Forest Service awards $4.3M for Sierra NF facility repairs to JBW Group LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,344,652 ($4.3M)

Contractor: JBW Group LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-09-26

End Date: 2026-07-07

Contract Duration: 649 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: SIERRA NF FACILITY REPAIRS

Place of Performance

Location: BASS LAKE, MADERA County, CALIFORNIA, 93604

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $4.3 million to JBW GROUP LLC for work described as: SIERRA NF FACILITY REPAIRS Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a firm-fixed-price basis, indicating clear cost expectations. 2. The contract duration of 649 days suggests a significant scope of work. 3. Awarded by the Forest Service, a key agency within the Department of Agriculture. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 236220 points to commercial and institutional building construction. 5. The contract is a definitive contract, implying a clear agreement on terms and conditions. 6. The contractor, JBW Group LLC, is the sole awardee. 7. The contract is not set aside for small businesses. 8. The contract is located in California.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without more detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to similar facility repair projects. The firm-fixed-price structure provides some cost certainty, but the overall value for money depends on the quality of work and adherence to schedule. Given the lack of competitive bidding, it's difficult to definitively assess if the price reflects optimal market rates. Further analysis would require understanding the specific repair needs and comparing them to industry standards for similar projects.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not openly competed. This approach is typically used when only one responsible source is available or when the agency has a compelling justification for not seeking competition. The lack of multiple bidders means there was no opportunity for price discovery through a competitive process, which could potentially lead to higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards limit taxpayer benefit by foregoing the cost savings typically achieved through competitive bidding. This means taxpayers may not be getting the best possible price for these facility repairs.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Forest Service and potentially the users of the Sierra National Forest facilities, who will see improved infrastructure. The services delivered include construction and repair of facilities within the Sierra National Forest. The geographic impact is concentrated in California, specifically within the Sierra National Forest region. Workforce implications may include employment opportunities for construction workers and related trades in the local California area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may result in a higher price than a competitively bid contract.
Sole-source awards can raise concerns about fairness and equal opportunity for other potential contractors.
The specific scope of repairs and associated costs are not detailed, making it difficult to assess value for money.
The contract's duration and potential for change orders could lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Award to a single contractor can streamline the acquisition process and potentially expedite project initiation.
The contract is for essential facility repairs, addressing potential infrastructure needs.
The contractor, JBW Group LLC, has been selected, implying they meet the agency's requirements for this specific work.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a vital part of the broader construction industry. This sector encompasses the construction of non-residential buildings such as offices, warehouses, and public facilities. Federal spending in this area supports infrastructure maintenance and development across various agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing the average cost of similar repair projects for federal facilities, considering factors like size, complexity, and location.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. This means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this project are limited unless they are directly engaged by the prime contractor, JBW Group LLC. The absence of a small business set-aside suggests that the primary focus was on fulfilling the specific requirements of the Forest Service, rather than promoting small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Forest Service contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures would include adherence to the firm-fixed-price terms, project milestones, and quality standards outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed project-specific oversight information may not be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building and Facilities Construction
National Forest System Infrastructure
Public Works and Facilities Maintenance
Department of Agriculture Construction Contracts

Risk Flags

Sole-source award may indicate limited competition, potentially leading to higher costs.
Lack of small business set-aside may limit opportunities for small business participation.
Contract duration is substantial, requiring diligent oversight to manage scope and schedule.
Specific details on the nature of repairs and cost breakdown are not publicly available, hindering value assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $4.3 million to JBW GROUP LLC. SIERRA NF FACILITY REPAIRS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JBW GROUP LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-26. End: 2026-07-07.

What is the track record of JBW Group LLC in performing similar federal construction contracts?

Assessing the track record of JBW Group LLC requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts. This would involve examining contract databases for previous awards, performance evaluations (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any history of disputes or terminations. A positive track record with similar facility repair or construction projects for government agencies would indicate a lower risk for this current contract. Conversely, a history of poor performance, cost overruns, or schedule delays on comparable projects would raise concerns about JBW Group LLC's ability to successfully execute the Sierra NF facility repairs within the specified parameters and budget.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated cost or market rates for similar facility repair projects?

Without access to the government's cost estimate or detailed market research conducted prior to the award, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the fact that this was a sole-source award means that competitive market forces were not leveraged to ensure the best possible price. To benchmark this value, one would need to identify similar-sized facility repair projects awarded by the Forest Service or other federal agencies in California, analyze their contract values, scope of work, and duration, and then adjust for differences in complexity and inflation. The firm-fixed-price nature provides some cost control, but the absence of competition inherently limits the ability to definitively state if this represents optimal value for taxpayer dollars.

What are the specific risks associated with a sole-source award for facility repairs?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award is the potential for inflated pricing due to the lack of competitive pressure. Without multiple bids, the government cannot be certain it is receiving the most cost-effective solution. Other risks include a potential reduction in innovation, as contractors may be less incentivized to propose novel or more efficient methods when they are the only option. Furthermore, sole-source awards can sometimes raise concerns about fairness and equal opportunity for other qualified contractors who were not given a chance to bid. Effective oversight and negotiation are crucial to mitigate these risks.

What is the expected impact of these facility repairs on the operational capacity of the Sierra National Forest?

The expected impact of these facility repairs on the operational capacity of the Sierra National Forest is likely positive, assuming the repairs address critical infrastructure needs. Improved facilities can enhance the efficiency and safety of Forest Service operations, support visitor services, and ensure the proper functioning of administrative sites. For example, repairing buildings used for ranger stations, maintenance depots, or visitor centers would directly contribute to the agency's ability to manage forest resources, respond to emergencies, and serve the public. The specific impact will depend on which facilities are being repaired and the nature of the deficiencies addressed.

What is the historical spending pattern for facility maintenance and repair within the Sierra National Forest or similar national forests?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for facility maintenance and repair within the Sierra National Forest or comparable national forests would provide context for the current $4.3 million award. This would involve examining past contract awards for similar services, identifying trends in spending levels, and understanding the frequency and scale of repair projects. Such analysis could reveal whether this award represents a typical investment, an increase due to deferred maintenance, or a significant deviation from historical norms. Understanding these patterns can help assess the long-term financial commitment required for facility upkeep and identify potential areas for efficiency improvements or budget adjustments.

Are there any specific performance metrics or deliverables outlined in the contract that will be used to measure success?

While the provided data does not detail specific performance metrics, firm-fixed-price contracts typically include detailed statements of work (SOW) that outline deliverables, quality standards, and completion milestones. Success measurement would likely involve the Forest Service's inspection and acceptance of the completed repairs against these contractual requirements. Key performance indicators could include adherence to the project schedule, compliance with building codes and safety regulations, the quality of materials used, and the overall functionality of the repaired facilities. Formal acceptance by the contracting officer would signify the successful completion of the contract.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3501 HORACE AVE, FORT WORTH, TX, 76244

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native Hawaiian Organization Owned Firm, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,692,442

Exercised Options: $8,692,442

Current Obligation: $4,344,652

Actual Outlays: $3,481,553

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline