NPS Awards $364K Contract for Lassen Volcanic National Park Wastewater Pumping Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $36,456 ($36.5K)

Contractor: BIG Valley Sanitation Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-01-15

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 350 days

Daily Burn Rate: $104/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS) AT LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK (LAVO) HAS A REQUIREMENT FOR WASTEWATER PUMPING SERVICES. THE PROJECT IS LOCATED THROUGHOUT LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK, LASSEN, PLUMAS, SHASTA, AND TEHAMA COUNTIES, CA.

Place of Performance

Location: MINERAL, TEHAMA County, CALIFORNIA, 96063

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $36,456 to BIG VALLEY SANITATION INC for work described as: THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS) AT LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK (LAVO) HAS A REQUIREMENT FOR WASTEWATER PUMPING SERVICES. THE PROJECT IS LOCATED THROUGHOUT LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK, LASSEN, PLUMAS, SHASTA, AND TEHAMA COUNTIES, CA. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Big Valley Sanitation Inc. for essential wastewater services. 2. Service area spans multiple counties in California, indicating broad operational needs. 3. The contract duration is approximately one year, with a firm fixed-price structure. 4. This service is critical for park operations and environmental protection.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $364,560 for approximately one year of service appears reasonable given the remote and extensive service area within the national park. Benchmarking against similar specialized services in remote locations would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a limited competition scenario. This method may impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to unrestricted full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential park infrastructure maintenance. The limited competition may result in a less optimal price than if broader competition were pursued.

Public Impact

Ensures proper sanitation and waste management within Lassen Volcanic National Park. Protects the park's natural environment and water sources from potential contamination. Supports the operational continuity of the national park for visitors and staff. Maintains public health and safety standards within the park boundaries.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may not yield the best price.
Geographic scope increases logistical complexity and potential costs.

Positive Signals

Essential service for park operations.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

Wastewater services are a critical component of public infrastructure management, particularly in sensitive environmental areas like national parks. Spending benchmarks for such services can vary widely based on location, scope, and specialized requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small businesses were not awarded this contract, as the 'sb' field is false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if opportunities were available or if specific capabilities limited small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The National Park Service, under the Department of the Interior, is responsible for this contract. Oversight would involve ensuring the contractor meets service level agreements and that funds are used appropriately for park maintenance and environmental protection.

Related Government Programs

Septic Tank and Related Services
Department of the Interior Contracting
National Park Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
Geographic dispersion of service sites could increase logistical challenges.
Potential for environmental risks if services are not performed adequately.
Contract duration is relatively short, requiring potential re-competition soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $36,456 to BIG VALLEY SANITATION INC. THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS) AT LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK (LAVO) HAS A REQUIREMENT FOR WASTEWATER PUMPING SERVICES. THE PROJECT IS LOCATED THROUGHOUT LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK, LASSEN, PLUMAS, SHASTA, AND TEHAMA COUNTIES, CA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BIG VALLEY SANITATION 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 $36,456.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-15. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the typical cost range for similar wastewater pumping services in remote or park-like settings?

The cost range for similar wastewater pumping services in remote or park-like settings can vary significantly. Factors such as frequency of service, volume of waste, accessibility of sites, and specialized equipment required all influence pricing. Without specific details on the park's pumping volume and site accessibility, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, contracts for specialized environmental services in challenging locations often command a premium due to logistical complexities and the need for qualified personnel.

What are the risks associated with limited competition for essential park services?

Limited competition for essential park services carries several risks. Primarily, it can lead to higher costs for taxpayers as the vendor may face less pressure to offer competitive pricing. It also reduces the incentive for innovation and service improvement, as the vendor might be less motivated to enhance efficiency or adopt new technologies. Furthermore, reliance on a single or limited pool of providers can create vulnerabilities if the chosen vendor experiences operational issues or fails to meet contractual obligations.

How effective is a firm fixed-price contract in managing costs for this type of service?

A firm fixed-price contract is generally effective in managing costs for services like wastewater pumping, as it shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. This provides budget certainty for the National Park Service. However, its effectiveness can be diminished if the initial price was not accurately estimated due to unforeseen complexities in the service area or if the limited competition prevented a truly competitive price from being established. The contractor bears the responsibility for managing their costs to remain profitable.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Remediation and Other Waste Management Services › Septic Tank and Related Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 140P8426Q0006

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5551 EASTSIDE RD, REDDING, CA, 96001

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $195,758

Exercised Options: $36,456

Current Obligation: $36,456

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline