NOAA awards $2.75M for groundskeeping at Mobile Disaster Response Center to Divine Handling & Distribution LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,751 ($2.8K)

Contractor: Divine Handling & Distribution LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2025-05-13

End Date: 2026-04-02

Contract Duration: 324 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 21

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: GROUNDSKEEPING/LANDSCAPING SERVICES FOR NOAA DISASTER RESPONSE CENTER IN MOBILE, AL.

Place of Performance

Location: MOBILE, MOBILE County, ALABAMA, 36608

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $2,751.19 to DIVINE HANDLING & DISTRIBUTION LLC for work described as: GROUNDSKEEPING/LANDSCAPING SERVICES FOR NOAA DISASTER RESPONSE CENTER IN MOBILE, AL. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential groundskeeping and landscaping services at a critical NOAA facility. 2. The contract value of $2.75M over approximately one year suggests a significant scope of work. 3. Competition dynamics for this contract are noted as 'COMPETED UNDER SAP', indicating a streamlined procurement process. 4. The award to Divine Handling & Distribution LLC warrants a review of their past performance and capacity for this scale of service. 5. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but requires careful monitoring of service delivery. 6. Geographic focus on Mobile, Alabama, highlights localized service delivery for a federal asset.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking groundskeeping services for federal facilities can be challenging due to varying scopes and locations. The $2.75M award for a 324-day period suggests a substantial operational requirement. Without specific details on the size and complexity of the grounds, a direct per-square-foot or per-acre comparison is difficult. However, the number of bids (21) indicates some level of market interest, which can be a positive sign for price discovery. Further analysis would require understanding the specific services included (e.g., mowing, irrigation, pest control, snow removal) and comparing them to similar contracts for facilities of comparable size and function.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves a smaller number of bidders and a less extensive solicitation process than full and open competition. While 21 bids were received, the SAP framework may limit the pool of potential offerors. This level of competition is generally considered adequate for smaller dollar value procurements, but it's important to ensure that the process was fair and that qualified businesses had a reasonable opportunity to participate.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competition under SAP can sometimes lead to faster contract awards and potentially lower administrative costs. However, it may also mean that the government does not achieve the absolute lowest price possible compared to a broad, full-and-open competition that could attract a wider range of national or international service providers.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its Disaster Response Center in Mobile, Alabama, ensuring the facility's grounds are maintained. Services delivered include groundskeeping and landscaping, crucial for operational readiness and site aesthetics. The geographic impact is localized to Mobile, Alabama, supporting local employment and businesses through the contractor. Workforce implications involve potential job creation by Divine Handling & Distribution LLC in the Mobile area for groundskeeping staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial service requirements are not clearly defined in the contract.
Reliance on a single contractor for essential groundskeeping could pose risks if performance issues arise.
The 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' process might limit the breadth of competition, potentially impacting optimal price discovery.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Receiving 21 bids suggests a healthy level of interest from potential contractors in this service area.
The contract duration of approximately one year allows for performance evaluation before potential renewal.

Sector Analysis

The landscaping and groundskeeping services sector is a vital component of facility maintenance across all government agencies. This contract falls under the broader category of facilities support services, which is a significant market for government contractors. While specific market size data for federal groundskeeping is not readily available, the overall facilities maintenance market is substantial. This contract represents a small but essential portion of NOAA's operational budget for maintaining its infrastructure, ensuring readiness for disaster response activities.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it detail subcontracting plans. Given the contract value and the nature of the services, it is possible that small businesses could be involved either as the prime contractor or as subcontractors. Further investigation into the contractor's size status and subcontracting goals would be necessary to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) contracting officers and program managers. As a purchase order, it is likely managed through NOAA's internal procurement systems. Transparency would be enhanced by public reporting of contract performance and any modifications. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

NOAA Facilities Management
Federal Grounds Maintenance Contracts
Disaster Response Infrastructure Support
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules for Maintenance

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to SAP procurement method.
Contractor's past performance and capacity for this scale of service require verification.
Clarity of service requirements in the contract to prevent scope creep.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $2,751.19 to DIVINE HANDLING & DISTRIBUTION LLC. GROUNDSKEEPING/LANDSCAPING SERVICES FOR NOAA DISASTER RESPONSE CENTER IN MOBILE, AL.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DIVINE HANDLING & DISTRIBUTION LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2,751.19.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-05-13. End: 2026-04-02.

What is the track record of Divine Handling & Distribution LLC in performing similar groundskeeping and landscaping services for federal agencies?

A thorough review of Divine Handling & Distribution LLC's past performance is crucial. This would involve examining their contract history with federal agencies, specifically looking for experience with groundskeeping, landscaping, and facility maintenance. Key aspects to assess include on-time delivery, quality of work, adherence to safety standards, and any past performance evaluations or disputes. Understanding their capacity to manage a contract of this value and scope is also important. If their experience is limited, it could represent a risk to the successful execution of this NOAA contract.

How does the awarded price of $2.75M compare to market rates for similar groundskeeping services for a disaster response center of this size?

Benchmarking the $2.75M award requires detailed knowledge of the specific groundskeeping requirements, including acreage, types of vegetation, frequency of service, and specialized needs (e.g., security protocols for a disaster response center). Without this granular detail, a direct comparison to market rates is difficult. However, the fact that 21 bids were received suggests a competitive environment. If the average bid price was significantly lower, or if similar facilities in the region are maintained at a substantially lower cost, it might indicate that this award is not optimal. Conversely, if the scope is extensive or includes unique requirements, the price could be justified.

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

Primary risks include potential underperformance by the contractor, leading to inadequate grounds maintenance which could impact the operational readiness of the Disaster Response Center. Another risk is the possibility of cost overruns if the fixed-price contract does not adequately account for all potential service needs or unforeseen circumstances. The 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' process could also be a risk if it limited the pool of highly qualified bidders. Mitigation strategies would involve robust contract oversight, clear performance metrics, regular site inspections, and a well-defined process for addressing any deficiencies or disputes.

How effective is the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' process likely to be in ensuring value for money for this $2.75M contract?

The effectiveness of 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) in ensuring value for money for a $2.75M contract is debatable. SAP is designed for smaller procurements (typically under $250,000, though thresholds can vary), aiming for efficiency. While 21 bids were received, suggesting some competition, it's possible that a full and open competition could have attracted more bidders, potentially leading to a lower price. The value for money achieved will depend heavily on the specific requirements, the clarity of the solicitation, and the diligence of the evaluation process. For a contract of this size, a more robust competition might have been preferable to maximize taxpayer value.

What are the historical spending patterns for groundskeeping and landscaping services at NOAA Disaster Response Centers?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for similar NOAA facilities would provide valuable context. This includes examining the duration and value of previous contracts for groundskeeping at other disaster response centers or comparable NOAA facilities. Understanding trends in contract values, competition levels, and contractor performance over time can help identify if the current $2.75M award is consistent with past investments or represents a significant deviation. Such analysis could reveal if costs have increased disproportionately or if there have been shifts in procurement strategies.

What are the implications of the firm fixed-price contract type on contractor performance and potential for cost savings?

A firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally favored by the government for services where the scope of work is well-defined and stable, as it shifts most of the risk to the contractor. This means the contractor is obligated to perform the work for the agreed-upon price, regardless of their actual costs. For groundskeeping, this can incentivize efficiency and cost control by the contractor. However, if the scope is not perfectly defined, the contractor may be hesitant to perform work outside the stated requirements, potentially leading to disputes or a less comprehensive service. Conversely, if the contractor can perform the work very efficiently, they stand to make a higher profit margin, which can be a positive outcome for the government if the service quality is maintained.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Services to Buildings and Dwellings › Landscaping Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1305M225Q0074

Offers Received: 21

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 337 NW 119TH ST, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 73114

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,751

Exercised Options: $2,751

Current Obligation: $2,751

Actual Outlays: $2,751

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline