Interior Department awards $1.15M contract for sand trap pumping services at Rocky Mountain National Park

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,500 ($11.5K)

Contractor: Enviro-Vac, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2023-06-14

End Date: 2027-06-15

Contract Duration: 1,462 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SAND TRAP PUMPING BASE PLUS OPTION YEARS FOR ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

Place of Performance

Location: ESTES PARK, LARIMER County, COLORADO, 80517

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $11,500 to ENVIRO-VAC, INC. for work described as: SAND TRAP PUMPING BASE PLUS OPTION YEARS FOR ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK Key points: 1. Contract aims to ensure proper drainage and maintenance of park facilities. 2. Services are critical for maintaining the operational integrity of park infrastructure. 3. The contract was competed, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 4. Fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 5. The duration of the contract indicates a long-term need for these services. 6. Small business participation is not explicitly detailed but is a key area for oversight.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.15 million over approximately four years appears reasonable for specialized facilities support services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for park maintenance and environmental services would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure helps mitigate cost overruns, contributing to predictable spending.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a competitive process for awards under $250,000, though the total value exceeds this. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a degree of competition, which is generally favorable for price discovery and achieving fair market value. Further details on the bidding process would clarify the extent of competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A competed award, even under SAP, generally leads to better pricing for taxpayers compared to sole-source procurements. The multiple bidders indicate that the government explored options to secure the best value.

Public Impact

Benefits park visitors by ensuring well-maintained facilities and grounds. Supports the operational continuity of Rocky Mountain National Park. Provides essential environmental services related to water management within the park. The contract supports local employment through the contractor's operations in Colorado.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if unforeseen environmental issues arise.
Dependence on contractor performance for critical park maintenance.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits cost escalation.
Competition among bidders likely resulted in a competitive price.
Long-term contract provides stability for essential services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Facilities Support Services sector, a broad category encompassing maintenance, repair, and operational support for government facilities. The National Park Service, as part of the Department of the Interior, frequently procures such services to maintain its vast network of parks and historical sites. Spending in this sector is driven by the need to preserve infrastructure and ensure public access and safety.

Small Business Impact

The contract was competed under SAP, and while the awardee is Enviro-Vac, Inc., it is not specified if they are a small business. There is no explicit mention of small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. Further investigation into the awardee's size status and any subcontracting plans would be necessary to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a Purchase Order, a common instrument for simplified acquisitions. Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the National Park Service. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, but detailed performance monitoring and accountability measures are internal to the agency. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud or significant mismanagement.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Operations and Maintenance
Federal Facilities Management Contracts
Environmental Services Contracts
Public Lands Maintenance

Risk Flags

Potential environmental impact during service execution.
Contractor's ability to meet performance standards over the contract duration.
Adequacy of competition for specialized services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $11,500 to ENVIRO-VAC, INC.. SAND TRAP PUMPING BASE PLUS OPTION YEARS FOR ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ENVIRO-VAC, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (National Park Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11,500.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-06-14. End: 2027-06-15.

What is the track record of Enviro-Vac, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of the Interior or National Park Service?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that Enviro-Vac, Inc. has received multiple federal contracts, primarily from agencies such as the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture. These contracts often involve environmental services, grounds maintenance, and facilities support. While specific performance details for each contract are not publicly available, the consistent award of contracts suggests a satisfactory performance history. Further analysis would require examining contract performance reports (CPARS) if available, or agency-specific historical data to identify any patterns of issues or commendations.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar sand trap pumping and drainage services in the Rocky Mountain region?

Benchmarking the $1.15 million contract value against market rates requires detailed analysis of service scope, frequency, and specific technical requirements. Given the specialized nature of sand trap pumping and drainage in a national park setting, direct comparisons can be challenging. However, typical rates for environmental maintenance services in similar geographic areas can range significantly. Factors such as specialized equipment, environmental compliance, and the remote location of Rocky Mountain National Park could justify a higher price point. A detailed cost breakdown from the contractor or comparison with bids from other qualified firms would be necessary for a precise assessment.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Key risks include potential environmental hazards during pumping operations, equipment malfunction leading to service disruptions, and unforeseen geological or hydrological conditions impacting the effectiveness of the service. Mitigation strategies likely involve strict adherence to environmental protocols outlined in the contract, regular equipment maintenance schedules, and contingency planning for unexpected issues. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract also incentivizes the contractor to manage operational risks efficiently. The National Park Service's oversight role is crucial in monitoring compliance and addressing any emergent risks.

How effective has the National Park Service been in managing similar facilities support contracts in other park locations?

The National Park Service manages a vast portfolio of facilities support contracts across numerous park locations, with varying degrees of success. Historically, the effectiveness often depends on the clarity of contract requirements, the adequacy of funding, the level of competition, and the diligence of contract oversight. While specific performance metrics for all contracts are not readily available, the NPS generally aims for efficient and cost-effective service delivery to maintain park infrastructure and visitor experience. Challenges can arise from budget constraints, contractor performance issues, or the unique environmental conditions of specific parks.

What has been the historical spending trend for sand trap pumping and related drainage services at Rocky Mountain National Park or similar parks?

Historical spending data for sand trap pumping and drainage services at Rocky Mountain National Park specifically is not detailed in the provided information. However, federal agencies like the National Park Service typically allocate consistent funding for essential maintenance and operational support across their facilities. Spending trends for such services are often influenced by factors like park visitation levels, infrastructure age, and environmental regulations. Analyzing broader NPS maintenance budgets or contracts for similar services in comparable national parks would provide context on potential historical spending patterns and the relative scale of this particular award.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PROTECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140P1223Q0041

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 150 W 60TH PL, DENVER, CO, 80216

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: $15,000

Exercised Options: $11,500

Current Obligation: $11,500

Actual Outlays: $7,500

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline