Interior's Guam Geomagnetic Observatory grounds maintenance contract awarded to Proferre, Inc. for $706,900

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $70,690 ($70.7K)

Contractor: Proferre, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2023-08-29

End Date: 2027-09-25

Contract Duration: 1,488 days

Daily Burn Rate: $48/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: USGS GUAM GEOMAGNETIC OBSERVATORY GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR USGS, GEOLOGIC HAZARDS SCIENCE CENTER (GHSC)

Place of Performance

Location: DEDEDO, GUAM County, GUAM, 96929

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $70,690.08 to PROFERRE, INC. for work described as: USGS GUAM GEOMAGNETIC OBSERVATORY GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR USGS, GEOLOGIC HAZARDS SCIENCE CENTER (GHSC) Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized grounds maintenance in a remote location. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially limited but functional bidding process. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm-fixed-price structure mitigating cost overruns. 4. Performance context suggests a need for consistent upkeep of critical scientific infrastructure. 5. Sector positioning places this within essential support services for scientific research facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $706,900 over approximately four years for grounds maintenance at the Guam Geomagnetic Observatory seems appropriate given the location and specialized nature of the facility. Benchmarking against similar contracts for remote scientific site maintenance is challenging due to limited public data, but the price per year is within a plausible range for such services. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests a clear understanding of expected costs by both parties.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders for smaller value procurements. While the specific number of bids received is not detailed, SAP is designed to streamline the acquisition process for goods and services below certain thresholds. The limited competition may result in less aggressive pricing compared to full and open competition, but it ensures timely procurement.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, limited competition under SAP can sometimes mean slightly higher prices than what might be achieved through a broader bidding process. However, the efficiency gains and reduced administrative costs associated with SAP can offset some of these potential price increases.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the scientists and researchers at the USGS Geomagnetic Observatory, who rely on well-maintained grounds for operational efficiency and safety. Services delivered include essential landscaping and grounds maintenance, ensuring the facility's aesthetic appeal and functional integrity. The geographic impact is localized to Guam, supporting critical U.S. scientific infrastructure in the Pacific. Workforce implications may include local employment opportunities for groundskeeping and maintenance staff through the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if unforeseen environmental challenges arise in Guam's climate.
Reliance on a single contractor for essential services could pose a risk if performance issues emerge.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Awarded to a single entity, suggesting a clear selection based on stated requirements.
Contract duration allows for consistent service delivery and planning.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader sector of facilities support services, specifically tailored for scientific and research infrastructure. The market for specialized grounds maintenance in remote or unique geographic locations like Guam is niche. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the specific location and the nature of the facility, but such contracts are crucial for maintaining the operational readiness of government scientific assets.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem related to set-asides for this particular award. The procurement likely involved larger or specialized service providers capable of meeting the requirements.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) within the Department of the Interior. Standard contract administration procedures, including performance monitoring and payment verification, would be in place. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases, though detailed operational oversight specifics are not publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud or mismanagement.

Related Government Programs

USGS Scientific Facilities Maintenance
Federal Groundskeeping Contracts
Remote Site Support Services
Geomagnetic Observatory Operations

Risk Flags

Potential for increased costs due to remote location logistics.
Limited competition may impact price optimization.
Reliance on contractor performance for critical infrastructure support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $70,690.08 to PROFERRE, INC.. USGS GUAM GEOMAGNETIC OBSERVATORY GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR USGS, GEOLOGIC HAZARDS SCIENCE CENTER (GHSC)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PROFERRE, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Geological Survey).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $70,690.08.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-29. End: 2027-09-25.

What is Proferre, Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly for grounds maintenance or similar services?

Information regarding Proferre, Inc.'s specific track record with federal contracts, especially for grounds maintenance or services in remote locations like Guam, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive review would require accessing federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) to analyze past performance, contract history, and any reported issues or commendations. Without this external data, it's difficult to assess their experience and reliability beyond the current award. However, the award itself suggests they met the basic qualifications and requirements set forth by the USGS for this specific procurement.

How does the annual cost of this contract compare to similar grounds maintenance contracts for federal facilities in other remote or island locations?

Direct comparison of the annual cost ($~176,725) for this contract to similar grounds maintenance contracts in other remote or island locations is challenging due to the unique nature of the Guam Geomagnetic Observatory and the limited public availability of detailed cost breakdowns for comparable contracts. Factors such as local labor rates, material costs, transportation, climate-specific maintenance needs, and the specific security and operational requirements of a scientific facility significantly influence pricing. Generally, services in remote island locations tend to be more expensive than in continental U.S. locations due to logistical complexities. A thorough benchmark would require a detailed analysis of multiple contracts with similar scope, location challenges, and facility types.

What are the primary risks associated with maintaining grounds at a geomagnetic observatory in Guam, and how does this contract address them?

Primary risks associated with maintaining grounds at a geomagnetic observatory in Guam include the tropical climate (high humidity, heavy rainfall, typhoons), which can accelerate vegetation growth and damage infrastructure; potential for invasive species; and logistical challenges in sourcing materials and labor on an island. This contract, being firm-fixed-price, aims to mitigate cost risks by fixing the price regardless of minor fluctuations in service delivery needs. The duration of the contract (nearly 4 years) allows for consistent service, which is crucial for preventing overgrowth or neglect that could impact observatory operations or safety. However, risks related to extreme weather events (like typhoons) or unforeseen environmental hazards might require specific clauses or separate considerations not detailed here.

What is the historical spending pattern for grounds maintenance at the USGS Guam Geomagnetic Observatory?

The provided data only details the current contract awarded on August 29, 2023, with an end date of September 25, 2027, for a total value of $706,900.08. It does not offer historical spending patterns for grounds maintenance at this specific observatory. To determine historical spending, one would need to access historical contract data from sources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or agency-specific financial records, looking for previous contracts awarded for similar services at this location over prior years. This would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and potentially the contractors utilized.

How does the 'Landscaping Services' NAICS code (561730) typically align with the needs of a scientific research facility like the Geomagnetic Observatory?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 561730, 'Landscaping Services,' broadly covers establishments primarily engaged in designing, installing, and maintaining roads, parks, and grounds. For a scientific research facility like the USGS Geomagnetic Observatory, these services are crucial for maintaining the immediate environment around sensitive equipment and buildings. This includes tasks such as mowing, trimming, pest control, erosion control, and general upkeep to prevent vegetation from interfering with operations, compromising safety, or affecting the scientific measurements. While the code is general, the specific contract requirements would detail the precise scope needed to support the observatory's unique operational and environmental needs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Services to Buildings and Dwellings › Landscaping Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140G0223Q0177

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 202 HILTON RD UNIT 10, TAMUNING, GU, 96913

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: $90,488

Exercised Options: $70,690

Current Obligation: $70,690

Actual Outlays: $33,874

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline