Interior Department awards $316K for hazardous tree removal, with 3 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $316,377 ($316.4K)

Contractor: Riverbend Landscapes, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-09-23

End Date: 2026-09-22

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $869/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: HAZARDOUS TREE REMOVAL

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $316,377 to RIVERBEND LANDSCAPES, LLC for work described as: HAZARDOUS TREE REMOVAL Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Riverbend Landscapes, LLC for landscaping services. 2. The contract is a time and materials purchase order. 3. Competition was held under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 4. The contract duration is 364 days. 5. The service area is Virginia. 6. This award represents a small portion of federal landscaping expenditures.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $316,377 for hazardous tree removal over approximately one year appears within a reasonable range for specialized landscaping services. However, without specific details on the scope of work, such as the number of trees, size, accessibility, and the specific hazards involved, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar hazardous tree removal contracts in Virginia or nationally would provide a clearer picture of cost-effectiveness. The time and materials pricing structure introduces some risk of cost escalation if not closely managed.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involve a limited number of bidders, often three or fewer, for procurements under the federal micro-purchase threshold. The fact that three bids were received suggests some level of competition within this limited framework. While SAP aims for efficiency for smaller procurements, it does not offer the same breadth of competition as full and open solicitations, potentially impacting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, limited competition under SAP can mean potentially higher prices compared to a broader, more competitive bidding process. However, the smaller contract value may offset significant overspending.

Public Impact

The Department of the Interior benefits from the removal of hazardous trees, mitigating potential safety risks and property damage. Residents and visitors in Virginia will experience improved safety and aesthetics in areas managed by the Department of the Interior. The contract supports local employment through Riverbend Landscapes, LLC, contributing to the regional economy. The services delivered directly address environmental and safety concerns related to tree management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to the time and materials pricing structure.
Limited competition may not have secured the absolute lowest price.
Scope creep could increase the final cost beyond initial estimates.

Positive Signals

Award to a single contractor ensures focused execution of services.
Clear contract duration provides a defined period for service delivery.
The contract addresses a specific, necessary service (hazardous tree removal).

Sector Analysis

The landscaping services sector, particularly specialized areas like hazardous tree removal, is a consistent area of federal spending. This contract falls under general services procurement. Federal agencies often contract for grounds maintenance and hazard mitigation to ensure the safety and upkeep of public lands and facilities. The market for such services is generally competitive, with numerous small and medium-sized businesses capable of performing the work.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it indicate any subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Riverbend Landscapes, LLC's size status is not provided, but the procurement method (SAP) often involves smaller businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine the specific impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of the Interior. As a purchase order, it is subject to standard procurement regulations and agency policies. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Land Management Services
Environmental Services Contracts
Public Lands Maintenance
Department of the Interior Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to T&M pricing
Limited competition under SAP

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $316,377 to RIVERBEND LANDSCAPES, LLC. HAZARDOUS TREE REMOVAL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RIVERBEND LANDSCAPES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $316,377.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-23. End: 2026-09-22.

What is the typical cost range for hazardous tree removal services of this scope in Virginia?

Determining the typical cost range for hazardous tree removal requires detailed scope of work parameters, including the number, size, species, accessibility, and specific hazards (e.g., proximity to structures, power lines) of the trees. For a single year contract valued at $316,377, this suggests a significant number of trees or particularly complex removal operations. General landscaping services can range from a few hundred dollars for simple pruning to tens of thousands for complex removals. Without more granular data on the specific services rendered under this contract, benchmarking against publicly available data for similar hazardous tree removal projects in Virginia is difficult. However, the awarded amount suggests a substantial project, and a comparison to other federal or state contracts for similar services would be necessary for a precise cost-effectiveness analysis.

What is Riverbend Landscapes, LLC's track record with federal contracts?

Information regarding Riverbend Landscapes, LLC's specific track record with federal contracts, including past performance, contract values, and compliance history, is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough assessment would require accessing federal procurement databases (e.g., FPDS) to review their award history, types of contracts held, performance ratings, and any reported issues. This would help in evaluating their reliability and experience in delivering services similar to hazardous tree removal.

How does the 'time and materials' contract type affect risk and cost control for this hazardous tree removal service?

A 'time and materials' (T&M) contract type, like the one used here, allows the contractor to bill for direct labor hours at specified hourly rates and for the actual cost of materials used, plus a fee or profit. This structure can be advantageous when the scope of work is not clearly defined or is expected to fluctuate, as is often the case with unforeseen hazardous conditions. However, it shifts much of the cost risk to the government. Effective cost control relies heavily on robust government oversight, including monitoring labor hours, verifying material costs, and ensuring efficient work practices. Without stringent oversight, T&M contracts can lead to cost overruns compared to fixed-price contracts.

What are the potential risks associated with hazardous tree removal, and how might this contract mitigate them?

Hazardous tree removal carries inherent risks, including damage to property, injury to personnel, and environmental impact. Risks include falling debris, equipment malfunction, and unpredictable tree behavior. This contract aims to mitigate these risks by engaging a professional service provider, Riverbend Landscapes, LLC. The contract likely includes specifications for safety protocols, insurance requirements, and qualified personnel. The Department of the Interior's oversight is crucial to ensure these mitigation measures are effectively implemented throughout the contract period. The specific value and duration suggest a focused effort to address identified hazards.

What is the historical spending pattern for hazardous tree removal or similar landscaping services by the Department of the Interior?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for hazardous tree removal or similar landscaping services by the Department of the Interior would involve reviewing procurement data over several fiscal years. This would reveal trends in contract values, frequency of awards, types of services procured, and the agencies or offices within the DOI that most frequently utilize such services. Understanding these patterns helps in contextualizing the current $316,377 award, assessing whether it aligns with historical investment in land management and safety, and identifying potential areas for cost savings or efficiency improvements in future procurements.

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: 140D0425Q0520

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 9134 WEANT DR, GREAT FALLS, VA, 22066

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $602,544

Exercised Options: $602,544

Current Obligation: $316,377

Actual Outlays: $83,350

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline