Interior Department awards $134K contract for hazardous fuel reduction using goats in California

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $134,015 ($134.0K)

Contractor: Blue Tent Farms LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2023-05-18

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,323 days

Daily Burn Rate: $101/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: GOAT GRAZING FOR HAZARDOUS FUEL REDUCTION, WHISKEYTOWN NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, SHASTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Place of Performance

Location: WHISKEYTOWN, SHASTA County, CALIFORNIA, 96095

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $134,015 to BLUE TENT FARMS LLC for work described as: GOAT GRAZING FOR HAZARDOUS FUEL REDUCTION, WHISKEYTOWN NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, SHASTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Key points: 1. Contract leverages natural grazing for environmental management, offering a sustainable approach. 2. The fixed-price award suggests predictable costs for the specified services. 3. Competition under SAP indicates a streamlined process for smaller value procurements. 4. The duration of the contract suggests a long-term commitment to fuel reduction efforts. 5. Geographic focus on Whiskeytown National Recreation Area highlights specific environmental needs. 6. The use of goats presents an eco-friendly alternative to mechanical or chemical methods.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $134,015 for a period of approximately 3.5 years appears reasonable for specialized environmental services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for hazardous fuel reduction using livestock is challenging due to the niche nature of this service. However, the firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty. The value is assessed as good given the specific environmental benefits and the relatively modest total award amount for the service duration.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders for procurements below a certain threshold. While not full and open competition, SAP aims to ensure fair opportunity among qualified sources. The specific number of bidders is not detailed, but the process suggests a balance between efficiency and competition for this contract size.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competition under SAP generally leads to competitive pricing, though potentially less aggressive than full and open competition. The streamlined process can also reduce administrative costs.

Public Impact

Residents and visitors of Shasta County, California, benefit from reduced wildfire risk. The National Park Service gains an effective method for managing hazardous fuels in a sensitive ecosystem. Local environmental conditions in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area are improved through natural vegetation management. The contract supports a unique, environmentally friendly approach to land management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited scalability of goat grazing for very large or complex fuel reduction areas.
Dependence on weather and seasonal conditions can impact the effectiveness and timing of grazing.
Need for careful management to prevent overgrazing or damage to sensitive plant species.

Positive Signals

Utilizes a sustainable and eco-friendly method for hazardous fuel reduction.
Addresses specific environmental management needs within a national recreation area.
Provides a cost-effective solution compared to some mechanical methods for certain terrains.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the environmental services sector, specifically focusing on land management and wildfire prevention. The market for ecological restoration and hazardous fuel reduction is growing, driven by increased awareness of climate change impacts and wildfire risks. This contract represents a small but important segment of federal spending aimed at preserving natural landscapes and public safety.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting is not explicitly provided in the data. However, given the contract type (Purchase Order) and the nature of the service, it is possible that small businesses specializing in livestock management or environmental services could be involved, either as the prime contractor or subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Park Service, a division of the Department of the Interior. Standard procurement regulations and contract management practices would apply. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases, and performance would be monitored to ensure adherence to the terms and conditions of the purchase order.

Related Government Programs

Wildfire Prevention Programs
Environmental Restoration Contracts
National Park Service Operations
Land Management Services

Risk Flags

Environmental impact of grazing
Contractor performance history
Effectiveness in varied terrain
Long-term vegetation management

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $134,015 to BLUE TENT FARMS LLC. GOAT GRAZING FOR HAZARDOUS FUEL REDUCTION, WHISKEYTOWN NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, SHASTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BLUE TENT FARMS 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 $134,015.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-05-18. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the track record of BLUE TENT FARMS LLC in performing similar hazardous fuel reduction contracts?

Information regarding the specific track record of BLUE TENT FARMS LLC in performing hazardous fuel reduction contracts is not detailed in the provided data. As a sole entity awarded this specific purchase order, their experience with similar projects would need to be independently verified through contract performance databases or agency records. The award itself suggests they met the necessary qualifications for this particular procurement under Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Further investigation into past performance reviews or previous government contracts held by BLUE TENT FARMS LLC would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their capabilities in this specialized area.

How does the cost of goat grazing for fuel reduction compare to mechanical or chemical methods in similar terrains?

The cost-effectiveness of goat grazing for fuel reduction compared to mechanical or chemical methods can vary significantly based on terrain, vegetation type, scale of the project, and accessibility. Mechanical methods (e.g., mowing, mulching) can be efficient on flat or moderately sloped areas but may require specialized equipment and labor. Chemical treatments can be effective but raise environmental concerns and require careful application. Goat grazing is often competitive in steep, remote, or ecologically sensitive areas where heavy machinery is impractical or damaging. While the initial setup and management of livestock require investment, the ongoing operational costs can be lower, and the environmental benefits (e.g., soil health, reduced emissions) are often higher. For this specific $134,015 contract over 3.5 years, the value suggests it is considered a cost-effective solution by the National Park Service for the targeted area.

What are the primary risks associated with using livestock for hazardous fuel reduction, and how are they mitigated?

Primary risks associated with using livestock like goats for hazardous fuel reduction include potential overgrazing, damage to sensitive plant species, escape of livestock, and the spread of invasive species or diseases. Mitigation strategies typically involve careful planning and management. This includes defining specific grazing areas and durations, rotating livestock, monitoring vegetation health, and implementing containment measures (e.g., fencing, herding). The contract likely includes specifications for herd size, management practices, and monitoring protocols to ensure the goats effectively reduce fuel loads without causing undue environmental harm. The National Park Service's oversight would be crucial in ensuring these mitigation measures are effectively implemented by BLUE TENT FARMS LLC.

What is the expected environmental impact of this contract beyond fuel reduction?

Beyond hazardous fuel reduction, the use of goat grazing can have several positive environmental impacts. Goats are selective grazers, which can help control invasive plant species, allowing native vegetation to thrive. Their grazing can improve soil health by adding organic matter and reducing soil compaction compared to heavy machinery. Furthermore, this method avoids the air and noise pollution associated with mechanical equipment and the potential contamination risks of chemical treatments. The contract's focus on a national recreation area suggests an emphasis on ecological restoration and maintaining biodiversity, making the natural grazing method particularly suitable.

How does this contract fit into the broader strategy of the National Park Service for wildfire management in California?

This contract aligns with the National Park Service's broader strategy for wildfire management, particularly in California, which faces significant wildfire risks. The agency increasingly employs a mix of strategies, including prescribed burns, mechanical thinning, and increasingly, ecological approaches like targeted grazing. Using goats for hazardous fuel reduction in areas like Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is a proactive measure to reduce the intensity and spread of potential wildfires, protecting natural resources, infrastructure, and visitor safety. This approach complements other fuel management efforts and contributes to landscape resilience in fire-adapted ecosystems.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting › Sheep and Goat Farming › Goat Farming

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVERVAT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140P8423Q0044

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 21452 CREEKSIDE DR, RED BLUFF, CA, 96080

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $188,965

Exercised Options: $134,015

Current Obligation: $134,015

Actual Outlays: $82,765

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline