DOI's $8.8M KNP Complex Wildfire Cleanup Contract Awarded to Apex Enterprises Amidst Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,823,712 ($8.8M)
Contractor: Apex Enterprises, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2024-09-12
End Date: 2025-12-31
Contract Duration: 475 days
Daily Burn Rate: $18.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS (SEKI) - 2021 KNP COMPLEX WILDFIRE - HAZARD TREE CLEANUP
Place of Performance
Location: THREE RIVERS, TULARE County, CALIFORNIA, 93271
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $8.8 million to APEX ENTERPRISES, INC for work described as: SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS (SEKI) - 2021 KNP COMPLEX WILDFIRE - HAZARD TREE CLEANUP Key points: 1. The contract addresses critical hazard tree removal post-wildfire in SEKI. 2. Apex Enterprises, Inc. secured the award through full and open competition. 3. The fixed-price contract aims to mitigate risks associated with damaged trees. 4. Spending falls under Support Activities for Forestry, a key environmental sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty. Benchmarking against similar post-wildfire cleanup contracts is recommended to ensure optimal value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded using full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential post-wildfire hazard mitigation, protecting public safety and park resources.
Public Impact
Enhances safety for park visitors and staff by removing dangerous trees. Restores ecological balance and aids in the recovery of the park environment. Supports local economy through contract work and associated services. Demonstrates commitment to managing natural disaster impacts on public lands.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if unforeseen hazards emerge.
- Weather-related delays could impact project timeline and costs.
- Availability of specialized equipment and skilled labor.
Positive Signals
- Clear objective for hazard mitigation.
- Fixed-price contract provides cost control.
- Awarded through full and open competition.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Forestry and Environmental Services sector, focusing on post-disaster recovery. Spending benchmarks for similar hazard tree cleanup operations are typically project-specific due to varying terrain and hazard levels.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small businesses were not directly involved as prime contractors in this specific award, as Apex Enterprises, Inc. is the sole awardee. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are participating as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Interior's National Park Service is the contracting agency. Oversight will focus on contract performance, adherence to safety protocols, and timely completion of hazard tree removal.
Related Government Programs
- Support Activities for Forestry
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- National Park Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for environmental impact during cleanup operations.
- Dependency on weather conditions for timely completion.
- Safety risks inherent in hazard tree removal.
- Contract duration of 475 days requires sustained oversight.
Tags
support-activities-for-forestry, department-of-the-interior, ca, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $8.8 million to APEX ENTERPRISES, INC. SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS (SEKI) - 2021 KNP COMPLEX WILDFIRE - HAZARD TREE CLEANUP
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is APEX ENTERPRISES, 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 $8.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-12. End: 2025-12-31.
What is the estimated volume of hazard trees to be removed and how does this influence the contract's value?
The contract value of $8.8 million is based on the estimated scope of hazard tree removal required after the KNP Complex Wildfire. While the exact volume isn't specified, the contract amount suggests a significant number of trees posing a risk to public safety and infrastructure. The firm fixed-price nature implies the contractor assumes the risk for the estimated volume, with potential adjustments only for unforeseen circumstances or scope changes.
What are the primary risks associated with this hazard tree cleanup contract, and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks include the inherent dangers of working with damaged trees, potential weather-related delays impacting the 475-day duration, and the possibility of encountering unforeseen hazardous conditions. Mitigation strategies likely involve strict safety protocols, contingency planning for weather, and the contractor's expertise in assessing and managing tree removal risks under a fixed-price agreement.
How does the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method ensure effective price discovery and value for taxpayers?
This procurement method allows all responsible sources to submit offers after initial exclusions (e.g., for specific capabilities). It promotes competition by soliciting bids from a broad range of qualified contractors, driving down prices through market forces. This process aims to ensure the government receives the best value by selecting the most advantageous offer, thereby safeguarding taxpayer funds.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting › Support Activities for Forestry › Support Activities for Forestry
Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVERVAT SVCS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 140PS124R0003
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 461 OPHIR RD, OROVILLE, CA, 95966
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $8,823,712
Exercised Options: $8,823,712
Current Obligation: $8,823,712
Actual Outlays: $8,823,712
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-09-12
Current End Date: 2025-12-31
Potential End Date: 2025-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-23
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