring access and safety during winter conditions. By maintaining clear pathways and parking areas, it facilitates the movement of site staff, maintenance personnel, and potentially emergency responders if needed for incidents within the site itself. While it doesn't directly fund broader emergency response agencies, it ensures the site remains accessible for any necessary external emergency services. The reliability of the contracted snow removal service contributes to the overall preparedness and continuity of operations for this federal facility.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 12444822Q0049

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 485 ROUTE 739, HAWLEY, PA, 18428

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $415,118

Exercised Options: $322,987

Current Obligation: $322,987

Actual Outlays: $288,359

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline