Interior's National Park Service awards $835K contract for trash services to Whitecap Waste of West Virginia

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $83,575 ($83.6K)

Contractor: Whitecap Waste of West Virginia, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2021-04-21

End Date: 2026-08-19

Contract Duration: 1,946 days

Daily Burn Rate: $43/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NERI - TRASH SERVICE DAVE'S SANITATION FY21

Place of Performance

Location: GLEN JEAN, FAYETTE County, WEST VIRGINIA, 25846

State: West Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $83,575 to WHITECAP WASTE OF WEST VIRGINIA, INC for work described as: NERI - TRASH SERVICE DAVE'S SANITATION FY21 Key points: 1. The contract value of $835,575 over its duration appears reasonable for solid waste collection services in a national park setting. 2. The award was made on a sole-source basis, raising questions about potential price efficiencies lost due to lack of competition. 3. The contract duration of approximately 5 years (April 2021 - August 2026) provides long-term service but limits opportunities for re-competition. 4. The fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor, Whitecap Waste of West Virginia, Inc. 5. The National Park Service is the primary agency utilizing this service, indicating a focus on maintaining park cleanliness and visitor experience. 6. The service falls under the Solid Waste Collection NAICS code, a common municipal service with established market rates.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $835,575 for approximately five years of solid waste collection services for the National Park Service appears to be within a reasonable range for such services, especially considering the specialized needs of a national park. However, without more specific data on the volume of waste, frequency of collection, and geographic coverage within West Virginia, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar contracts for waste management in federal facilities or large municipal areas would provide a clearer picture of whether the pricing is competitive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning that the National Park Service did not solicit bids from multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when only one vendor is capable of providing the required service, or in specific circumstances where full and open competition is not feasible. The lack of competition means that the government did not benefit from a competitive bidding process, which could have potentially led to lower prices or better terms.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may have paid a premium due to the absence of competitive pressure. Without a bidding process, there is less assurance that the price reflects the most economical option available in the market.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are visitors to the National Park Service sites in West Virginia, who will experience cleaner and more sanitary conditions. The service delivered is essential solid waste collection and disposal, crucial for maintaining the natural beauty and operational integrity of the parks. The geographic impact is localized to the specific National Park Service areas within West Virginia where the contract is being executed. This contract supports local employment through Whitecap Waste of West Virginia, Inc., contributing to the regional economy.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price discovery and potentially increases costs for taxpayers.
Lack of competition may reduce incentives for the contractor to innovate or improve service quality over time.
Contract duration of nearly five years locks in the current provider, delaying potential benefits from future competitive procurements.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract structure transfers some financial risk to the contractor.
The contract ensures a necessary service for the National Park Service's operational needs and visitor experience.
The award to a specific company, Whitecap Waste of West Virginia, Inc., supports a business operating within the state.

Sector Analysis

The solid waste collection industry is a mature and essential service sector. Federal contracts for such services are common across various agencies and locations. The market typically involves numerous local and regional providers. While large national waste management companies exist, smaller, specialized firms often compete for contracts in specific geographic areas. The National Park Service's need for waste management is consistent with its mission to preserve natural resources and provide visitor services, making this a standard but critical procurement.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. The award was made to Whitecap Waste of West Virginia, Inc. Analysis of whether this company qualifies as a small business under federal definitions would require further investigation. The absence of set-aside provisions means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific contract are limited unless they are direct subcontractors to the prime awardee.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Interior's National Park Service contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services. Transparency is generally facilitated through federal procurement databases like FPDS-NG, where contract awards are recorded. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Waste Management Services
National Park Service Operations
Solid Waste Collection Contracts
Department of the Interior Procurements

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $83,575 to WHITECAP WASTE OF WEST VIRGINIA, INC. NERI - TRASH SERVICE DAVE'S SANITATION FY21

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WHITECAP WASTE OF WEST VIRGINIA, 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 $83,575.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-04-21. End: 2026-08-19.

What is the track record of Whitecap Waste of West Virginia, Inc. with federal contracts?

Information regarding Whitecap Waste of West Virginia, Inc.'s specific track record with federal contracts is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their performance, one would need to review their contract history, including past performance evaluations, any disputes or terminations, and the types and values of previous federal awards. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases and agency performance reports would be necessary to establish a comprehensive understanding of their reliability and capabilities as a federal contractor. Without this specific data, it is difficult to gauge their experience and success in fulfilling government requirements.

How does the contract value compare to similar solid waste collection contracts in federal facilities?

Benchmarking this $835,575 contract against similar solid waste collection contracts is challenging without more granular data on service scope, volume, and location. However, general market rates for municipal solid waste collection can range significantly based on factors like frequency, type of waste, recycling requirements, and geographic density. For federal facilities, contracts often include specialized requirements for security, environmental compliance, and reporting, which can influence pricing. A comparative analysis would ideally involve examining contracts for similar-sized facilities or parks, considering the specific services rendered (e.g., landfill, recycling, hazardous waste) and the contract duration to determine if the pricing is competitive or if the sole-source nature has led to a premium.

What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source contract?

The primary risk associated with this sole-source contract is the potential for inflated pricing due to the lack of competitive bidding. Without multiple offers, the government may not be securing the most cost-effective solution available in the market. Another risk is reduced incentive for the contractor to innovate or enhance service quality, as there is no immediate competitive threat. Furthermore, the long contract duration (nearly five years) limits the government's ability to re-evaluate the market and potentially secure better terms or services through a new procurement process in the near future. There's also a risk if the contractor underperforms, as recourse might be more complex than with a competitively awarded contract.

How effective is solid waste collection in maintaining National Park Service visitor experience?

Effective solid waste collection is crucial for maintaining the visitor experience in National Parks. Uncollected trash can detract from the natural beauty, pose health and safety risks (e.g., attracting wildlife, creating unsanitary conditions), and negatively impact the overall aesthetic appeal of the park. Well-managed waste services ensure that visitors can enjoy the natural environment without encountering litter or unpleasant odors. This contract directly supports the National Park Service's mission to preserve park resources while providing for visitor enjoyment, making efficient waste management a fundamental component of operational success and visitor satisfaction.

What is the historical spending pattern for solid waste collection by the National Park Service?

Historical spending patterns for solid waste collection by the National Park Service (NPS) would typically show consistent annual expenditures across various park units. The total amount spent can fluctuate based on the number of parks requiring services, the scale of operations within those parks, and the specific contract vehicles used (e.g., individual park contracts, regional agreements, purchase orders). Analyzing historical data would reveal trends in contract values, the prevalence of competitive versus sole-source awards, and average contract durations. This information is vital for understanding budget allocation, identifying potential cost-saving opportunities through better procurement strategies, and assessing the overall efficiency of NPS waste management operations over time.

What are the implications of the fixed-price contract type for service quality?

A firm fixed-price contract type, like the one awarded to Whitecap Waste of West Virginia, Inc., generally shifts the responsibility for managing costs and ensuring service delivery to the contractor. This means the contractor assumes the risk of cost overruns. For service quality, this structure can incentivize efficiency, as the contractor benefits from controlling costs. However, it can also lead to a focus on meeting minimum contractual requirements rather than exceeding them, especially if the contractor perceives pressure on their profit margins. The government's role in monitoring performance and enforcing contract terms becomes critical to ensure that the fixed price does not compromise the quality or completeness of the solid waste collection services provided.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Waste Collection › Solid Waste Collection

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 102 HUNT AVE, BECKLEY, WV, 25801

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: $83,575

Exercised Options: $83,575

Current Obligation: $83,575

Actual Outlays: $61,500

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline