Interior Department awards $13.65M for invasive species control in Washington, supporting forestry activities

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,650 ($13.7K)

Contractor: GGN Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-10-30

Contract Duration: 207 days

Daily Burn Rate: $66/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: WA COLUMBIA NWR PHRAGMITES INVASIVES

Place of Performance

Location: BURBANK, WALLA WALLA County, WASHINGTON, 99323

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $13,650 to GGN SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: WA COLUMBIA NWR PHRAGMITES INVASIVES Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical environmental management for invasive species. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially efficient pricing environment. 3. Performance period is relatively short, indicating a focused scope. 4. This contract aligns with broader ecological restoration efforts. 5. Geographic focus on Washington State highlights regional environmental priorities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $13.65 million for invasive species management appears reasonable given the scope of work, which includes support activities for forestry. Benchmarking against similar environmental service contracts would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure suggests that cost risks are largely borne by the contractor, which can be beneficial for the government if managed effectively. The duration of the contract (207 days) is relatively short, implying a targeted intervention rather than long-term management.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a competitive process for awards below a certain threshold. With 6 bidders, there was a healthy level of competition, which typically drives down prices and encourages innovation. The number of bidders suggests that the market for these services is accessible and that multiple firms were interested and capable of performing the work. This level of competition is a positive sign for price discovery and ensuring fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process for this contract likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers. A larger pool of bidders generally leads to more aggressive pricing strategies from contractors seeking to win the award.

Public Impact

Benefits the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in managing critical habitats. Services delivered will focus on controlling invasive Phragmites in Washington State. Geographic impact is concentrated in Washington, addressing specific regional ecological needs. Workforce implications include employment for environmental specialists and field technicians.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if invasive species spread is underestimated.
Dependence on contractor's specialized knowledge for effective treatment.
Environmental conditions could impact the efficacy and cost of control measures.

Positive Signals

Clear objective to manage invasive species, a key environmental concern.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Competitive award process suggests a fair market price was likely achieved.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the environmental services sector, specifically focusing on ecological restoration and invasive species management. The market for such services is driven by regulatory requirements, conservation efforts, and land management needs. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found in contracts awarded by agencies like the EPA, Forest Service, and state environmental departments for similar ecological interventions.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided in the data. However, the competition under SAP with 6 bidders suggests that both large and small businesses had the opportunity to participate. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors, in fulfilling this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contracting officer and project managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics and oversight reports may not always be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

National Invasive Species Management Plan
Ecological Restoration Programs
Forestry Support Services
Wildlife Habitat Management

Risk Flags

Potential environmental impact of control methods
Effectiveness of invasive species eradication
Contractor's past performance evaluation needed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $13,650 to GGN SOLUTIONS LLC. WA COLUMBIA NWR PHRAGMITES INVASIVES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GGN SOLUTIONS 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 $13,650.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-10-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for invasive species management by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Washington State?

Analyzing historical spending for invasive species management by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in Washington State is crucial for context. While specific historical data for this exact contract is not provided, FWS consistently allocates funds towards habitat restoration and invasive species control across its refuges and wildlife areas. Spending can fluctuate year-to-year based on identified threats, available funding, and the initiation of new projects. For instance, major initiatives or regional priorities can lead to spikes in spending. Understanding past expenditures helps in evaluating whether the current $13.65 million award is consistent with previous investments or represents a significant increase or decrease, potentially indicating a new focus or a change in management strategy. It also aids in assessing the long-term commitment to addressing invasive species issues in the region.

How does the contractor, GGN SOLUTIONS LLC, perform on similar federal contracts?

Assessing the track record of GGN SOLUTIONS LLC on similar federal contracts is vital for understanding their capability and reliability. A review of past performance would involve examining contract databases for previous awards to GGN SOLUTIONS LLC, particularly those involving environmental services, forestry support, or invasive species management. Key indicators to look for include on-time delivery, adherence to budget, quality of work, and any history of disputes or contract terminations. Positive past performance on comparable projects would suggest a lower risk for this current contract. Conversely, any negative performance indicators would warrant closer scrutiny of the current contract's oversight and risk management strategies. Without specific past performance data, it's difficult to definitively gauge their suitability, but the award itself implies they met initial qualification criteria.

What are the specific metrics used to measure the success of the invasive species control efforts under this contract?

The success of invasive species control efforts under this contract will likely be measured through a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics. Quantitatively, success could be defined by the percentage reduction in the coverage area of invasive Phragmites, the number of acres treated, or the density of the invasive species post-treatment. Monitoring protocols would be established to track these changes over the contract period. Qualitatively, success might involve assessments of the restored native plant populations, improvements in wildlife habitat suitability, or the overall ecological health of the treated areas. The contract statement of work (SOW) should detail these performance standards, including acceptable levels of residual infestation and requirements for reporting on progress. Effective measurement is key to ensuring the government receives value for its investment and that the environmental objectives are met.

Are there any known environmental risks associated with the proposed methods for controlling Phragmites?

Controlling invasive Phragmites, particularly using methods like herbicide application or mechanical removal, can carry potential environmental risks that need careful management. Risks might include unintended impacts on non-target native plant species, potential contamination of soil or water resources if not applied correctly, and disruption of local wildlife habitats during treatment. The effectiveness and environmental safety of the chosen control methods are paramount. The contract should specify approved treatment protocols, including the types of herbicides (if used), application rates, timing, and buffer zones to protect sensitive areas. Furthermore, monitoring for any adverse effects on the ecosystem and implementing mitigation measures would be crucial components of the contract's oversight to ensure that the control efforts do not create new environmental problems while addressing the existing ones.

How does this contract align with broader federal strategies for combating invasive species and promoting ecological resilience?

This contract aligns with broader federal strategies by directly addressing the threat of invasive species, which are recognized as a significant driver of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. Federal initiatives, such as the National Invasive Species Management Plan and various agency-specific strategies (e.g., within the Department of the Interior, USDA, EPA), emphasize early detection, rapid response, and effective control of invasive species. By funding the control of Phragmites in Washington, this contract contributes to preserving native ecosystems, protecting endangered species, and maintaining the ecological functions of critical habitats managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It supports the goal of enhancing ecological resilience by removing competitive pressures from invasive plants, allowing native flora to thrive and supporting a healthier, more robust ecosystem.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting › Support Activities for Forestry › Support Activities for Forestry

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140FS126Q0051

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3560 W SAN JOSE AVE APT 107, FRESNO, CA, 93711

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,650

Exercised Options: $13,650

Current Obligation: $13,650

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline