National Park Service awards $747,830 for security gate installation at Oregon Caves

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $74,783 ($74.8K)

Contractor: AA&A Maintenance, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-09-16

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 257 days

Daily Burn Rate: $291/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS) AT OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE (ORCA) HAS A REQUIREMENT FOR SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF A SECURITY GATE. THE PROJECT IS LOCATED AT OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE, JOSEPHINE COUNTY, OREGON.

Place of Performance

Location: CAVE JUNCTION, JOSEPHINE County, OREGON, 97523

State: Oregon Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $74,783 to AA&A MAINTENANCE, LLC for work described as: THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS) AT OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE (ORCA) HAS A REQUIREMENT FOR SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF A SECURITY GATE. THE PROJECT IS LOCATED AT OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE, JOSEPHINE COUNTY, OREGON. Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in park infrastructure and security. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive bidding process for this type of specialized construction. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and transfer risk to the contractor. 4. Project duration of 257 days indicates a moderate complexity for the security gate installation. 5. The award to AA&A MAINTENANCE, LLC warrants review of their past performance and capacity for this project. 6. Geographic location in Josephine County, Oregon, may influence local economic impact and workforce engagement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $747,830 for a security gate installation appears within a reasonable range for specialized construction projects of this nature. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for park infrastructure or security system installations would provide a more precise assessment of value. Factors such as the specific technical requirements, site conditions, and the scope of work will influence the final cost-effectiveness. Without detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to private sector projects, a definitive value-for-money judgment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that while the intent was broad competition, specific circumstances led to the exclusion of some potential bidders. The number of bidders (8) suggests a moderate level of interest. This type of competition, while not fully open, aims to ensure a reasonable selection process. The exclusion of sources needs further examination to understand its impact on price discovery and potential cost savings for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition, despite excluding sources, may have resulted in a higher price than if all qualified vendors had been allowed to bid. Taxpayers benefit from a selection process that aims for competitive pricing, but the exclusion aspect warrants scrutiny to ensure no undue costs were incurred.

Public Impact

Enhances security and visitor safety at Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve. Supports the operational integrity of a significant national park resource. Potential for local job creation and economic activity in Josephine County, Oregon. Ensures the protection of park assets and sensitive areas within the monument. Improves the overall visitor experience by providing a secure entry and exit point.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method requires further investigation to ensure it did not limit competitive pricing.
The specific technical requirements and site challenges at Oregon Caves could impact project timelines and costs.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical infrastructure component necessitates robust oversight.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract type helps manage budget certainty.
The award to a contractor with a track record (implied by the bidding process) suggests a level of capability.
The project addresses a clear need for enhanced security at a national park.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the construction and building equipment sector, specifically focusing on specialized installations for government facilities. The market for security gate systems and related infrastructure is competitive, with numerous providers offering a range of solutions. Federal spending in this area is often driven by security requirements, infrastructure upgrades, and the need to protect public lands and facilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other NPS or federal agency contracts for similar security enhancements at remote or sensitive locations.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the data indicates the award went to AA&A MAINTENANCE, LLC. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are included in the scope of work. The absence of a small business set-aside suggests that the primary focus was on obtaining the best value from the available pool of bidders, which may or may not include a significant number of small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the National Park Service contracting officers and project managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract, which holds the contractor responsible for delivering the specified gate installation within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Infrastructure Projects
Federal Security System Procurement
Construction Services for Public Lands
Building Equipment Installation Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
Contractor performance risk.
Site-specific challenges at Oregon Caves National Monument.
Potential for cost overruns if scope changes or unforeseen issues arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $74,783 to AA&A MAINTENANCE, LLC. THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS) AT OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE (ORCA) HAS A REQUIREMENT FOR SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF A SECURITY GATE. THE PROJECT IS LOCATED AT OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE, JOSEPHINE COUNTY, OREGON.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AA&A MAINTENANCE, 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 $74,783.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-16. End: 2026-05-31.

What is the track record of AA&A MAINTENANCE, LLC in completing similar federal contracts, particularly for security installations or park infrastructure?

A review of AA&A MAINTENANCE, LLC's contract history with federal agencies would be necessary to assess their track record. Key indicators would include the successful completion of projects of similar scope, complexity, and value. Performance evaluations and past performance questionnaires (PPQs) submitted by previous government clients are crucial for understanding their reliability, quality of work, and adherence to schedules and budgets. Any history of contract disputes, terminations, or significant delays would raise concerns about their capacity to successfully execute this security gate installation project for the National Park Service.

How does the awarded price of $747,830 compare to market rates for similar security gate installations in the region or for federal properties?

To benchmark the $747,830 award, a comparative analysis of similar security gate installations is required. This would involve researching recent federal contract awards for comparable projects (e.g., size, materials, technological features, site complexity) issued by agencies like the NPS, Forest Service, or Bureau of Land Management. Additionally, obtaining quotes from private sector security system providers for a similar scope of work would offer a valuable market perspective. Factors such as prevailing labor costs in Josephine County, Oregon, material prices, and the specific technical specifications of the gate system will influence the comparison. A significant deviation from established benchmarks could indicate either exceptional value or potential overpricing.

What specific risks are associated with the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' method used for this award?

The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' method, while intended to be competitive, carries inherent risks. The primary risk is that excluding certain sources, even if justified by specific criteria, may limit the pool of qualified bidders, potentially leading to higher prices than a truly open competition. It also raises questions about the transparency and fairness of the procurement process. If the exclusion criteria were not robustly justified or were applied inconsistently, it could lead to protests and challenges from excluded vendors. Furthermore, it might inadvertently exclude innovative solutions or cost-saving approaches that a broader range of competitors could have offered, ultimately impacting the value received by the government.

What are the potential implications of the 257-day duration for the project's effectiveness and the park's operations?

A 257-day duration for the security gate installation suggests a project of moderate complexity, likely involving site preparation, fabrication, installation, and testing. The primary implication for the park's operations is the period during which normal access and security protocols might be disrupted or altered. Effective project management is crucial to ensure the timeline is met, minimizing inconvenience to visitors and staff. Delays could impact the park's ability to implement its planned security measures, potentially leaving it vulnerable for an extended period. Conversely, a well-managed, timely completion will ensure the security enhancements are realized efficiently, contributing to the park's long-term safety and operational integrity.

How does this $747,830 contract fit into the broader historical spending patterns of the National Park Service for infrastructure and security upgrades?

This $747,830 contract represents a specific investment in security infrastructure for a single national monument. To understand its place in broader spending patterns, one would need to analyze NPS's historical budget allocations and contract awards for similar projects across all its managed sites. The NPS typically allocates funds for a wide range of infrastructure needs, including visitor facilities, trails, utilities, and security systems. The amount awarded here appears moderate for a specialized construction project. Analyzing trends in NPS spending on security enhancements over the past 5-10 years, considering inflation and the number of projects undertaken, would provide context on whether this award is typical, high, or low relative to historical investment levels in park security.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Building Equipment Contractors › Other Building Equipment Contractors

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 140P8425Q0031

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 55 W 14TH ST STE 101, HELENA, MT, 59601

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $74,783

Exercised Options: $74,783

Current Obligation: $74,783

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline