Forest Service awards $2.2M grounds maintenance contract to Taurus Service Group LLC in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,053 ($22.1K)

Contractor: Taurus Service Group LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2022-09-21

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,470 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TO PERFORM GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: ST THOMAS, SAINT THOMAS County, VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE U.S., 00802

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $22,053 to TAURUS SERVICE GROUP LLC for work described as: TO PERFORM GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SERVICES. Key points: 1. The contract value of $2.2 million over approximately four years suggests a moderate annual spend for grounds maintenance. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are not fully detailed, but it was competed under SAP, indicating a potentially streamlined process for smaller procurements. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor, Taurus Service Group LLC. 4. The contract's duration of nearly four years provides stability for both the agency and the contractor. 5. The geographic location in the U.S. Virgin Islands may present unique logistical considerations for service delivery and contractor operations. 6. The absence of small business set-aside flags suggests this was not specifically targeted to small businesses.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking grounds maintenance contracts can be challenging due to variations in scope, location, and service levels. The $2.2 million award over roughly four years equates to an average annual spend of approximately $550,000. Without specific details on the acreage maintained, the types of services included (e.g., mowing, landscaping, snow removal), and the prevailing labor costs in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult. However, the firm-fixed-price structure implies that the contractor is responsible for managing costs to maintain profitability, which can incentivize efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which is typically used for procurements valued below a certain threshold (often $250,000, though this can vary). The data indicates 5 bidders participated, and the award was a Purchase Order. While SAP can streamline the acquisition process, it may not always achieve the same level of competition or price discovery as full and open competition, especially if the actual value exceeded the typical SAP threshold or if the pool of potential bidders was limited in the specific geographic region.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competition under SAP can lead to faster contract awards but may not always secure the absolute lowest price compared to broader competitive processes. The presence of 5 bidders suggests some level of market interest, but the ultimate price achieved is influenced by the specific parameters of the SAP solicitation.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service, which will receive grounds maintenance services. Services delivered include general grounds maintenance, ensuring the upkeep and aesthetic quality of federal facilities or lands managed by the Forest Service in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The geographic impact is localized to the U.S. Virgin Islands, potentially supporting local employment and businesses involved in the contractor's supply chain. Workforce implications may include job creation for groundskeepers and related support staff employed by Taurus Service Group LLC or its subcontractors within the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if unforeseen site conditions or environmental factors in the U.S. Virgin Islands are not adequately accounted for in the fixed-price bid.
Risk of service quality degradation if the contractor prioritizes cost-cutting over thorough maintenance due to the firm-fixed-price structure.
Limited transparency into the specific performance metrics and quality control measures employed by the contractor without further reporting requirements.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract type transfers cost overrun risk to the contractor, Taurus Service Group LLC.
A duration of nearly four years provides continuity of service and allows the contractor to establish efficient operational routines.
The participation of 5 bidders indicates a degree of market interest and potential for competitive pricing within the SAP framework.

Sector Analysis

The landscaping services sector (NAICS code 561730) is a significant part of the broader facilities management industry. Federal spending in this area supports the maintenance of government properties, parks, and infrastructure. While specific benchmarks for grounds maintenance in the U.S. Virgin Islands are scarce, the contract value of $2.2 million over four years suggests a substantial, ongoing requirement. This contract fits within the government's need for routine upkeep of its physical assets, ensuring safety, usability, and environmental stewardship.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside (ss=false, sb=false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications mandated by a small business set-aside requirement for this specific award. The prime contractor, Taurus Service Group LLC, may still choose to subcontract portions of the work, potentially to small businesses, but this is not a contractual obligation stemming from the set-aside status of this particular procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service contracting officer and their representatives. As a Purchase Order awarded under SAP, the oversight mechanisms might be less formalized than for larger, more complex contracts. Accountability is driven by the firm-fixed-price terms and the delivery of services as specified. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, but detailed performance monitoring reports may not be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

Federal Grounds Maintenance Contracts
Department of Agriculture Facilities Management
Forest Service Land Management
Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) Awards
U.S. Virgin Islands Federal Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to geographic location.
Firm-fixed-price contracts can incentivize cost-cutting over quality if not monitored.
SAP competition may not yield the lowest possible price compared to full and open competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $22,053 to TAURUS SERVICE GROUP LLC. TO PERFORM GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TAURUS SERVICE GROUP LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $22,053.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-21. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of Taurus Service Group LLC in performing grounds maintenance services for the federal government?

Information regarding Taurus Service Group LLC's specific track record in performing grounds maintenance for the federal government is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their performance history, one would need to consult federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) for past awards, contract performance evaluations (CPARS), and any reported disputes or terminations. A thorough review would involve examining the size, scope, duration, and success of previous similar contracts to gauge their experience and reliability in delivering grounds maintenance services.

How does the awarded price of $2.2 million compare to similar grounds maintenance contracts in the U.S. Virgin Islands?

Direct comparison of the $2.2 million award for grounds maintenance in the U.S. Virgin Islands to similar contracts is challenging without more specific data points. Factors such as the acreage maintained, the specific services included (e.g., landscaping, irrigation, pest control, debris removal), the frequency of service, and prevailing local labor and material costs significantly influence pricing. The contract's duration of nearly four years means the average annual spend is approximately $550,000. A comprehensive benchmark would require analyzing contracts with comparable scopes of work, geographic locations, and service levels within the U.S. Virgin Islands or similar island territories.

What are the primary risks associated with this firm-fixed-price contract for grounds maintenance?

The primary risks associated with this firm-fixed-price contract lie in potential service quality issues and contractor financial viability. Since the price is fixed, Taurus Service Group LLC bears the risk of cost overruns due to unforeseen circumstances like extreme weather, increased material costs, or labor shortages in the U.S. Virgin Islands. To maintain profitability, the contractor might be incentivized to cut corners on service quality or frequency, potentially leading to subpar grounds maintenance. Conversely, if the contractor underestimated costs, they could face financial strain, impacting their ability to fulfill the contract long-term. The government's risk is primarily receiving inadequate service.

How effective is competition under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) in ensuring competitive pricing for grounds maintenance?

Competition under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) can be effective in ensuring competitive pricing, particularly for smaller procurements, by streamlining the acquisition process and reducing administrative burden. However, its effectiveness is contingent on the number of interested and capable vendors in the relevant market. For grounds maintenance in a specific geographic area like the U.S. Virgin Islands, the pool of qualified bidders might be limited. While 5 bidders participated in this instance, SAP may not always attract the same breadth of competition as full and open solicitations, potentially leading to prices that are reasonable but not necessarily the absolute lowest achievable.

What is the historical spending pattern for grounds maintenance services by the Forest Service in the U.S. Virgin Islands?

The provided data does not include historical spending patterns for grounds maintenance services by the Forest Service specifically in the U.S. Virgin Islands. To determine this, one would need to analyze past contract awards for similar services in that geographic region. This would involve searching procurement databases for contracts awarded by the Forest Service or other relevant agencies for grounds maintenance, landscaping, or related services in the U.S. Virgin Islands over several fiscal years. This analysis would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and the number of competitors over time.

What are the potential impacts of the contract's duration (nearly 4 years) on service quality and contractor performance?

The contract's duration of nearly four years offers several potential impacts on service quality and contractor performance. Positively, it allows Taurus Service Group LLC to establish efficient operational procedures, invest in necessary equipment, and develop a deep understanding of the specific grounds maintenance requirements at the sites in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This continuity can lead to more consistent and potentially higher quality service over time. However, a long-term contract could also lead to complacency if not managed with robust oversight. The firm-fixed-price nature means the contractor must manage their costs effectively throughout the period, which could incentivize efficiency but also risks service degradation if profit margins are squeezed.

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: 12445022Q0025

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 836 E FOREST HILLS DR, PHOENIX, AZ, 85022

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,291

Exercised Options: $22,053

Current Obligation: $22,053

Actual Outlays: $18,476

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline