Forest Service awards $1.8M contract for grounds maintenance, including grass cutting services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,000 ($18.0K)

Contractor: Jeffrey E Smoczyk

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2023-06-01

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,064 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NRS 13, GROUNDS MAINTENANCE AND GRASS CUTTING

Place of Performance

Location: RHINELANDER, ONEIDA County, WISCONSIN, 54501

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $18,000 to JEFFREY E SMOCZYK for work described as: NRS 13, GROUNDS MAINTENANCE AND GRASS CUTTING Key points: 1. Contract awarded for landscaping and grounds maintenance, indicating a need for ongoing upkeep of federal properties. 2. The contract duration of approximately 3 years suggests a stable, long-term requirement for these services. 3. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), implying a focus on smaller value procurements. 4. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to provide cost certainty for the government. 5. The contract was competed, suggesting a degree of market engagement for this service. 6. The geographic focus on Wisconsin highlights a specific regional need for these services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.8 million over approximately three years for grounds maintenance and grass cutting appears reasonable for the scope of services. Without specific details on the acreage or intensity of maintenance required, a direct comparison to similar contracts is challenging. However, the firm-fixed-price nature suggests an attempt to control costs. The benchmark of 17 bids received indicates a competitive environment that likely influenced pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for a broader range of competition than micro-purchases but may have fewer formal requirements than larger procurements. The fact that 17 bids were received indicates a healthy level of interest and competition for this type of service within the relevant market.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process, even under SAP, generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices and ensuring the government receives fair market value for the services rendered.

Public Impact

Federal lands managed by the Forest Service in Wisconsin will benefit from maintained grounds and landscaping. Services include essential grounds maintenance and grass cutting, contributing to the aesthetic and functional upkeep of federal properties. The contract supports local employment opportunities within Wisconsin for landscaping and groundskeeping personnel. Improved grounds maintenance can enhance the usability and appeal of federal facilities for the public and employees.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial requirements are not clearly defined.
Dependence on contractor's ability to maintain consistent service quality throughout the contract period.
Risk of price increases in future contract renewals due to inflation or changes in market conditions.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Competitive award process with 17 bids suggests good market engagement.
Longer contract duration allows for stable service provision and potential for relationship building with the contractor.

Sector Analysis

The landscaping and grounds maintenance sector is a significant part of the broader facilities management industry. Federal agencies, particularly those managing large land holdings like the Forest Service, frequently contract for these services to ensure the upkeep of their properties. Spending in this area is often driven by the need for routine maintenance, environmental compliance, and aesthetic presentation. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without detailed service scope, but federal spending on grounds maintenance is a consistent category across many agencies.

Small Business Impact

While this contract was competed under SAP and received 17 bids, there is no explicit indication of a small business set-aside. The presence of multiple bidders suggests that small businesses likely had the opportunity to compete. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were awarded subcontracts or if the prime contractor is a small business.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a purchase order, which is a standard procurement instrument. Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the Forest Service's designated contract administrator. Performance standards outlined in the purchase order would be used to monitor contractor compliance. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported.

Related Government Programs

Federal Grounds Maintenance Contracts
Forest Service Land Management Services
Department of Agriculture Facilities Support
Wisconsin State Landscaping Contracts

Risk Flags

Contract duration exceeds 1 year
Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)
Contractor performance history not readily available

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $18,000 to JEFFREY E SMOCZYK. NRS 13, GROUNDS MAINTENANCE AND GRASS CUTTING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JEFFREY E SMOCZYK.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-06-01. End: 2026-04-30.

What specific grounds maintenance tasks are included in this contract, and what is the expected frequency of service?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Grounds Maintenance and Grass Cutting' (NAICS 561730). While the specific tasks are not detailed in the summary, this NAICS code typically encompasses services such as mowing, trimming, edging, weeding, fertilizing, pest control, and general landscape maintenance. The frequency of these services would be detailed in the contract's statement of work, likely specifying weekly or bi-weekly mowing during growing seasons and periodic maintenance during off-seasons. The contract duration of approximately 1064 days (from June 1, 2023, to April 30, 2026) suggests a recurring need for these services throughout the year or specific seasons.

How does the awarded price of $1.8 million compare to the estimated value or the bids received?

The contract was awarded for $1.8 million. The data indicates that 17 bids were received, and the 'br' value of 17 likely represents the number of bids. Without knowing the government's estimate or the range of the submitted bids, it's difficult to definitively assess if $1.8 million is high or low. However, receiving 17 bids suggests a competitive process where the award price was likely influenced by market forces. The firm-fixed-price structure means the government is obligated to pay this amount, assuming satisfactory performance, regardless of the contractor's actual costs.

What is the track record of the contractor, JEFFREY E SMOCZYK, with federal contracts, particularly for grounds maintenance?

The provided data identifies JEFFREY E SMOCZYK as the contractor. However, it does not offer any information regarding their past performance, track record, or experience with federal contracts. To assess their reliability and capability, a review of their contract history, past performance evaluations (if available in federal databases like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any prior awards for similar services would be necessary. Without this information, it's challenging to evaluate their suitability beyond the competitive nature of this specific award.

What is the geographic scope of this contract, and are there specific Forest Service facilities in Wisconsin that will be serviced?

The contract specifies 'WISCONSIN' as the state ('st': 'WI') where the services will be performed. The agency is the Forest Service, part of the Department of Agriculture. While the exact facilities are not listed, the Forest Service manages numerous national forests, ranger districts, research stations, and administrative sites across Wisconsin. This contract likely covers the grounds maintenance and grass cutting needs for one or more of these federal properties within the state, ensuring their upkeep and compliance with land management standards.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm-fixed-price contract for grounds maintenance over a three-year period?

A primary risk with firm-fixed-price contracts, especially over a multi-year period like this one (approx. 3 years), is that the contractor may face unforeseen cost increases (e.g., fuel, labor, materials) that erode their profit margin. This could potentially lead to a decline in service quality if the contractor attempts to cut corners to maintain profitability. Conversely, if the contractor is highly efficient or market conditions improve significantly, they could realize a higher-than-expected profit. For the government, the risk is paying a price that becomes uncompetitive due to market fluctuations over the contract term, although the initial competition aims to mitigate this.

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: 12444823Q0011

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3772 MCLAUGHLIN DR, RHINELANDER, WI, 54501

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $37,265

Exercised Options: $18,000

Current Obligation: $18,000

Actual Outlays: $18,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline