Interior Department awards $123K for seasonal fire housing, with 8 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $123,284 ($123.3K)

Contractor: Novas Nests LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2027-04-30

Contract Duration: 394 days

Daily Burn Rate: $313/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SEASONAL FIRE HOUSING FOR WINNEMUCCA DISTRICT

Place of Performance

Location: WINNEMUCCA, HUMBOLDT County, NEVADA, 89445

State: Nevada Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $123,284.4 to NOVAS NESTS LLC for work described as: SEASONAL FIRE HOUSING FOR WINNEMUCCA DISTRICT Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential seasonal fire housing services. 2. Competition was robust with 8 bids submitted. 3. Contract duration is over one year. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests predictable costs. 5. Location in Nevada indicates specific regional needs. 6. Small business set-aside was not utilized.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $123,284.40 for approximately 13 months of seasonal fire housing appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the service and the location. Benchmarking against similar contracts for temporary or seasonal housing in remote or specialized environments would provide a more precise value assessment. However, the presence of 8 bids suggests a competitive market that likely drove pricing towards fair market value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which allows for a broader range of competition for smaller dollar value procurements. The solicitation received 8 bids, indicating a healthy level of interest and competition among potential offerors. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The strong competition for this contract suggests that taxpayers are likely benefiting from competitive pricing, as multiple companies vied for the opportunity to provide these essential services.

Public Impact

Provides essential seasonal fire housing for personnel involved in fire suppression efforts in the Winnemucca District. Supports the operational readiness of the Bureau of Land Management's firefighting teams. Geographic impact is concentrated in Nevada, specifically the Winnemucca District. Indirectly supports the local workforce by enabling fire management operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if unforeseen circumstances arise during the contract period.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical seasonal housing could pose a risk if performance issues emerge.

Positive Signals

Robust competition with 8 bids indicates a healthy market and potential for good value.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Contract duration of over a year allows for stable planning and operations.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Real Estate and Rental and Leasing sector, specifically related to the provision of residential dwellings. The market for specialized housing, particularly for government agencies in remote or operational areas, can be niche. The value of this contract is relatively small within the broader federal spending landscape, but critical for the specific operational needs of the Bureau of Land Management in fire season.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was competed under SAP and received 8 bids, but does not specify if small businesses were involved or if it was a set-aside. Without this information, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem. However, the competitive nature of SAP procurements often allows for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

As a Purchase Order under SAP, oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the Bureau of Land Management's program officials. Standard procurement regulations and contract administration processes would apply. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like SAM.gov, where contract awards are reported.

Related Government Programs

Federal Firefighting Services
Bureau of Land Management Operations
Seasonal Workforce Support
Remote Area Support Services

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues given the specialized nature of the service.
Logistical challenges in remote locations may impact service delivery.
Dependence on seasonal needs may lead to fluctuating demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $123,284.4 to NOVAS NESTS LLC. SEASONAL FIRE HOUSING FOR WINNEMUCCA DISTRICT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NOVAS NESTS LLC.

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 $123,284.4.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2027-04-30.

What is the track record of NOVAS NESTS LLC in providing similar housing services to federal agencies?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess the track record of NOVAS NESTS LLC. While this award indicates they are capable of providing seasonal fire housing, understanding their past performance on similar contracts, including any past performance evaluations or awards from other agencies, would provide a more comprehensive picture. This includes examining their history with government contracts, their on-time delivery rates, and any reported issues or successes in fulfilling contract requirements. Without specific historical data on NOVAS NESTS LLC's performance with federal agencies, it is difficult to definitively assess their reliability for this specific contract beyond the current award.

How does the per-unit cost of this housing compare to market rates in the Winnemucca District?

Determining the precise per-unit cost requires knowing the number of housing units provided and the duration each unit was occupied. Assuming the $123,284.40 contract covers a specific number of housing units for a defined period during fire season, a comparison to local rental market rates for similar accommodations in the Winnemucca District would be necessary. Factors such as the type of housing (e.g., temporary structures, leased existing dwellings), amenities, and proximity to operational areas would influence market rates. Without specific details on the quantity and type of housing units, a direct per-unit cost comparison to market rates is not feasible from the provided data alone. However, the competitive bidding process suggests the price achieved is likely aligned with what the market would bear for such services.

What are the primary risks associated with providing seasonal fire housing in remote districts?

Providing seasonal fire housing in remote districts like Winnemucca presents several risks. Logistical challenges in delivering and maintaining housing in areas with limited infrastructure can lead to delays and increased costs. Environmental factors, such as extreme weather conditions, can impact the usability and safety of the housing. Furthermore, ensuring adequate access to utilities (water, power, sanitation) in remote locations can be complex and costly. There's also a risk of contractor underperformance, where the quality or availability of housing does not meet the required standards, potentially impacting firefighter morale and operational effectiveness. Finally, the specialized nature of the need means that if the primary contractor fails, finding alternative solutions quickly in a remote area could be difficult.

What is the historical spending pattern for seasonal fire housing in the Winnemucca District?

To assess historical spending patterns for seasonal fire housing in the Winnemucca District, one would need to analyze procurement data for this specific category over several fiscal years. This analysis would involve identifying all contracts awarded for similar services, noting their values, durations, and the contractors involved. Understanding the trend in spending—whether it is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable—can indicate changes in demand, resource allocation, or pricing dynamics. It would also reveal if NOVAS NESTS LLC is a recurring provider or if there is frequent rotation of contractors. Without access to this historical data, it's impossible to establish a baseline or identify any significant trends in federal spending on seasonal fire housing for this district.

How does the contract duration of 394 days impact the overall value and risk?

A contract duration of 394 days (approximately 13 months) for seasonal fire housing provides a significant period of stability for both the government and the contractor. For the government, it ensures consistent availability of housing during critical fire seasons without the need for frequent re-solicitation, which saves administrative costs and ensures operational continuity. For the contractor, it offers a predictable revenue stream, potentially allowing for better resource planning and investment in necessary equipment or facilities. The extended duration can also lead to better value if the contractor offers volume discounts or more favorable terms for a longer commitment. However, a longer duration also increases the exposure to potential risks, such as unforeseen price fluctuations in materials or labor, or changes in government requirements over time.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Real Estate and Rental and Leasing › Lessors of Real Estate › Lessors of Residential Buildings and Dwellings

Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRAVEL, LODGING, RECRUITMENT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140L3926Q0012

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 19 GOLDEN RD, MYSTIC, CT, 06355

Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $123,284

Exercised Options: $123,284

Current Obligation: $123,284

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline