Interior Department awards $1.28M landscaping contract to Liquid Green Lawn & Landscape Maintenance LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $128,580 ($128.6K)

Contractor: Liquid Green Lawn & Landscape Maintenance LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2023-04-07

End Date: 2027-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,484 days

Daily Burn Rate: $87/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CLARK R BAVIN NWR, ASHLAND, OR - LANDSCAPING SERVICES BASE AND OPTION YEARS: 5/1/2023 - 4/30/2028

Place of Performance

Location: ASHLAND, JACKSON County, OREGON, 97520

State: Oregon Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $128,580 to LIQUID GREEN LAWN & LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE LLC for work described as: CLARK R BAVIN NWR, ASHLAND, OR - LANDSCAPING SERVICES BASE AND OPTION YEARS: 5/1/2023 - 4/30/2028 Key points: 1. Contract awarded via Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 2. The contract duration of approximately 5 years indicates a need for ongoing landscaping services. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Awarded to a single vendor, Liquid Green Lawn & Landscape Maintenance LLC. 5. The contract is for landscaping services in Oregon. 6. The base and option years structure allows for flexibility in service delivery.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1,285,800 over approximately five years for landscaping services appears to be within a reasonable range for a federal contract of this nature. Benchmarking against similar landscaping contracts awarded by the Department of the Interior or other agencies for comparable services and geographic areas would provide a more precise assessment of value for money. The firm-fixed-price structure is generally favorable for cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a less formal bidding process than full and open competition. While the data indicates the contract was competed, the specific number of bidders or the nature of the competition (e.g., if it was set aside for small businesses or competed among a pre-qualified list) is not fully detailed. SAP can sometimes lead to less robust price discovery compared to larger, more broadly competed contracts.

Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP may offer some price advantage over sole-source awards, but the limited scope of competition might mean taxpayers are not realizing the absolute lowest possible price achievable through broader market engagement.

Public Impact

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service benefits from maintained grounds, enhancing the aesthetic and functional aspects of its facilities. Residents and visitors in Ashland, Oregon, will experience improved visual appeal and potentially better environmental conditions due to professional landscaping. The contract supports local employment in Oregon through the provision of landscaping services. The contract ensures the upkeep of federal properties managed by the Department of the Interior.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition under SAP may not yield the best possible pricing for taxpayers.
Lack of detailed information on the bidding process makes it difficult to fully assess the competitive landscape.
The contract duration could lead to vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract duration allows for consistent service delivery and relationship building.
Awarded to a specific company, Liquid Green Lawn & Landscape Maintenance LLC, indicating they met the service requirements.

Sector Analysis

The landscaping services sector for federal agencies is a consistent area of government spending, often managed through various procurement vehicles. Contracts like this fall under the broader Facilities Support Services category. The market includes numerous small and medium-sized businesses specializing in grounds maintenance. Federal agencies often utilize SAP for procurements under the simplified acquisition threshold, aiming for efficiency in acquiring routine services.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it detail any subcontracting plans. However, given the contract value and the nature of landscaping services, it is plausible that the prime contractor is a small business, or that subcontracting opportunities may exist for other small businesses within the local Oregon market.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Interior's contracting officers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The firm-fixed-price nature of the award provides a degree of accountability regarding cost. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, though detailed performance metrics and specific oversight activities are not publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Federal Facilities Maintenance Contracts
Department of the Interior Groundskeeping Services
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Property Management
Oregon State Government Landscaping Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition under SAP
Need for robust performance monitoring to ensure quality

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $128,580 to LIQUID GREEN LAWN & LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE LLC. CLARK R BAVIN NWR, ASHLAND, OR - LANDSCAPING SERVICES BASE AND OPTION YEARS: 5/1/2023 - 4/30/2028

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LIQUID GREEN LAWN & LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $128,580.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-04-07. End: 2027-04-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for landscaping services by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Oregon?

Analyzing historical spending for landscaping services by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in Oregon requires access to detailed federal procurement databases. Typically, agencies like FWS award numerous contracts for grounds maintenance annually, ranging from small, localized service agreements to larger, multi-year contracts. Spending patterns can fluctuate based on facility needs, budget allocations, and changes in service requirements. Without specific historical data for this region and agency, it's difficult to provide precise figures. However, it's common for agencies to award contracts in the hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars over several years for comprehensive landscaping services across multiple sites or for significant installations. The current award of approximately $1.28 million over five years suggests a consistent need for these services in the Ashland, Oregon area.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar landscaping services in Ashland, Oregon?

Benchmarking the awarded price of $1,285,800 over approximately five years against local market rates for landscaping services in Ashland, Oregon, requires detailed analysis of prevailing wages, material costs, and typical service provider pricing in that specific geographic area. Factors such as the scope of services (mowing, trimming, fertilization, pest control, irrigation maintenance, seasonal cleanups), frequency of service, and the size of the area to be maintained significantly influence pricing. While the contract value appears substantial, it covers a considerable duration and likely encompasses a broad range of services for federal facilities. A direct comparison would necessitate obtaining quotes from private landscaping companies in Ashland for a similar service package. Generally, federal contracts aim for competitive pricing, but the inclusion of overhead, administrative costs, and profit margins for the contractor means direct comparison to a small business's quote might not be apples-to-apples.

What is the track record of Liquid Green Lawn & Landscape Maintenance LLC with federal contracts?

Information regarding the specific track record of Liquid Green Lawn & Landscape Maintenance LLC with federal contracts is not detailed in the provided data snippet. To assess their performance history, one would typically search federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS for past awards, contract performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS reports), and any history of contract disputes or terminations. A company's experience with government contracting, particularly with agencies like the Department of the Interior, can indicate their familiarity with federal regulations, reporting requirements, and service delivery expectations. A positive track record suggests a higher likelihood of successful contract performance, while a history of issues might raise concerns about reliability and quality.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm-fixed-price contract for landscaping services?

Firm-fixed-price (FFP) contracts are generally favored by the government for their cost certainty. However, for services like landscaping, where unforeseen conditions or environmental factors can arise, there are potential risks. If the contractor underestimates the labor, materials, or time required to perform the services adequately, they may incur losses. Conversely, if the scope of work is not precisely defined or if the contractor finds efficiencies not anticipated by the government, they could realize higher-than-expected profits. The primary risk for the government is that the contractor may be incentivized to cut corners on quality or service levels to protect their profit margin, especially if oversight is insufficient. Robust performance standards and diligent monitoring are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How does the Simplified Acquisition Procedure (SAP) impact competition and pricing for this contract?

Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are designed for procurements below the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000, though specific agency thresholds may vary slightly). Contracts awarded under SAP generally involve less formal solicitation and evaluation processes compared to full and open competition. This can lead to quicker award times but potentially less robust price competition. While the data states this contract was 'competed under SAP,' it doesn't specify the number of bidders or the method of competition (e.g., GSA Advantage, agency-specific portals, or informal solicitations). If the competition was limited to a small number of vendors, or if it was a set-aside, the resulting price might not reflect the lowest possible market price achievable through broader competition. However, SAP is intended to provide fair and reasonable prices for smaller 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: 140FS123Q0064

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 521 BERRYDALE AVE, MEDFORD, OR, 97501

Business Categories: Category Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $218,580

Exercised Options: $218,580

Current Obligation: $128,580

Actual Outlays: $87,780

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline