DOJ's $131K contract for solid waste removal services awarded to Republic Services of Kentucky, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $131,745 ($131.7K)

Contractor: Republic Services of Kentucky, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 272 days

Daily Burn Rate: $484/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ESTABLISHMENT OF BRIDGE CONTRACT FOR SOLID WASTE REMOVAL SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: LEXINGTON, FAYETTE County, KENTUCKY, 40509

State: Kentucky Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $131,744.8 to REPUBLIC SERVICES OF KENTUCKY, LLC for work described as: ESTABLISHMENT OF BRIDGE CONTRACT FOR SOLID WASTE REMOVAL SERVICES. Key points: 1. This contract represents a small portion of the Federal Prison System's overall spending on essential services. 2. The firm fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government. 3. The duration of the contract is 272 days, indicating a short-term need. 4. The award was made under simplified acquisition procedures, suggesting a focus on efficiency for smaller procurements. 5. The service category is solid waste collection, a critical but routine operational requirement. 6. The contractor, Republic Services of Kentucky, LLC, is a regional provider for this essential service.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of approximately $131,745 for a 272-day period for solid waste removal services appears reasonable for a federal facility. Without specific details on the volume of waste or service frequency, direct comparison to similar contracts is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests a predictable cost for the government. Benchmarking against commercial waste removal contracts in Kentucky would provide a clearer picture of value for money, but this is likely within a standard range for institutional services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was awarded under simplified acquisition procedures (SAP), and the specific competition details are not fully elaborated in the provided data. SAP is typically used for procurements under the simplified threshold, which often involves less formal competition. It is unclear if this was a sole-source award, a limited competition, or if quotes were solicited from multiple vendors. The lack of explicit competition information makes it difficult to assess the extent of price discovery achieved.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited information on competition under SAP means taxpayers may not be benefiting from the most competitive pricing possible. A more robust competition could potentially drive down costs.

Public Impact

This contract directly benefits the Federal Prison System by ensuring the proper and timely removal of solid waste, maintaining sanitary conditions. The service delivered is essential for the daily operations and environmental compliance of the correctional facility. The geographic impact is localized to the facility in Kentucky where the services are rendered. There are no significant workforce implications directly tied to this contract, as it is for a service provided by the contractor's existing staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed competition information raises concerns about potential overpayment.
The short duration of the contract may indicate a recurring need for re-competition, increasing administrative burden.
Reliance on a single provider for essential services without clear competitive justification could be a risk.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the agency.
Awarding under SAP suggests an effort to streamline the procurement process for a relatively small dollar value.
The service is critical for maintaining operational standards at the facility.

Sector Analysis

The solid waste collection industry is a mature and essential service sector, characterized by regional providers and established operational models. Federal spending in this area typically supports the operational needs of government facilities. While not a high-technology or defense-related sector, consistent spending on waste management is crucial for maintaining infrastructure and public health standards across government agencies. The market is generally competitive, but specific contracts can be influenced by local market dynamics and the proximity of service providers.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false) and there is no indication of small business subcontracting requirements (sb: false). Therefore, this specific award does not appear to directly benefit the small business ecosystem through set-asides or mandated subcontracting. The primary contractor is Republic Services of Kentucky, LLC, which is likely a larger entity, and the contract value is below thresholds that typically trigger mandatory small business subcontracting plans.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's Federal Prison System. Standard procurement regulations and contract management practices would apply. Accountability measures would include ensuring service delivery meets the terms of the purchase order and adherence to environmental regulations. Transparency is limited by the lack of detailed competition information, but the award itself and basic contract terms are typically publicly accessible through federal procurement databases.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Operations
Department of Justice Facilities Management
Solid Waste Management Services
Government Purchase Orders

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed competition information
Short contract duration for an ongoing service
Potential for non-competitive award under SAP

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $131,744.8 to REPUBLIC SERVICES OF KENTUCKY, LLC. ESTABLISHMENT OF BRIDGE CONTRACT FOR SOLID WASTE REMOVAL SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is REPUBLIC SERVICES OF KENTUCKY, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $131,744.8.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the typical cost range for solid waste removal services for a federal correctional facility of similar size in Kentucky?

Determining the precise typical cost range for solid waste removal services for a federal correctional facility of similar size in Kentucky requires access to more granular data than is provided. Factors such as the volume and type of waste generated, the frequency of collection, specific service requirements (e.g., hazardous waste handling), and the geographic location within Kentucky significantly influence pricing. Commercial waste management contracts can vary widely. However, given the contract value of approximately $131,745 over 272 days (roughly $484 per day), this suggests a moderate level of service. Benchmarking against publicly available data for municipal or commercial waste contracts in the region, adjusted for the specific needs of a correctional institution, would be necessary for a more accurate comparison. Without such data, assessing whether this contract represents a competitive price is difficult.

Has Republic Services of Kentucky, LLC previously held contracts with the Federal Prison System or other federal agencies for similar services?

To determine if Republic Services of Kentucky, LLC has a prior track record with the Federal Prison System or other federal agencies for similar services, a search of federal procurement databases such as SAM.gov or FPDS would be necessary. These databases contain historical contract award information. Given that this is a purchase order under simplified acquisition procedures, it is plausible that the contractor has experience with federal contracts, potentially including waste removal or other facility support services. A review of their contract history would reveal their performance, reliability, and pricing patterns in previous federal engagements, providing context for this current award.

What specific services are included under this 'Solid Waste Collection' contract?

The provided data specifies the contract is for 'Solid Waste Collection' (NAICS code 562111) and was awarded to Republic Services of Kentucky, LLC. However, the exact scope of services is not detailed. Typically, solid waste collection contracts for federal facilities encompass the regular pickup and disposal of non-hazardous solid waste generated by the facility. This may include landfilling, recycling, or other disposal methods as specified in the contract. It is crucial to understand if the contract includes provisions for special waste types, hazardous materials, or specific recycling mandates, as these would influence the service complexity and cost. The duration of 272 days suggests a defined period for these services.

What is the risk associated with awarding a short-term (272-day) contract for an ongoing service like solid waste removal?

Awarding a short-term contract, such as this 272-day purchase order for solid waste removal, for an ongoing service presents several risks. Firstly, it necessitates frequent re-competition or extension, which can increase administrative burden and procurement costs for the agency. Secondly, it may deter potential contractors who prefer longer-term commitments, potentially leading to less competitive bidding in subsequent procurements. Contractors may also factor in the uncertainty of future contracts by increasing their pricing on the short-term award. Finally, a short duration could disrupt service continuity if a new contract is not awarded or transitioned smoothly, impacting the operational efficiency and sanitary conditions of the facility.

How does the 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation impact the assessment of value for money?

The designation 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' is somewhat ambiguous as it is followed by 'PURCHASE ORDER' and a value ($131,744.80) that falls within Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) thresholds. Typically, SAP is intended to streamline procurement for purchases below certain dollar limits (e.g., $250,000). If the contract was indeed 'not competed' within the SAP framework, it implies that either it was awarded sole-source, through limited sources, or perhaps through an existing contract vehicle not detailed here. This lack of explicit competition raises concerns about achieving the best possible price for taxpayers. A fully and openly competed contract generally offers greater assurance of competitive pricing and value for money compared to a non-competed or limited-source award.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Waste Collection › Solid Waste Collection

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Republic Services Inc

Address: 451 CONWAY CT, LEXINGTON, KY, 40511

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $131,745

Exercised Options: $131,745

Current Obligation: $131,745

Actual Outlays: $26,075

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline