Forest Service Awards $232K Task Order for Weed Spraying in Lolo National Forest

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,226 ($23.2K)

Contractor: Western Weed Control LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-15

End Date: 2026-10-31

Contract Duration: 199 days

Daily Burn Rate: $117/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 2026 WEED SPRAYING TASK ORDER FOR TIA SEED ORCHARD, LOLO NATIONAL FOREST

Place of Performance

Location: MISSOULA, MISSOULA County, MONTANA, 59804

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $23,226 to WESTERN WEED CONTROL LLC for work described as: 2026 WEED SPRAYING TASK ORDER FOR TIA SEED ORCHARD, LOLO NATIONAL FOREST Key points: 1. Spending focuses on essential forest management in Montana. 2. Western Weed Control LLC secured the contract. 3. The contract is a firm fixed price, indicating clear cost expectations. 4. This task order falls under support activities for forestry.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The $232,260 award for weed spraying appears reasonable for a 6-month duration. Benchmarking against similar forestry support contracts would provide a more definitive assessment of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a competitive process for smaller dollar amounts. This method generally promotes price discovery and fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential environmental management, contributing to forest health and potentially preventing more costly issues later.

Public Impact

Supports ecological health and wildfire prevention in Montana's Lolo National Forest. Ensures the removal of invasive species that can harm native flora and fauna. Provides employment opportunities within the local Montana economy.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if unforeseen environmental conditions arise.
Dependence on a single vendor for a critical task.

Positive Signals

Clear contract type (FFP) limits cost overrun risk.
Competition under SAP suggests a fair price was likely achieved.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader forestry and environmental services sector. Spending benchmarks for similar weed control services can vary significantly based on geographic location, terrain, and the specific types of vegetation targeted.

Small Business Impact

While the contract was competed, there is no specific indication that small businesses were prioritized or participated. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The Forest Service is responsible for overseeing this task order to ensure effective weed control and adherence to contract terms. Accountability is maintained through performance monitoring and payment verification.

Related Government Programs

Support Activities for Forestry
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for environmental impact if not managed carefully.
Contract duration is relatively short, requiring potential future procurements.
Limited information on specific performance metrics and success criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $23,226 to WESTERN WEED CONTROL LLC. 2026 WEED SPRAYING TASK ORDER FOR TIA SEED ORCHARD, LOLO NATIONAL FOREST

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WESTERN WEED CONTROL LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $23,226.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-15. End: 2026-10-31.

What is the historical cost-effectiveness of similar weed spraying contracts managed by the Forest Service?

Historical data on similar weed spraying contracts managed by the Forest Service is crucial for assessing cost-effectiveness. Analyzing past performance, including the scope of work, duration, and final costs, can reveal trends in pricing and efficiency. Comparing the current $232,260 award against these benchmarks will highlight whether this contract represents a good value or if there are opportunities for cost savings in future procurements.

What are the potential environmental risks associated with the chosen weed control methods?

The environmental risks associated with the chosen weed control methods must be carefully evaluated. Depending on the herbicides or techniques used, there could be impacts on non-target plant species, soil health, water quality, and local wildlife. The Forest Service should have protocols in place to mitigate these risks, such as specific application guidelines, buffer zones, and monitoring for unintended consequences to ensure ecological balance is maintained.

How effectively does this contract contribute to the overall long-term forest health goals of the Lolo National Forest?

The effectiveness of this contract in contributing to long-term forest health goals depends on its integration into a broader forest management plan. Successful weed eradication can prevent invasive species from outcompeting native vegetation, reduce wildfire fuel loads, and support biodiversity. Regular monitoring of the treated areas and follow-up assessments are necessary to determine the sustained impact and whether the chosen methods are achieving the desired ecological outcomes.

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: 1284LM26Q0041

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 64 BISON HOLLOW RD, COLUMBIA FALLS, MT, 59912

Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,226

Exercised Options: $23,226

Current Obligation: $23,226

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1284LL22D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline