Interior's Bureau of Land Management awards $311,858 contract for spring consolidated seed buy to Maple Leaf Company
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $311,858 ($311.9K)
Contractor: Maple Leaf Company
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2026-03-02
End Date: 2026-05-22
Contract Duration: 81 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 17
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: BLM FY26-1 SPRING CONSOLIDATED SEED BUY
Place of Performance
Location: EPHRAIM, SANPETE County, UTAH, 84627
State: Utah Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $311,858 to MAPLE LEAF COMPANY for work described as: BLM FY26-1 SPRING CONSOLIDATED SEED BUY Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment. 2. The contract value of $311,858 appears modest within the broader context of federal land management expenditures. 3. Fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Short contract duration (81 days) suggests a specific, time-sensitive need for seed procurement. 5. The award to a single contractor, Maple Leaf Company, warrants a review of its capacity and past performance. 6. Geographic focus on Utah (ST: UT, SN: UTAH) indicates a localized application for the seeds.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this specific seed procurement contract is challenging without more granular data on seed types, quantities, and quality standards. However, the total award of $311,858 for an 81-day period appears reasonable for a specialized supply need. Comparing it to similar, smaller-scale ecological restoration or revegetation contracts would provide better context. The firm fixed-price structure is a positive indicator for cost control.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely solicited and evaluated. The presence of 17 bids (no: 17) suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this requirement. This broad competition is generally expected to drive more competitive pricing and ensure the government receives fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that helps ensure the government is not overpaying for essential resources like seeds.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the Bureau of Land Management and potentially the ecosystems they manage, through the acquisition of seeds for restoration or revegetation projects. The services delivered involve the procurement and supply of seeds, crucial for land rehabilitation and ecological health. The geographic impact is focused on Utah, where the seeds are likely to be used for land management activities. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily related to the logistics of seed delivery and potential planting efforts by BLM personnel or contractors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for limited contractor capacity if Maple Leaf Company is a small operation and the seed volume is substantial.
- Risk of seed quality not meeting specific ecological restoration requirements without stringent testing protocols.
- Dependence on a single supplier for a critical, time-sensitive need could pose a risk if delivery is delayed.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
- Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
- The contract specifies a clear need for seeds, supporting land management objectives.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the 'Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products' sector (NAICS 113210). This sector is vital for ecological restoration, reforestation, and land management efforts across the nation. Federal agencies like the BLM are significant purchasers of seeds and related nursery products to support their mandates. The market size for such specialized ecological supplies can vary widely depending on the scale of restoration projects and regional needs.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses (sb: false). The presence of 17 bids suggests that both small and large businesses may have participated. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were awarded subcontracts, which is a common practice to ensure broader economic impact.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. The Bureau of Land Management is responsible for monitoring contract performance and ensuring compliance with terms and conditions. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract simplifies financial oversight. Inspector General audits could be initiated if specific concerns regarding performance or financial impropriety arise.
Related Government Programs
- Bureau of Land Management Land Management Contracts
- Federal Seed Procurement
- Ecological Restoration Services
- Department of the Interior Supply Chain
Risk Flags
- Short contract duration may limit flexibility for optimal planting or issue resolution.
- Lack of specific seed type/quantity details hinders detailed value assessment.
- Contractor performance history not readily available in summary data.
Tags
other, department-of-the-interior, bureau-of-land-management, utah, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, small-value, seed-procurement, ecological-restoration, land-management
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $311,858 to MAPLE LEAF COMPANY. BLM FY26-1 SPRING CONSOLIDATED SEED BUY
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MAPLE LEAF COMPANY.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Land Management).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $311,858.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-03-02. End: 2026-05-22.
What is the specific type and quantity of seeds being procured under this contract?
The provided data does not specify the exact types or quantities of seeds. The contract title 'SPRING CONSOLIDATED SEED BUY' suggests a general procurement for various seed types needed for spring planting and land management activities. To assess value and suitability, detailed specifications regarding species, purity, germination rates, and total volume would be necessary. This information is typically found in the contract's statement of work or technical specifications, which are not included in the summary data.
How does the price per unit for these seeds compare to market rates or similar federal contracts?
A precise per-unit cost comparison is not possible without knowing the specific seed types and quantities. The total award is $311,858 over 81 days. If, for example, this contract procured 10,000 pounds of mixed native seeds, the implied cost would be approximately $31.19 per pound. Benchmarking this requires access to databases of recent seed procurements with detailed specifications or commercial price lists for ecological restoration seeds in Utah. The firm fixed-price nature suggests the contractor has already factored in their costs and profit margins.
What is Maple Leaf Company's track record with federal contracts, particularly with the Bureau of Land Management or similar agencies?
Information on Maple Leaf Company's specific track record is not provided in the summary data. A thorough assessment would involve reviewing their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), any previous contracts with the BLM or Department of the Interior, and their history of delivering similar goods or services. A positive track record would indicate reliability and quality, while a history of issues could signal potential risks for this contract.
What are the specific land management objectives this seed purchase aims to support?
The contract aims to support the Bureau of Land Management's land management objectives, likely focusing on ecological restoration, wildfire recovery, invasive species control, or habitat improvement within Utah. The 'SPRING CONSOLIDATED SEED BUY' implies a proactive approach to seeding during the optimal spring planting season. Specific objectives could include revegetating areas impacted by drought, erosion, or other environmental stressors, thereby contributing to land health and biodiversity.
What is the historical spending pattern for similar seed procurement contracts by the BLM in Utah?
Historical spending data for similar seed procurement contracts by the BLM in Utah is not provided. Analyzing past expenditures would reveal trends in contract values, frequency, and awarded vendors. This context is crucial for determining if the current $311,858 award is consistent with previous investments, unusually high, or significantly lower, which could indicate changes in program scope, market prices, or competition levels.
What are the potential risks associated with a short contract duration (81 days) for seed procurement?
A short contract duration of 81 days for seed procurement, ending in late May 2026, presents several potential risks. Firstly, it necessitates rapid delivery and potentially immediate planting, which might not align with optimal ecological conditions or the contractor's production schedules. Secondly, it limits the time available for thorough quality assurance testing and issue resolution. If the seeds are needed for a specific, time-sensitive restoration event, delays in delivery or quality issues could compromise the project's success.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting › Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products › Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products
Product/Service Code: AGRICULTURAL SUPPLIES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 140L3726R0001
Offers Received: 17
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 450 S 50 E, EPHRAIM, UT, 84627
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $311,858
Exercised Options: $311,858
Current Obligation: $311,858
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-03-02
Current End Date: 2026-05-22
Potential End Date: 2026-05-22 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
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