Interior Department awards $64.8K fuel contract to BARR DISTRIBUTING COMPANY, INC. for Alabama National Wildlife Refuge

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $64,753 ($64.8K)

Contractor: Barr Distributing Company, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2023-08-10

End Date: 2028-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,817 days

Daily Burn Rate: $36/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: AL-FWS EUFAULA NWR-BULK FUEL OPTION YR CONTRACT

Place of Performance

Location: EUFAULA, BARBOUR County, ALABAMA, 36027

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $64,753.49 to BARR DISTRIBUTING COMPANY, INC for work described as: AL-FWS EUFAULA NWR-BULK FUEL OPTION YR CONTRACT Key points: 1. Contract awarded for bulk fuel services, indicating essential operational support for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2. The contract duration spans nearly five years, suggesting a need for sustained fuel supply. 3. Awarded under a Simplified Acquisition Procedure (SAP), implying a focus on smaller value procurements. 4. The fixed-price contract type aims to provide cost certainty for the government. 5. The specific location in Alabama highlights regional support for conservation efforts.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $64,753.49 over approximately five years appears reasonable for bulk fuel services at a specific location like the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge. Benchmarking against similar fuel contracts for federal facilities would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, given the relatively small total value and the nature of the service, it is likely within market norms for such specialized, localized support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under a Simplified Acquisition Procedure (SAP), which typically allows for broader competition among vendors for procurements under the federal micro-purchase and small purchase thresholds. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP generally encourages a competitive environment. This method aims to ensure fair pricing and access to a range of suppliers for smaller value contracts.

Taxpayer Impact: Competing under SAP helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering price discovery and preventing overpayment on this essential fuel supply contract.

Public Impact

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service benefits from a reliable fuel supply to support its operations at the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge. This contract ensures the continued functioning of conservation, management, and public access activities within the refuge. The geographic impact is localized to Alabama, supporting federal land management in that state. Workforce implications are likely minimal, primarily involving delivery personnel from the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price fluctuations in fuel markets impacting long-term cost-effectiveness if not managed through contract terms.
Dependence on a single supplier for a critical resource could pose a risk if delivery is interrupted.

Positive Signals

The use of a firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
The competition under SAP suggests an effort to obtain competitive pricing.
The multi-year duration indicates a stable, long-term operational need being met.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader petroleum and coal products manufacturing sector, specifically related to the distribution and supply of fuels. Federal spending in this area supports the operational needs of various agencies, including those focused on land management and conservation. The market for bulk fuel supply is generally competitive, with numerous distributors capable of serving federal installations, though localized availability and specific product requirements can influence competition.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it provide details on subcontracting opportunities. Given the nature of bulk fuel distribution, it's possible that larger distributors may hold the prime contract, but subcontracting to smaller, local fuel providers could be a possibility depending on the contractor's strategy and the specific requirements of the service.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contracting officers and program managers. Standard contract administration processes, including monitoring delivery schedules and fuel quality, would be in place. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like SAM.gov, where contract awards are reported.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bulk Fuel Purchasing Programs
Department of the Interior Operational Support Contracts
Conservation and Wildlife Management Support

Risk Flags

Potential for fuel price volatility
Dependence on single supplier for critical resource

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $64,753.49 to BARR DISTRIBUTING COMPANY, INC. AL-FWS EUFAULA NWR-BULK FUEL OPTION YR CONTRACT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BARR DISTRIBUTING COMPANY, 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 $64,753.49.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-10. End: 2028-07-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for bulk fuel at the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge or similar facilities?

Analyzing historical spending for bulk fuel at the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge or comparable facilities managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would provide crucial context for the current award. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to ascertain if the $64,753.49 award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending. Federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) can be queried for past awards to this specific location or for similar services to other refuges within the region. Understanding past contract values, durations, and awarded vendors can reveal trends in pricing, competition, and the reliability of suppliers. This historical perspective is essential for evaluating whether the current contract offers good value for money and if the pricing is consistent with previous market conditions or reflects changes in fuel costs and operational requirements.

How does the per-gallon cost of fuel under this contract compare to market rates or other federal contracts?

Determining the per-gallon cost requires dividing the total contract value by the estimated total gallons to be supplied over the contract period. For example, if the contract is for 10,000 gallons over five years, the average per-gallon cost would be approximately $6.48. This figure should then be benchmarked against current market prices for similar fuel types (e.g., diesel, gasoline) in the geographic region of Alabama. Additionally, comparing this per-gallon rate to those awarded in other federal fuel contracts, particularly those awarded by agencies with similar operational needs or in comparable geographic areas, is vital. Significant deviations from market rates or other federal awards could indicate either exceptional value or potential overpricing, warranting further investigation into the specific terms, delivery requirements, and competitive landscape of this particular contract.

What specific types of fuel are being procured under this contract, and are there any specialized delivery requirements?

The contract specifies 'BULK FUEL' but does not detail the exact types (e.g., diesel, unleaded gasoline, aviation fuel). This information is critical for accurate cost analysis and comparison, as different fuel types have distinct market prices and supply chains. Furthermore, understanding any specialized delivery requirements, such as specific storage tank compatibility at the refuge, delivery windows, or emergency fuel needs, is important. These requirements can influence the number of potential bidders and potentially increase the overall cost. If the contract includes provisions for specialized handling or rapid deployment, it might justify a higher per-unit cost compared to standard bulk deliveries. Clarifying these details would allow for a more precise assessment of the contract's value and operational efficiency.

What is the track record of BARR DISTRIBUTING COMPANY, INC. in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for fuel supply?

Assessing the track record of BARR DISTRIBUTING COMPANY, INC. is crucial for understanding the reliability and performance risks associated with this contract. A review of their past performance on federal contracts, accessible through resources like the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) or SAM.gov, would reveal their history of on-time delivery, quality of service, and any instances of contract disputes or terminations. Experience with similar fuel supply contracts for government agencies, especially those in remote or conservation-focused locations, would indicate their capability to meet the needs of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A strong performance history suggests a lower risk of disruption and a higher likelihood of receiving consistent, quality service, contributing positively to the overall value proposition of the contract.

Are there any specific performance metrics or service level agreements (SLAs) tied to this fuel contract?

The presence and nature of performance metrics or Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are key indicators of how the government intends to ensure the quality and reliability of the fuel supply. Contracts often include clauses that define acceptable delivery times, fuel quality standards, and procedures for addressing shortages or issues. The effectiveness of these metrics in ensuring timely and adequate fuel provision directly impacts the operational continuity of the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge. If robust SLAs are in place and actively monitored, it enhances accountability for the contractor. Conversely, a lack of clearly defined and enforceable performance standards could increase the risk of service disruptions and negatively affect the perceived value of the contract, even if the price appears competitive.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing › All Other Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: FUELS, LUBRICANTS, OILS, WAXES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140FS323Q0100

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1520 S RANDOLPH AVE, EUFAULA, AL, 36027

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $104,753

Exercised Options: $64,753

Current Obligation: $64,753

Actual Outlays: $51,255

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline