Yosemite National Park propane services contract awarded for $23,746.66, covering a 30-day period

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,747 ($23.7K)

Contractor: Suburban Propane Partners, L.P

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-09-15

End Date: 2025-10-15

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $792/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PARK-WIDE PROPANE AND MAINTENANCE FOR YOSEMITE NP

Place of Performance

Location: EL PORTAL, MARIPOSA County, CALIFORNIA, 95318

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $23,746.66 to SUBURBAN PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P for work described as: PARK-WIDE PROPANE AND MAINTENANCE FOR YOSEMITE NP Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential utility services for a national park. 2. Short duration suggests a need for immediate or temporary support. 3. Awarded to a single vendor, indicating potential for limited competition. 4. Pricing appears reasonable for a specialized, short-term service. 5. Geographic concentration in California. 6. Service type is critical for park operations during the specified period.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $23,746.66 for 30 days of propane services for Yosemite National Park appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the service and the location. Benchmarking against similar park service contracts is difficult without more specific data on volume and delivery requirements. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests predictable costs for the National Park Service. The award amount is well within typical ranges for essential utility provision in remote or large-scale operational environments.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a less formal bidding process than full and open competition. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP is generally used for purchases below a certain dollar threshold, allowing for more streamlined acquisition. This method can lead to quicker awards but may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to broader competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP can offer some price discovery, but the limited scope may mean taxpayers do not benefit from the most aggressive pricing achievable through wider market engagement.

Public Impact

Park visitors and staff will have access to essential heating and cooking fuel. Ensures continuity of operations for Yosemite National Park. Supports the daily functions of park management and visitor services. Benefits residents and businesses within the park's operational area. Maintains a critical utility service for a significant natural resource.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to SAP procurement method may have restricted price optimization.
Short contract duration could indicate a stop-gap measure, potentially leading to future higher-cost contracts if a long-term solution isn't found.

Positive Signals

Awarded to a single, presumably qualified vendor for essential services.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the agency.
Service delivery is geographically specific to Yosemite National Park, ensuring localized support.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader energy and utilities sector, specifically focusing on the provision of propane. While the dollar amount is relatively small, it represents a critical component for the operational continuity of a major national park. The market for propane supply is generally competitive, but specialized delivery and service contracts for remote or large federal facilities can sometimes involve fewer bidders. The benchmark for this type of contract is highly dependent on specific volume, delivery frequency, and storage requirements.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting is not available for this contract. As it was competed under SAP and awarded to a single vendor, it's unclear if small businesses were specifically targeted or participated in the bidding process.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Park Service contracting officers and program managers. As a small dollar value award under SAP, it likely undergoes standard administrative review. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases, but detailed performance monitoring specifics are not publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Operations
Federal Utility Contracts
Energy Supply for Federal Facilities

Risk Flags

Potential for limited price competition due to SAP procurement.
Short contract duration may indicate a need for longer-term planning.
Geographic remoteness can increase logistical costs and complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $23,746.66 to SUBURBAN PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P. PARK-WIDE PROPANE AND MAINTENANCE FOR YOSEMITE NP

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SUBURBAN PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $23,746.66.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-15. End: 2025-10-15.

What is the typical cost range for propane services in national parks of similar size and operational needs?

Determining a precise typical cost range for propane services in national parks is challenging without detailed data on specific park requirements, such as average daily consumption, storage capacity, delivery frequency, and the remoteness of the location. However, contracts for essential utilities in large federal facilities can vary significantly. For a 30-day period, a value of approximately $24,000 suggests a moderate to high level of consumption or a premium for specialized delivery logistics. Broader market data for commercial propane supply indicates per-gallon costs that fluctuate with market prices and delivery surcharges. For context, a large commercial or industrial user might pay anywhere from $2 to $5 per gallon, depending on these factors. Given the park setting, it's plausible that this contract covers a substantial volume or includes significant service components beyond simple fuel delivery.

How does the firm fixed-price contract type benefit the National Park Service in this scenario?

A firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is highly beneficial for the National Park Service (NPS) in this scenario because it provides cost certainty and predictability. Under an FFP contract, the total price is fixed and not subject to adjustment based on the contractor's cost experience. This means the NPS knows exactly how much the propane and maintenance services will cost for the 30-day period, allowing for more accurate budgeting and financial planning. It shifts the risk of cost overruns entirely to the contractor, Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. This structure incentivizes the contractor to manage its own costs efficiently to maintain profitability. For a short-duration, essential service like this, the FFP structure simplifies administration and reduces the potential for disputes over pricing.

What are the potential risks associated with a short-duration contract for essential park services?

The primary risk associated with a short-duration contract, like this 30-day award for propane services, is the potential for service disruption if a longer-term solution is not secured promptly. If this contract is merely a stop-gap measure, the park could face challenges in maintaining consistent utility supply, impacting visitor services and operational continuity. There's also a risk that repeated short-term contracts may lead to higher overall costs compared to a longer-term, more comprehensive agreement, as contractors may factor in the administrative overhead and uncertainty of renewal. Furthermore, frequent re-competition or contract modifications can strain agency resources. The lack of a long-term plan could also hinder the implementation of more sustainable or cost-effective energy solutions for the park.

What does 'Competed under SAP' imply about the competition level and potential value for taxpayers?

'Competed under SAP' signifies that the contract was procured using Simplified Acquisition Procedures. SAP is designed for purchases below a certain monetary threshold (typically $250,000, though this can vary) and involves a less formal, more streamlined process than full and open competition. While it implies some level of competition, it generally involves fewer bidders and potentially less rigorous solicitation requirements. This can lead to quicker contract awards, which is beneficial for urgent needs. However, for taxpayers, it may mean that the government does not achieve the maximum possible price competition. The limited pool of bidders and potentially less aggressive bidding environment could result in a price that is not as low as it might have been under a broader, more competitive solicitation process.

How does the geographic location (California) potentially influence the cost and logistics of this contract?

The geographic location within California, specifically Yosemite National Park, can significantly influence the cost and logistics of propane services. Yosemite is a large, often remote, and mountainous park. Delivering propane to such locations typically involves specialized equipment, longer travel times, and potentially more challenging terrain, all of which can increase delivery costs. California also has specific environmental regulations and fuel standards that may add to compliance costs for suppliers. Furthermore, demand for services within popular national parks can be high, especially during peak seasons. While the contract is for a short duration, the inherent logistical complexities of serving a remote park in California likely contribute to the overall price, necessitating careful planning and potentially higher per-unit costs compared to urban or easily accessible industrial areas.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction › Oil and Gas Extraction › Natural Gas Extraction

Product/Service Code: CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 240 ROUTE 10 W, WHIPPANY, NJ, 07981

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,747

Exercised Options: $23,747

Current Obligation: $23,747

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140P8523D0005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline