Interior's Fish & Wildlife Service Spends $18,249 on Exmark Mower, Awarded via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,249 ($18.2K)
Contractor: Earle Kinlaw & Associates, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2026-04-01
End Date: 2026-05-31
Contract Duration: 60 days
Daily Burn Rate: $304/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: (1) EXMARK LAZER Z X-SERIES 34.5 HP* KAWASAKI MOWER
Place of Performance
Location: SEYMOUR, JACKSON County, INDIANA, 47274
State: Indiana Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $18,249.32 to EARLE KINLAW & ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: (1) EXMARK LAZER Z X-SERIES 34.5 HP* KAWASAKI MOWER Key points: 1. Spending focuses on a high-performance commercial mower for grounds maintenance. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Risk appears low given the nature of the equipment and contract type. 4. The sector is industrial machinery, with potential for broader groundskeeping applications.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The price of $18,249.32 for a high-end commercial mower appears reasonable when compared to similar professional-grade equipment. Pricing is likely influenced by brand, features, and warranty.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for essential equipment, with competition likely ensuring a fair price for the government.
Public Impact
Ensures efficient grounds maintenance for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service properties. Supports operational needs for land management and habitat preservation. Procurement through competitive bidding aims for cost-effectiveness.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 30 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited duration of the delivery order (60 days).
- No explicit mention of sustainability or eco-friendly features.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Clear need for specialized equipment.
Sector Analysis
This purchase falls within the industrial machinery manufacturing sector, specifically for groundskeeping equipment. Benchmarks for similar commercial mowers suggest this price point is within the expected range for high-performance models.
Small Business Impact
While the contract was awarded to Earle Kinlaw & Associates, Inc., there is no specific information provided regarding the extent of small business participation in this particular delivery order or the prime contractor's small business subcontracting efforts.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made via a delivery order under a larger contract, suggesting existing oversight mechanisms. The use of full and open competition also implies adherence to procurement regulations.
Related Government Programs
- Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, and Stacker Machinery Manufacturing
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for higher-than-average maintenance costs for a commercial mower.
- Lack of detail on sustainability features.
- Short delivery order duration might indicate a specific, immediate need rather than long-term asset planning.
- No clear indication of small business utilization.
Tags
industrial-truck-tractor-trailer-and-sta, department-of-the-interior, in, delivery-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $18,249.32 to EARLE KINLAW & ASSOCIATES, INC.. (1) EXMARK LAZER Z X-SERIES 34.5 HP* KAWASAKI MOWER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is EARLE KINLAW & ASSOCIATES, INC..
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 $18,249.32.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-05-31.
What is the expected lifespan and maintenance cost of this specific mower model to fully assess its long-term value?
The provided data does not detail the expected lifespan or projected maintenance costs for the Exmark Lazer Z X-Series mower. A comprehensive value assessment would require this information, as high initial cost could be offset by durability and low repair needs, or conversely, become a long-term expense.
Were there any specific performance requirements or unique features that justified the selection of this particular high-end model over potentially less expensive alternatives?
The data indicates a '34.5 HP* KAWASAKI MOWER,' suggesting a powerful engine and professional-grade build. However, specific performance requirements or unique features justifying this model over others are not detailed. The 'full and open competition' suggests alternatives were likely considered, but the final choice implies this model best met unstated operational needs.
How does the operational efficiency and effectiveness of this mower contribute to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's mission objectives?
This high-horsepower mower likely enhances the efficiency of grounds maintenance across potentially large or challenging terrains managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Effective groundskeeping is crucial for habitat management, visitor access, and the overall preservation mission. The mower's effectiveness directly supports these operational requirements.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing › Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, and Stacker Machinery Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: TRACTORS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: RFQ1797868
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 330 WALTON ST, MONROE, GA, 30655
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,249
Exercised Options: $18,249
Current Obligation: $18,249
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS07F085CA
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-01
Current End Date: 2026-05-31
Potential End Date: 2026-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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