DOI Awards $1.36M Contract for Hazardous Fuel Mulching at Brazoria NWR, TX

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,588 ($13.6K)

Contractor: Steelhead Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-02-24

End Date: 2026-04-15

Contract Duration: 415 days

Daily Burn Rate: $33/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 16

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MULCHING HAZARDOUS FUELS, BRAZORIA NWR, TX

Place of Performance

Location: BRAZORIA, BRAZORIA County, TEXAS, 77422

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $13,588 to STEELHEAD SERVICES LLC for work described as: MULCHING HAZARDOUS FUELS, BRAZORIA NWR, TX Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Steelhead Services LLC for hazardous fuel mulching. 2. The contract is for support activities for forestry. 3. This is a firm-fixed-price purchase order with a duration of 415 days. 4. The contract was competed under SAP, indicating a competitive process. 5. The award value is $1,358,800.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.36M for hazardous fuel mulching appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar forestry support contracts would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a competitive process was utilized for awards under $250,000. This method generally promotes price discovery and fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of competitive bidding is expected to result in a fair price, minimizing unnecessary taxpayer expenditure for essential environmental services.

Public Impact

Reduces wildfire risk in Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. Supports ecological restoration and habitat management. Enhances public safety in and around the refuge. Contributes to local environmental resilience.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 33 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen conditions arise.
Dependence on contractor performance for timely completion.

Positive Signals

Competitive award process.
Clear scope of work for hazardous fuel reduction.
Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost uncertainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the forestry and land management sector, specifically focusing on hazardous fuel reduction. Spending in this area is crucial for wildfire prevention and ecosystem health, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like national wildlife refuges.

Small Business Impact

The contract was competed under SAP, which can include small business participation. However, the awardee is Steelhead Services LLC, and further analysis is needed to determine if small businesses were subcontractors or if this was a prime award to a non-small business.

Oversight & Accountability

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and contract management practices should ensure accountability and proper execution of the services.

Related Government Programs

Support Activities for Forestry
Department of the Interior Contracting
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep if additional areas are identified.
Weather dependency impacting project timeline.
Contractor's past performance record.
Availability of specialized equipment and personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $13,588 to STEELHEAD SERVICES LLC. MULCHING HAZARDOUS FUELS, BRAZORIA NWR, TX

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STEELHEAD SERVICES 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 $13,588.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-02-24. End: 2026-04-15.

What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the mulching in reducing hazardous fuels?

Effectiveness will likely be measured by the reduction in fuel load density and continuity, assessed through pre- and post-treatment site surveys. Visual inspection for coverage and depth of mulch, along with monitoring for regrowth of hazardous vegetation, will also be key indicators. The contract may specify certain percentage reductions or qualitative assessments by agency personnel.

Are there any environmental risks associated with the mulching process itself, and how are they being mitigated?

Potential environmental risks could include soil disturbance, impact on non-target vegetation, and potential for invasive species introduction via equipment. Mitigation strategies typically involve adhering to best management practices for mulching, using certified weed-free equipment, and conducting site-specific environmental reviews prior to work commencement to identify and address sensitive resources.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar hazardous fuel reduction projects in other regions or federal agencies?

Benchmarking against similar contracts is crucial. Factors like terrain, vegetation type, and labor costs vary regionally. A preliminary assessment suggests the price is within a reasonable range for large-scale hazardous fuel reduction, but a detailed comparison with contracts of similar scope and complexity would be necessary for a definitive conclusion on value.

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: 140FS225Q0046

Offers Received: 16

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 559 COUNTY ROAD 4898, SPRINGTOWN, TX, 76082

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,588

Exercised Options: $13,588

Current Obligation: $13,588

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline