Interior Department awards $23K for UTV, highlighting transportation equipment needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,302 ($23.3K)

Contractor: Joes Sport Center Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-10-17

Contract Duration: 198 days

Daily Burn Rate: $118/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 12

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ND TEWAUKON NWR PLOW-READY UTV WITH 1 TRADE IN

Place of Performance

Location: DEVILS LAKE, RAMSEY County, NORTH DAKOTA, 58301

State: North Dakota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $23,302 to JOES SPORT CENTER INC for work described as: ND TEWAUKON NWR PLOW-READY UTV WITH 1 TRADE IN Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a standard procurement process for this type of asset. 3. Risk indicators are low, suggesting a straightforward acquisition. 4. Performance context is tied to operational needs at the Tewaukon NWR. 5. Sector positioning is within transportation equipment, supporting conservation efforts.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $23,302 award for a plow-ready UTV seems competitive for specialized equipment. While direct comparisons are difficult without detailed specifications, the price appears aligned with market rates for utility vehicles equipped for agricultural or land management tasks. The inclusion of a trade-in further suggests an effort to optimize value. The fixed-price nature of the purchase order provides cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting it was likely solicited from a limited pool of vendors or through an online portal. With 12 bids received, there was a reasonable level of competition for this acquisition. The SAP process is designed for efficiency in acquiring goods and services below certain dollar thresholds, balancing competition with administrative ease.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP and multiple bids indicates a fair process for taxpayers, ensuring that the government is not overpaying for this essential equipment.

Public Impact

Benefits the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by providing essential operational equipment. Services delivered include a plow-ready UTV, crucial for land management and maintenance. Geographic impact is focused on the Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge in North Dakota. Workforce implications involve enabling refuge staff to perform their duties more effectively.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for higher costs due to limited competition under SAP.
Dependence on a single vendor for specialized UTV features could pose future support risks.

Positive Signals

Awarded to a known vendor, Joes Sport Center Inc., suggesting established business relationships.
Multiple bids received indicate vendor interest and a degree of market responsiveness.
Fixed-price contract provides budget predictability.

Sector Analysis

The acquisition falls within the broader transportation equipment manufacturing sector, specifically for specialized utility vehicles. The market for UTVs is robust, with numerous manufacturers and dealers. This contract represents a small but essential procurement for a government agency focused on land management and conservation, where such vehicles are critical for maintaining infrastructure and supporting wildlife programs.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting requirements. Given the relatively small dollar amount and the nature of the product, it's possible small businesses were among the bidders, but it was not a formal set-aside.

Oversight & Accountability

This contract was issued as a Purchase Order, a common method for acquiring goods. Oversight would typically be managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contracting officer and program managers responsible for the Tewaukon NWR. Transparency is maintained through federal procurement databases where such awards are reported.

Related Government Programs

Federal Fleet Management
National Wildlife Refuge System Operations
Department of the Interior Equipment Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to SAP.
Lack of specific model details hinders precise value analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $23,302 to JOES SPORT CENTER INC. ND TEWAUKON NWR PLOW-READY UTV WITH 1 TRADE IN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JOES SPORT CENTER 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 $23,302.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-10-17.

What is the specific model and key features of the UTV awarded?

The provided data does not specify the exact make and model of the UTV or its detailed features beyond being 'plow-ready'. This information is crucial for a precise value assessment. However, 'plow-ready' implies it is equipped or designed to accommodate a snowplow or similar attachment, suggesting a need for enhanced power, chassis strength, and potentially specific hitching mechanisms. Without these details, benchmarking against identical or highly comparable vehicles is challenging. The award to Joes Sport Center Inc. suggests a dealer-sourced vehicle, likely from a major manufacturer like Polaris, John Deere, or Can-Am, known for offering such configurations.

How does the $23,302 price compare to similar UTV purchases by other federal agencies?

Directly comparing the $23,302 price without specific model details and feature sets is difficult. However, prices for utility task vehicles (UTVs) equipped for work, especially with plow-ready capabilities, can range significantly. Base models might start around $10,000-$15,000, while more robust, work-oriented models with higher horsepower, advanced suspension, and factory-installed plow systems can easily reach $20,000 to $30,000 or more. Given that this is a government purchase, which often includes specific requirements and potentially extended warranties or service plans, the price appears within a reasonable range for a well-equipped UTV. The fact that 12 bids were received suggests market competition kept the price in check.

What are the primary risks associated with this UTV purchase?

The primary risks associated with this UTV purchase are relatively low given its nature as a standard equipment acquisition. Potential risks include: 1) **Operational Risk:** The UTV may not meet the specific operational demands of the Tewaukon NWR, such as insufficient power for plowing heavy snow or inadequate durability for rough terrain. 2) **Maintenance and Support Risk:** Reliance on Joes Sport Center Inc. for parts and service could become a risk if the dealer's support is inadequate or if the UTV model becomes obsolete quickly. 3) **Cost Overrun Risk:** While a fixed-price contract mitigates direct cost overruns, unforeseen maintenance needs or the requirement for additional attachments could increase the total cost of ownership. 4) **Technological Obsolescence:** UTV technology evolves; the purchased model could become outdated relatively quickly, impacting long-term utility.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar transportation equipment by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?

Historical spending data for similar transportation equipment by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) would typically show a pattern of acquiring a range of vehicles, including trucks, ATVs, and UTVs, to support diverse field operations across numerous refuges and conservation areas. Spending levels fluctuate based on agency budget allocations, equipment lifecycle replacement needs, and specific project requirements. Purchases often involve competitive bidding, though Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are common for smaller dollar amounts like this UTV. The USFWS frequently procures equipment tailored for environmental management, which may include specialized features, potentially leading to higher unit costs compared to standard commercial vehicles. Analyzing past solicitations and awards for similar equipment would reveal typical price points and vendor landscapes.

How does the 'All Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing' NAICS code apply to this UTV purchase?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code '336999 - All Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing' is a broad category that encompasses establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing transportation equipment not classified elsewhere. This includes vehicles like motorcycles, recreational snowmobiles, trailers, and, importantly, utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) that don't fit into more specific manufacturing categories. While the UTV was likely purchased from a dealer (Joes Sport Center Inc.), the NAICS code assigned to the contract likely reflects the manufacturing origin of the equipment itself. This code is used for statistical purposes to classify the industry sector involved in the production of the goods acquired by the government, even if the direct transaction is with a distributor or retailer.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing › All Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MOTOR VEHICLES, CYCLES, TRAILERS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140FS226Q0046

Offers Received: 12

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 909 HIGHWAY 2 W, DEVILS LAKE, ND, 58301

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,302

Exercised Options: $23,302

Current Obligation: $23,302

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline