Interior's $3,200 fire suppression contract with Sycamore Fire Dept Inc. awarded for 4 calls

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,200 ($3.2K)

Contractor: Sycamore Fire Dept Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-04-02

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 4 CALLS PER FIRE SUPPRESSION FOR THE MONTHS OF FEBRUARY & MARCH 2026 @ $800 PER CALL

Place of Performance

Location: RALSTON, OSAGE County, OKLAHOMA, 74650

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $3,200 to SYCAMORE FIRE DEPT INC for work described as: 4 CALLS PER FIRE SUPPRESSION FOR THE MONTHS OF FEBRUARY & MARCH 2026 @ $800 PER CALL Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the fixed price per call. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a sole-source award, potentially limiting price discovery. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the small contract value and short duration. 4. Performance context is limited to a specific period (Feb-Mar 2026). 5. Sector positioning is within essential public safety services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is for 4 calls at $800 per call, totaling $3,200. This price point is relatively low for specialized fire suppression services. Without more detailed service scope or comparison data, it's difficult to definitively benchmark value, but the per-call rate seems within a reasonable range for emergency response.

Cost Per Unit: $800 per call

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting it was awarded on a sole-source basis. This limits the opportunity for multiple vendors to bid, which could potentially lead to higher prices than if a competitive process had been used. The specific justification for the sole-source award is not provided.

Taxpayer Impact: A sole-source award means taxpayers did not benefit from competitive bidding, which could result in a less optimal price for these essential services.

Public Impact

Benefits the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education by ensuring fire safety. Delivers critical fire suppression services. Geographic impact is focused on areas served by Sycamore Fire Dept Inc. in Oklahoma. Workforce implications are minimal, likely utilizing existing personnel from the awarded contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
Limited transparency on the justification for sole-source award.

Positive Signals

Contract addresses a specific, immediate need for fire suppression.
Fixed price per call provides cost certainty for this small contract.
Contractor is a local entity, potentially enabling rapid response.

Sector Analysis

The fire protection sector for federal agencies involves a range of services from equipment provision to emergency response. Contracts can vary widely in scope and value. This particular contract falls into the micro-purchase category, focusing on immediate, localized needs rather than large-scale infrastructure or long-term service agreements. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish for such small, specific call-based awards.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting requirements. Given the small value and sole-source nature, it is unlikely to have significant implications for the broader small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education's contracting officers. Given the small dollar amount and short duration, extensive oversight mechanisms are unlikely to be in place beyond standard contract administration. Transparency is limited by the sole-source award and lack of detailed justification.

Related Government Programs

Federal Fire Protection Services
Emergency Response Contracts
Bureau of Indian Affairs Contracts
Bureau of Indian Education Contracts

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
Limited scope of service for fire suppression.
No performance history provided for contractor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $3,200 to SYCAMORE FIRE DEPT INC. 4 CALLS PER FIRE SUPPRESSION FOR THE MONTHS OF FEBRUARY & MARCH 2026 @ $800 PER CALL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SYCAMORE FIRE DEPT INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3,200.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-04-02.

What is the track record of Sycamore Fire Dept Inc. with federal contracts?

Information regarding Sycamore Fire Dept Inc.'s specific track record with federal contracts is not readily available within the provided data. The contract details indicate this is a sole-source award for a small value ($3,200) for fire suppression calls. To assess their track record, one would need to search federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS for past awards to this entity. Factors to consider would include the number of previous contracts, their values, performance ratings (if available), and the types of services rendered. A history of successful, timely, and cost-effective service delivery would be a positive indicator, while frequent issues or disputes would raise concerns.

How does the $800 per call rate compare to market rates for fire suppression?

The $800 per call rate for fire suppression services is difficult to benchmark definitively without more context on the specific services included in each 'call'. Fire suppression can range from basic standby services to complex emergency response involving specialized equipment and personnel. For routine fire watch or basic response, $800 per call might be considered within a reasonable range, especially if it includes rapid deployment. However, if 'call' implies a significant emergency response requiring extensive resources, this rate could be on the lower side, potentially indicating a very limited scope of service or a favorable arrangement for the government. Market rates can vary significantly by region and the specific nature of the service.

What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source contract?

The primary risks associated with this sole-source contract are related to price and potential lack of optimal service. Since the contract was not competed, there's a risk that the $800 per call rate is not the most cost-effective option available in the market. Taxpayers may be paying more than necessary. Additionally, sole-source awards can sometimes indicate a lack of available qualified vendors or a rushed procurement process, which could introduce risks related to contractor capability or performance, although the small value and limited scope here mitigate this significantly. The lack of competition also reduces transparency in the pricing justification.

How effective is this contract likely to be in ensuring fire safety?

The effectiveness of this contract in ensuring fire safety is likely to be limited to the specific scope it covers: four calls for fire suppression in February and March 2026. Its effectiveness hinges on the contractor's ability to respond promptly and competently when called upon. Given the small number of calls and the fixed price, it suggests a need for supplementary or on-call services rather than comprehensive fire protection. If these calls represent critical, albeit infrequent, needs, the contract could be effective in addressing those specific instances. However, it does not represent a robust, continuous fire safety solution.

What are the historical spending patterns for fire suppression services by the Bureau of Indian Affairs/Education in Oklahoma?

Historical spending patterns for fire suppression services by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) in Oklahoma are not detailed in the provided data. This specific contract is a small, fixed-price award for a limited number of calls. To understand broader spending patterns, one would need to analyze procurement data over several fiscal years, looking at the total amount spent on fire suppression, the types of contracts awarded (e.g., IDIQs, task orders, fixed-price), the number of contractors utilized, and the average cost per service or unit. This analysis would reveal trends in demand, contractor reliance, and budget allocation for these services within the agency's Oklahoma operations.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The provided data states the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which implies a sole-source or limited competition award. However, the specific justification for this determination is not included. Common reasons for sole-source awards under SAP include unique capabilities of the contractor, urgent and compelling needs where competition is not feasible, or when the value falls below certain thresholds allowing for simplified acquisition without full competition. Without further documentation, it's impossible to ascertain the precise reason this contract was not competed, though the small value might suggest it was deemed efficient to award directly.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Public Administration › Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities › Fire Protection

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVERVAT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 988 COUNTY ROAD 5410, RALSTON, OK, 74650

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,200

Exercised Options: $3,200

Current Obligation: $3,200

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140A0825A0003

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline