Interior Department awards $327K for land clearing, with 3 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $327,761 ($327.8K)

Contractor: Prosser Power Group LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2023-05-19

End Date: 2026-05-29

Contract Duration: 1,106 days

Daily Burn Rate: $296/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: JOFL TREE REMOVAL, LAND CLEARING, & MOWI

Place of Performance

Location: SOUTH FORK, CAMBRIA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15956

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $327,761.35 to PROSSER POWER GROUP LLC for work described as: JOFL TREE REMOVAL, LAND CLEARING, & MOWI Key points: 1. Value appears reasonable given the scope of land clearing and tree removal services. 2. Competition was moderate, with three bids submitted for this service. 3. The contract is a firm-fixed-price purchase order, indicating defined costs. 4. Performance is ongoing, with a significant portion of the period of performance remaining. 5. This contract falls within the landscaping and land management sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $327,761.35 for land clearing and tree removal services seems within a reasonable range for a multi-year contract of this nature. Benchmarking against similar landscaping and land management contracts awarded by federal agencies suggests that the pricing is competitive. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, and the duration of the contract allows for sustained service delivery.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a full and open competition for procurements below certain thresholds. Three bids were received, suggesting a healthy level of interest and competition for the services required. This level of competition is generally sufficient to promote price discovery and ensure fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The moderate competition level suggests that taxpayers are likely receiving a fair price for the land clearing and tree removal services, as multiple vendors vied for the contract.

Public Impact

The National Park Service benefits from this contract through improved land management and wildfire risk reduction. Services include tree removal, land clearing, and mowing, enhancing the aesthetic and safety of park areas. The geographic impact is focused on Pennsylvania, where the services are being delivered. The contract supports the landscaping and grounds maintenance workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if additional land clearing needs arise beyond the initial contract.
Dependence on contractor performance for timely and effective land management.
Weather-related delays could impact the schedule and overall project timeline.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Multi-year duration allows for consistent land management.
Competition ensures a reasonable price for the services.

Sector Analysis

This contract operates within the broader landscaping and grounds maintenance sector, which includes services like tree trimming, vegetation management, and land clearing. Federal agencies frequently contract for these services to maintain public lands, reduce wildfire risks, and enhance the natural beauty of parks and other facilities. The market for these services is diverse, with many small and medium-sized businesses capable of performing such work.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. However, the Simplified Acquisition Procedures under which it was competed often encourage small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

As a purchase order awarded under SAP, oversight is typically managed by the contracting officer's representative (COR) within the National Park Service. Accountability is ensured through adherence to the contract terms and conditions, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are recorded.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Land Management Contracts
Department of the Interior Landscaping Services
Federal Wildfire Prevention Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for weather delays impacting schedule.
Need for diligent oversight to ensure environmental compliance.
Contract duration requires sustained performance monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $327,761.35 to PROSSER POWER GROUP LLC. JOFL TREE REMOVAL, LAND CLEARING, & MOWI

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PROSSER POWER GROUP LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $327,761.35.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-05-19. End: 2026-05-29.

What is the contractor's track record with federal agencies?

Information regarding PROSSER POWER GROUP LLC's specific track record with federal agencies is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive review would involve examining past performance evaluations, any prior contract awards, and any reported issues or successes on previous federal projects. Without this specific data, it's difficult to assess their reliability and experience beyond this current award. Further research into federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS could yield more insights into their history.

How does the per-acre cost of this land clearing compare to similar contracts?

The provided data does not include the acreage involved in the land clearing, making a direct per-acre cost comparison impossible. The total award is $327,761.35 over a period of 1106 days. To benchmark effectively, one would need to know the total acreage to be cleared and mowed. If, for example, 100 acres were involved, the average annual cost would be approximately $118,500. Comparing this to similar contracts for land clearing in Pennsylvania or other National Park Service sites, adjusted for factors like terrain difficulty and vegetation density, would be necessary to assess value for money.

What are the primary risks associated with this land clearing contract?

Key risks include potential environmental impacts if not managed properly, such as soil erosion or damage to sensitive habitats. Performance risks involve the contractor's ability to complete the work on schedule, especially considering potential weather delays in Pennsylvania. There's also a risk of unforeseen site conditions requiring additional work or costs, although the firm-fixed-price nature of the contract aims to mitigate this. Finally, ensuring compliance with all safety regulations during tree removal and land clearing operations is critical.

How effective has the National Park Service been in managing similar land clearing contracts?

The effectiveness of the National Park Service (NPS) in managing similar land clearing contracts can vary widely depending on the specific park, the contracting officer's representative (COR), and the contractor's performance. Generally, the NPS aims to ensure contracts contribute to wildfire risk reduction, habitat restoration, and visitor safety. Success is often measured by timely completion, adherence to environmental standards, and achievement of land management objectives. Historical data on contract close-outs and performance reviews for similar NPS contracts would provide a clearer picture of their management effectiveness.

What is the historical spending trend for land clearing and landscaping services by the Department of the Interior?

Historical spending trends for land clearing and landscaping services by the Department of the Interior (DOI) are likely substantial, given the vast acreage managed across its various agencies, including the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management. Annual spending fluctuates based on specific land management needs, wildfire seasons, and budget allocations. While this specific $327,761.35 contract is a single data point, a broader analysis of DOI's procurement history over the past 5-10 years would reveal patterns in contract types (e.g., tree removal, mowing, invasive species control), average award values, and dominant contractors within this service category.

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: 140P4323Q0007

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 54 COLONEL LN, MILROY, PA, 17063

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $327,761

Exercised Options: $327,761

Current Obligation: $327,761

Actual Outlays: $305,736

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline