Forest Service awards $892,800 for wildfire response and road repair in California

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,928 ($8.9K)

Contractor: Rodgers, Steven R

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-08-21

End Date: 2026-01-30

Contract Duration: 162 days

Daily Burn Rate: $55/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: MORATORIUM CLASS EXCEPTION. FIRE. BURNED AREA EMERGENCY RESPONSE (BARE) LINE FIRE ROAD TREATMENT & SUPPRESSION REPAIR, SAN BERNADINO NF.

Place of Performance

Location: SAN BERNARDINO, SAN BERNARDINO County, CALIFORNIA, 92408

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $8,928 to RODGERS, STEVEN R for work described as: MORATORIUM CLASS EXCEPTION. FIRE. BURNED AREA EMERGENCY RESPONSE (BARE) LINE FIRE ROAD TREATMENT & SUPPRESSION REPAIR, SAN BERNADINO NF. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical post-fire recovery and infrastructure resilience. 2. Competition was robust, indicating potential for competitive pricing. 3. Performance period is relatively short, suggesting a focused scope of work. 4. The contract type is firm-fixed-price, transferring risk to the contractor. 5. Geographic focus on San Bernardino National Forest highlights regional vulnerability. 6. This award supports emergency response capabilities for natural disasters.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $892,800 for a 162-day period appears reasonable for specialized wildfire response and road treatment services. Benchmarking against similar emergency repair contracts is challenging due to the unique nature of post-wildfire needs and specific geographic locations. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the government has a clear understanding of the scope and associated costs, aiming for predictable expenditure.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, with five bids received. The presence of multiple bidders suggests a healthy market for these specialized services and provides the Forest Service with a range of options to choose from. This level of competition is generally expected to drive prices toward market rates and ensure value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition indicates that taxpayer dollars are likely being used efficiently, as multiple firms vied to offer their services at competitive prices.

Public Impact

Residents and businesses in the San Bernardino National Forest area will benefit from improved road infrastructure and reduced risk from future wildfire impacts. Services include critical line fire road treatment and suppression repair, directly addressing damage from recent fires. The geographic impact is concentrated in Southern California, a region prone to wildfires. This contract supports local employment in construction and emergency response sectors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if unforeseen environmental conditions arise during road repair.
Dependence on contractor's ability to mobilize resources quickly in emergency situations.
Weather-related delays could impact project timelines and final delivery.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract mitigates cost overrun risks for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive market and potentially good value.
Contractor's defined performance period helps ensure timely completion of critical tasks.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Construction and Engineering services sector, specifically focusing on post-disaster recovery and infrastructure repair. The market for wildfire suppression and related infrastructure work is specialized and often driven by environmental factors and government agency needs. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique nature of each wildfire event and the specific geographic and environmental challenges involved.

Small Business Impact

While this contract was awarded under full and open competition and there is no explicit small business set-aside noted, the presence of five bidders suggests that small businesses may have participated in the bidding process. The Forest Service often encourages subcontracting opportunities for small businesses on larger prime contracts, which could provide work for smaller firms in the construction and environmental services space.

Oversight & Accountability

The Forest Service, as part of the Department of Agriculture, operates under established federal procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms. The contract's firm-fixed-price nature provides a degree of financial oversight by locking in costs. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases. Specific oversight for this contract would likely involve contract officers and technical representatives ensuring adherence to scope and quality standards.

Related Government Programs

Wildfire Management Programs
Emergency Road Repair Contracts
National Forest Infrastructure Projects
Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER)

Risk Flags

Potential for weather delays
Unforeseen site conditions
Contractor performance risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $8,928 to RODGERS, STEVEN R. MORATORIUM CLASS EXCEPTION. FIRE. BURNED AREA EMERGENCY RESPONSE (BARE) LINE FIRE ROAD TREATMENT & SUPPRESSION REPAIR, SAN BERNADINO NF.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RODGERS, STEVEN R.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $8,928.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-08-21. End: 2026-01-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) line fire road treatment and suppression repair contracts by the Forest Service?

Historical spending for BAER line fire road treatment and suppression repair contracts can vary significantly year-to-year, heavily influenced by the frequency and severity of wildfires across different national forests. While specific aggregate data for this precise service category is not readily available in public databases, the Forest Service consistently allocates funds for post-fire recovery. For instance, in fiscal years prior to this award, similar projects have ranged from tens of thousands to several million dollars depending on the scale of the damage and the geographic area affected. Factors such as the extent of fire-damaged roads, the need for erosion control, and the urgency of restoring access for further firefighting or recovery efforts dictate the contract values. Analyzing past solicitations and awards for BAER-related work in regions like California, which is prone to extensive wildfire damage, would reveal a pattern of reactive and essential spending to mitigate further environmental and safety risks.

How does the awarded price of $892,800 compare to the estimated value or typical costs for similar road treatment and suppression repair projects?

The awarded price of $892,800 for this specific contract appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized post-wildfire road treatment and suppression repair, especially considering the firm-fixed-price nature which often includes contingencies. Without access to the government's independent cost estimate or detailed breakdowns of the bids received, a precise comparison is difficult. However, projects involving emergency road repair, erosion control, and debris removal in challenging terrain, as often found in national forests post-fire, can be costly. Factors such as the length of road affected, the severity of damage, the need for specialized equipment (e.g., for steep slopes or unstable ground), and the urgency of the work all contribute to the overall cost. The fact that five bids were received suggests market competition, which typically helps to align prices with fair market value. If this contract covers a significant mileage of roads or involves complex stabilization efforts, the price point would be considered standard for such emergency infrastructure work.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics used to evaluate the success of this contract?

Key performance indicators for this contract would likely focus on the successful completion of specified road treatment and suppression repair tasks within the defined timeline and budget. Specific metrics could include the linear feet or miles of road treated or repaired, the effectiveness of erosion control measures implemented (e.g., reduction in sediment runoff), the successful removal of fire-related debris, and the restoration of road stability and safety to pre-determined standards. Adherence to environmental regulations during repair work would also be a critical KPI. The contractor's ability to meet safety standards during operations, particularly in potentially hazardous post-fire environments, would be closely monitored. Ultimately, the success will be measured by the contract's contribution to mitigating further environmental damage and restoring essential access within the San Bernardino National Forest.

What is the track record of the contractor, Steven R. Rodgers, on similar federal contracts, particularly with the Forest Service?

Information regarding the specific track record of 'RODGERS, STEVEN R' on similar federal contracts, particularly with the Forest Service, is not directly available within the provided data snippet. To assess their performance history, one would typically consult federal procurement databases such as the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). These systems would detail past contract awards, performance evaluations, and any history of disputes or corrective actions. Without this external data, it's impossible to definitively state their experience level or past performance quality on emergency response, road repair, or other relevant projects. A thorough review of their past performance would be crucial for understanding their reliability and capability in executing this specific contract effectively.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Potential risks for this contract include unforeseen environmental conditions encountered during road repair (e.g., unstable soil, hazardous materials), weather-related delays impacting the project schedule, and potential scope creep if additional damage is discovered. Mitigation strategies are likely embedded within the contract terms and oversight processes. The firm-fixed-price structure itself mitigates financial risk for the government by capping costs. The contract's defined period (162 days) encourages timely completion. The Forest Service's contract officer and technical representatives will monitor progress, ensure adherence to the scope, and manage any necessary change orders. Pre-project site assessments and contingency planning for weather are standard practices. The contractor's own risk management plan would also be a key factor in addressing operational challenges.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction › Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 127EAW25R0031

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 275 COLORADO PL, ARCADIA, CA, 91007

Business Categories: Category Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,928

Exercised Options: $8,928

Current Obligation: $8,928

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline