Forest Service awards $1.2M contract for dust abatement in Montana, focusing on wildfire prevention

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,162 ($12.2K)

Contractor: Lyman Dust Control Services of Montana, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-06-01

End Date: 2027-05-31

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FNF; WEST GLACIER DUST ABATEMENT

Place of Performance

Location: HUNGRY HORSE, FLATHEAD County, MONTANA, 59919

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $12,162 to LYMAN DUST CONTROL SERVICES OF MONTANA, LLC for work described as: FNF; WEST GLACIER DUST ABATEMENT Key points: 1. Contract aims to mitigate dust, a significant contributor to wildfire ignition and spread. 2. Focus on environmental protection and air quality improvement in the West Glacier area. 3. Single award to a Montana-based small business highlights regional economic support. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government. 5. Long-term contract duration suggests a sustained need for these services. 6. Performance period aligns with critical wildfire seasons, indicating proactive risk management.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.2 million over two years for dust abatement services appears reasonable, especially considering the critical nature of wildfire prevention. Benchmarking against similar contracts for environmental remediation and dust control in remote or sensitive areas would provide further context. The firm fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor has adequately estimated costs, and the government is protected from cost overruns, assuming the scope of work is well-defined.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves a limited number of quotes or proposals. While not a full and open competition, SAP is designed for smaller dollar value procurements where full competition may not be cost-effective. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the use of SAP suggests a streamlined process rather than extensive market outreach.

Taxpayer Impact: Using simplified acquisition procedures for this contract value aims to expedite the procurement process and reduce administrative burden, potentially leading to faster service delivery. However, it may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to a broader competitive solicitation.

Public Impact

Residents and visitors in the West Glacier, Montana area will benefit from improved air quality and reduced wildfire risk. The contract directly supports wildfire prevention efforts, a critical service for national forest lands. Geographic impact is concentrated in the West Glacier region of Montana, a high-risk area for wildfires. The contract supports a local Montana business, contributing to the regional economy and potentially local employment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial dust assessment is inaccurate.
Dependence on weather conditions for effective application of dust abatement.
Limited competition under SAP may not guarantee the absolute best price.

Positive Signals

Focus on a critical environmental and safety need (wildfire prevention).
Award to a local small business supports regional economic development.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides budget predictability.
Long duration indicates a recognized and ongoing need for the service.

Sector Analysis

Dust abatement is a niche but essential service within the broader environmental services sector, particularly relevant for agencies managing large land areas prone to wildfires or with air quality concerns. The market includes specialized contractors focused on erosion control, dust suppression, and environmental remediation. Spending in this area is often driven by regulatory requirements, public safety concerns, and land management objectives. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found within contracts for similar environmental services or infrastructure support in federal land management agencies.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to LYMAN DUST CONTROL SERVICES OF MONTANA, LLC, which is likely a small business given the contract value and the use of SAP. The award to a single small business suggests a potential focus on supporting local economies and meeting small business contracting goals. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements, but it is common for such contracts to include provisions for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the U.S. Forest Service, specifically the contracting officer and project managers responsible for ensuring performance standards are met. As a purchase order under SAP, the oversight mechanisms might be less formalized than for larger, more complex contracts. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, but detailed performance reports may not be publicly accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Forest Service Wildfire Prevention Programs
Bureau of Land Management Dust Control Contracts
Environmental Protection Agency Air Quality Initiatives
Department of the Interior Land Management Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential environmental impact of dust suppressants
Effectiveness dependent on weather conditions
Limited competition may affect price optimization

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $12,162 to LYMAN DUST CONTROL SERVICES OF MONTANA, LLC. FNF; WEST GLACIER DUST ABATEMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LYMAN DUST CONTROL SERVICES OF MONTANA, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12,162.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-06-01. End: 2027-05-31.

What is the specific methodology or product used for dust abatement, and what are its environmental impacts?

The provided data does not specify the exact dust abatement methodology or product. Typically, methods include applying chemical suppressants (like magnesium chloride or lignosulfonates), water, or using physical barriers. Environmental impacts vary by product; some are considered eco-friendly and biodegradable, while others may require careful application to avoid water contamination or soil alteration. The Forest Service would have detailed specifications in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) outlining approved materials and application procedures, along with environmental compliance requirements to minimize negative effects on local ecosystems and water sources.

How does the $1.2 million cost compare to similar dust abatement contracts in other national forests or regions?

Without specific details on the scope of work, duration, and location, a direct cost comparison is challenging. However, $1.2 million over two years ($600,000 annually) for dust abatement in a potentially large or high-traffic area like West Glacier is within a reasonable range for specialized environmental services. Contracts for similar services, such as road dust control or erosion mitigation on federal lands, can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars depending on the scale, frequency, and environmental sensitivity. Factors like terrain, accessibility, and the specific treatment required significantly influence pricing. Further analysis would require benchmarking against contracts with comparable geographic scope and service intensity.

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

Key performance indicators for this dust abatement contract would likely focus on the effectiveness of dust reduction, adherence to application schedules, environmental compliance, and safety protocols. Success would be measured by the contractor's ability to maintain specified dust levels (e.g., reduction percentage below a certain threshold), timely application of treatments during critical periods, proper disposal of any waste materials, and compliance with all environmental regulations outlined in the contract. The Forest Service would likely conduct regular site inspections and monitor dust levels through visual assessment or potentially air quality monitoring equipment to verify performance against the contract's requirements.

What is the track record of LYMAN DUST CONTROL SERVICES OF MONTANA, LLC with federal contracts, particularly with the Forest Service?

The provided data indicates this is a single purchase order awarded under SAP, suggesting it might be a relatively small or new engagement for this contractor with the Forest Service, or a continuation of smaller, less visible work. Publicly available contract databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) would need to be consulted to ascertain the contractor's full federal award history. This would reveal past performance on similar contracts, any past performance issues or commendations, and their experience level with government procurement processes. Without this broader history, assessing their track record relies heavily on the Forest Service's internal evaluation during the procurement process.

What is the historical spending trend for dust abatement services by the Forest Service, and does this contract represent an increase or decrease?

The provided data focuses on a single contract award and does not offer historical spending trends for dust abatement by the Forest Service. To assess this, one would need to analyze aggregate spending data for relevant North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes related to dust control, environmental remediation, or support activities for forestry across multiple fiscal years. This analysis would reveal if spending in this category is generally increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable. This specific $1.2 million award represents a significant investment for a single location, but its impact on overall Forest Service spending depends on the agency's total budget allocation for such services nationwide.

What are the specific risks associated with dust abatement in the West Glacier area, and how does this contract mitigate them?

Specific risks in the West Glacier area likely include increased wildfire ignition potential from fine dust particles, negative impacts on air quality affecting public health and ecosystems, and potential damage to sensitive natural habitats. This contract mitigates these risks by proactively applying dust suppressants, thereby reducing the likelihood of ignition from dust-related sources. It also aims to improve air quality by settling dust particles. The long-term nature of the contract suggests a recognized, ongoing risk that requires sustained mitigation efforts, aligning with the Forest Service's mission to protect natural resources and public safety.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1284LM25Q0011

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 37 ARCADIA WAY, COLUMBIA FALLS, MT, 59912

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,387

Exercised Options: $12,162

Current Obligation: $12,162

Actual Outlays: $5,875

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline