Interior Department awards $113K for snow removal at Emmett Till National Monument

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $113,350 ($113.3K)

Contractor: RAW Holdings LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-02-29

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 883 days

Daily Burn Rate: $128/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SNOW REMOVAL SERVICES TILL FY24 THE EMMETT TILL AND MAMIE TILL-MOBLEY NATIONAL MONUMENT.

Place of Performance

Location: CHICAGO, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60616

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $113,350 to RAW HOLDINGS LLC for work described as: SNOW REMOVAL SERVICES TILL FY24 THE EMMETT TILL AND MAMIE TILL-MOBLEY NATIONAL MONUMENT. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Raw Holdings LLC for snow removal services. 2. The contract duration is 883 days, ending July 31, 2026. 3. This is a firm-fixed-price contract, providing cost certainty. 4. The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 5. The National Park Service is the primary agency overseeing this service. 6. Services are to be performed in Illinois.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $113,350 for snow removal services over approximately two years appears reasonable for a specialized national monument. Benchmarking against similar landscaping and snow removal contracts for federal sites of comparable size and complexity would provide a more definitive assessment of value. Without specific details on the scope of services (e.g., frequency, area covered, types of equipment), a precise per-unit cost comparison is challenging. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests a degree of cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for a broader range of competition for smaller dollar value procurements. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP aims to foster competition. The fact that it was competed suggests that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid, potentially leading to a more competitive price than a sole-source award.

Taxpayer Impact: Competing the contract, even under SAP, is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple vendors to offer their best pricing, potentially reducing overall costs compared to non-competitive awards.

Public Impact

Ensures accessibility and safety at the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument. Protects visitors and staff from hazardous winter conditions. Maintains the operational readiness of the monument's facilities. Supports local workforce through the contracted service provider.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for service disruptions if contractor performance is subpar during severe weather events.
Limited visibility into specific performance metrics and quality control measures for snow removal.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the National Park Service.
Competition under SAP suggests an effort to secure competitive pricing.
Contract duration allows for consistent service throughout multiple winter seasons.

Sector Analysis

Snow removal services fall under the broader landscaping and facilities maintenance sector. This contract represents a small but essential component of maintaining federal properties, particularly those in regions experiencing significant winter weather. The market for such services is generally localized, with numerous small to medium-sized businesses capable of providing these essential functions. The value is modest, typical for specialized maintenance at a single site.

Small Business Impact

There is no explicit indication of a small business set-aside for this contract. However, the nature of snow removal services often lends itself to participation by small businesses, which are frequently agile and well-positioned to serve local government contracts. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist or if small businesses were primary bidders.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Park Service contracting officer and program managers. Standard contract administration processes, including performance monitoring and payment verification, would be in place. Transparency is facilitated by the public availability of contract awards, though detailed performance reports are not typically released.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Operations and Maintenance
Federal Facilities Management
Winter Weather Preparedness Contracts

Risk Flags

Performance Risk: Timeliness and effectiveness of snow removal during adverse weather.
Scope Definition Risk: Potential ambiguity in the Statement of Work regarding specific service levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $113,350 to RAW HOLDINGS LLC. SNOW REMOVAL SERVICES TILL FY24 THE EMMETT TILL AND MAMIE TILL-MOBLEY NATIONAL MONUMENT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RAW HOLDINGS 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 $113,350.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-02-29. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the typical cost range for snow removal services at national monuments or similar federal sites?

The typical cost range for snow removal services at national monuments or similar federal sites can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic location, size of the area to be cleared, frequency of service, type of equipment required, and the severity of winter weather. For smaller sites or those with less demanding requirements, annual costs might range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. Larger or more remote sites, or those requiring specialized equipment like plows for extensive parking lots and access roads, could incur costs upwards of $50,000 to $100,000 or more annually. The $113,350 awarded to Raw Holdings LLC for the Emmett Till National Monument, covering approximately two years, suggests a moderate cost, likely reflecting the specific needs and scale of this particular monument.

What specific services are included under this snow removal contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'SNOW REMOVAL SERVICES' but does not detail the specific services included. Typically, such contracts encompass activities like plowing parking lots, access roads, and walkways; shoveling sidewalks and entrances; applying de-icing agents (salt, sand, or chemicals); and hauling away snow if necessary. The scope would be defined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW). For the Emmett Till National Monument, the services would likely focus on ensuring visitor access, safety for staff, and maintaining the operational integrity of any facilities or interpretive areas within the monument's boundaries during winter months.

How does the competition level (SAP) impact the value for taxpayers?

Competing under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a more competitive bidding environment for contracts valued below the SAP threshold (currently $250,000). This process encourages multiple vendors to submit proposals, driving down prices as companies vie for the award. While SAP may have less stringent documentation requirements than full and open competition, it still aims to achieve fair and reasonable pricing. For this $113,350 contract, SAP likely resulted in a more cost-effective outcome for taxpayers than if it had been awarded sole-source, ensuring that the National Park Service received competitive market rates for essential snow removal services.

What is Raw Holdings LLC's track record with federal contracts?

Information regarding Raw Holdings LLC's specific track record with federal contracts is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require searching federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for past awards, contract performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any history of disputes or terminations. Without this information, it's difficult to gauge their experience, reliability, and past performance in delivering services to government agencies. However, their selection for this contract suggests they met the minimum qualifications and were deemed capable of performing the required snow removal services.

Are there any performance risks associated with this type of contract?

Yes, there are performance risks associated with this type of contract, primarily related to the contractor's ability to deliver timely and effective snow removal, especially during severe weather events. Key risks include delays in service, inadequate clearing of critical areas (like access roads or emergency exits), improper application of de-icing materials leading to environmental concerns or damage, and insufficient equipment or personnel to handle large snowfalls. The firm-fixed-price nature means the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, but the government risks receiving substandard service if performance is not adequately monitored and enforced by the National Park Service contracting officer's representative.

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: 140P5224Q0007

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2600 S KING DR, CHICAGO, IL, 60616

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $113,350

Exercised Options: $113,350

Current Obligation: $113,350

Actual Outlays: $69,380

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline