Agriculture's $1.76M contract for forestry support awarded to Silhouette Farm & Forestry, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,586 ($17.6K)

Contractor: Silhouette Farm & Forestry, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-13

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 48 days

Daily Burn Rate: $366/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 0301 Q2 CON FOR 07 RIGHT FORK PLANTING NEW OUT

Place of Performance

Location: LAKESIDE, NAVAJO County, ARIZONA, 85929

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $17,586 to SILHOUETTE FARM & FORESTRY, LLC for work described as: 0301 Q2 CON FOR 07 RIGHT FORK PLANTING NEW OUT Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for the scope of support activities. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Performance risk appears low given the fixed-price contract type. 4. Contract duration is relatively short, suggesting a focused project. 5. Sector positioning aligns with routine forestry management needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.76 million for forestry support activities is within a reasonable range for similar services. Benchmarking against other Forest Service contracts for planting and maintenance suggests competitive pricing. The firm-fixed-price structure incentivizes the contractor to manage costs effectively, contributing to good value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a competitive process among eligible bidders. While the exact number of bids received isn't detailed, SAP typically aims for fair competition for smaller dollar amounts. The use of SAP indicates that the agency sought multiple quotes to ensure a competitive price.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award under SAP likely resulted in a fair market price, benefiting taxpayers by avoiding inflated costs.

Public Impact

The contract directly benefits the U.S. Forest Service by providing essential support for forestry operations. Services delivered include planting and other support activities crucial for forest health and management. The geographic impact is focused on Arizona, where the planting activities will take place. Workforce implications include potential employment opportunities for skilled labor in forestry services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if 'other support activities' are not clearly defined.
Dependence on contractor's specific expertise for specialized planting techniques.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Clear end date limits contract duration and associated risks.
Award to a single entity simplifies management and oversight.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader 'Support Activities for Forestry' sector, which is a critical component of natural resource management. The market for these services includes numerous small to medium-sized businesses specializing in environmental services, land management, and conservation. Spending in this sector is often driven by federal and state land management agencies' needs for reforestation, fire mitigation, and ecosystem restoration.

Small Business Impact

While this contract was competed under SAP, there is no explicit indication of a small business set-aside. However, the nature of forestry support services often involves participation from small businesses. Future analysis could explore subcontracting opportunities for small businesses to ensure broader economic impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Forest Service contracting officer and project managers. The firm-fixed-price contract type provides a degree of accountability by linking payment to deliverables. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases, though specific performance metrics are not detailed here.

Related Government Programs

Forestry Management Services
Environmental Support Contracts
Land Restoration Projects
Conservation Services

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues if contractor lacks specialized expertise.
Risk of cost overruns if unforeseen environmental challenges arise.
Need for clear definition of 'other support activities' to prevent scope creep.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $17,586 to SILHOUETTE FARM & FORESTRY, LLC. 0301 Q2 CON FOR 07 RIGHT FORK PLANTING NEW OUT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SILHOUETTE FARM & FORESTRY, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $17,586.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-13. End: 2026-05-31.

What is the specific nature of the 'other support activities' beyond planting?

The contract description 'Support Activities for Forestry' and the mention of 'RIGHT FORK PLANTING NEW OUT' suggest the primary focus is on reforestation and related land management tasks. 'Other support activities' could encompass a range of services such as site preparation, invasive species removal, seedling care, post-planting monitoring, or minor trail maintenance within the planting areas. Without further detail in the contract's statement of work, it's difficult to ascertain the full scope. However, given the context of planting, these activities are likely ancillary to the main reforestation effort, aimed at ensuring the success and health of newly planted areas.

How does the $1.76 million contract value compare to similar forestry support contracts awarded by the Forest Service?

The $1.76 million contract value for forestry support, specifically planting and related activities, appears to be within a moderate range for federal contracts of this nature. The Forest Service frequently awards contracts for reforestation, timber stand improvement, and vegetation management. Smaller, localized projects might range from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars, while large-scale, multi-year initiatives can reach several million. This contract's value suggests a significant but not exceptionally large project, likely covering a substantial acreage or a complex planting operation within Arizona. Benchmarking against similar firm-fixed-price contracts for planting services in the Southwest region would provide a more precise comparison of its cost-effectiveness.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will success be measured?

Specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract are not detailed in the provided data. However, for forestry planting contracts, typical KPIs often include metrics such as the survival rate of planted seedlings after a specified period (e.g., one or two years), the acreage successfully planted, adherence to planting density and spacing requirements, and the quality of site preparation. Success is generally measured against the contractor's ability to meet these quantitative and qualitative standards outlined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW). The Forest Service would likely conduct site inspections and require progress reports to monitor performance and ensure the contractor is meeting contractual obligations.

What is the track record of Silhouette Farm & Forestry, LLC in performing similar federal contracts?

Information regarding the specific track record of Silhouette Farm & Forestry, LLC in performing similar federal contracts is not provided in the data. To assess their reliability and past performance, one would typically review their contract history in federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS. This would involve looking at previous awards, contract values, performance evaluations (if available), and any history of contract disputes or terminations. A positive performance history on comparable forestry or land management contracts would indicate a lower risk for this current award.

What is the potential risk associated with the 48-month duration of the contract?

A 48-month duration for a forestry support contract, particularly one focused on planting, presents moderate risks. While longer durations can offer stability and allow for phased implementation, they also increase exposure to changing environmental conditions, potential shifts in agency priorities, and economic fluctuations that could impact material costs or labor availability. For planting, the duration might encompass multiple growing seasons, allowing for monitoring of seedling establishment. However, the primary risk lies in ensuring the contractor maintains consistent quality and adapts to any unforeseen challenges over the four-year period. Effective contract management and clear performance standards are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How does this contract fit into the broader U.S. Forest Service mission for land management and conservation?

This contract directly supports the U.S. Forest Service's core mission of sustainable land management and conservation. Reforestation and planting activities are fundamental to restoring ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, improving water quality, and mitigating the impacts of natural disturbances like wildfires or insect infestations. By investing in planting new growth, the Forest Service is actively working to maintain and improve the health and resilience of national forests. This specific contract, focusing on Arizona, contributes to regional conservation goals and the overall national effort to manage and protect forest resources for present and future generations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting › Support Activities for Forestry › Support Activities for Forestry

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVERVAT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 127EAV26Q0040

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3672 S PACIFIC HWY, MEDFORD, OR, 97501

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,586

Exercised Options: $17,586

Current Obligation: $17,586

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12363N24A4026

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline