Treasury's Bureau of Engraving and Printing awards $1.2M for snow removal, with 2 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $120,775 ($120.8K)

Contractor: John Shorb Landscaping Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Treasury

Start Date: 2025-11-20

End Date: 2026-11-19

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $332/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL SERVICES (DCF)

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20228

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Treasury obligated $120,775 to JOHN SHORB LANDSCAPING INC for work described as: SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL SERVICES (DCF) Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the fixed-price contract and 364-day duration. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a limited but present market for snow removal services in the DC area. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed-price contract and standard service duration. 4. Performance context is for essential facility maintenance at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. 5. Sector positioning is within general facility support services, a common government need.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.2 million for one year of snow and ice removal services seems within a reasonable range for the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. While specific benchmarks for this exact service are difficult to pinpoint without more granular data, the firm fixed-price structure suggests the government has locked in costs. The number of bids (2) is on the lower side, which could potentially lead to less aggressive pricing than a more competitive scenario, but the overall value is considered fair for essential operational support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. However, only two bids were received. This suggests that while the competition was open, the pool of qualified and interested contractors for this specific service and location may be limited, or other factors may have deterred broader participation. The limited number of bidders could impact price discovery, potentially leading to higher prices than if more competition were present.

Taxpayer Impact: With only two bids, taxpayers may not have benefited from the most competitive pricing possible. While the contract was open to all, the limited response suggests potential for cost savings was not fully realized.

Public Impact

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing facilities in Washington D.C. will benefit from uninterrupted operations during winter weather. Essential snow and ice removal services will be delivered to ensure safe access and egress for personnel and visitors. The geographic impact is localized to the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Workforce implications are primarily for the contractor, John Shorb Landscaping Inc., who will provide the labor for these services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition (2 bids) may have resulted in a higher price than a more robust bidding process.
Contract duration of one year, while standard, requires re-competition annually, introducing potential for price fluctuations.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarded under full and open competition, adhering to procurement regulations.
Contract addresses essential operational needs for a critical government facility.

Sector Analysis

The snow and ice removal services market is a segment of the broader facilities maintenance and management industry. This sector is characterized by numerous small to medium-sized businesses, as well as larger national providers. Government contracts for such services are common across various agencies and locations, particularly in regions with significant winter weather. Benchmarks for comparable spending are highly dependent on geographic location, scope of services, and contract duration, but typically involve significant annual expenditures for agencies operating physical facilities.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, John Shorb Landscaping Inc., is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data. There is no information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem is neutral to potentially negative if larger firms dominate the bidding and execution without significant subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's facilities management and contracting departments. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services. Transparency is generally maintained through public contract databases, though specific performance metrics and detailed oversight reports may not be publicly accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules for facilities maintenance
Other agency contracts for grounds maintenance and snow removal
Department of Defense snow and ice removal contracts

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price.
Contractor performance history not detailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Treasury awarded $120,775 to JOHN SHORB LANDSCAPING INC. SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL SERVICES (DCF)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JOHN SHORB LANDSCAPING INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Treasury (Bureau of Engraving and Printing).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $120,775.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-11-20. End: 2026-11-19.

What is the track record of John Shorb Landscaping Inc. with federal contracts?

Information regarding John Shorb Landscaping Inc.'s specific track record with federal contracts is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their performance, one would need to review their contract history, including past performance evaluations, any disputes or terminations, and the types and values of previous federal awards. A thorough review would involve searching federal procurement databases like SAM.gov and FPDS for their award history and associated performance metrics. Without this specific data, it's difficult to definitively assess their reliability and past success in fulfilling federal obligations.

How does the $1.2 million value compare to similar snow removal contracts in the DC area?

Benchmarking the $1.2 million value requires comparing it to similar snow and ice removal contracts awarded in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area for a one-year duration. Factors such as the square footage of areas to be cleared, frequency of service, types of services (e.g., plowing, salting, de-icing), and specific facility needs (e.g., high-security areas) significantly influence cost. Given the limited competition (2 bids), it's plausible that the price might be higher than if more bidders were present. However, without access to a database of comparable contracts with detailed service scopes, a precise comparison is challenging. The firm fixed-price nature provides cost certainty, but the value proposition hinges on the contractor's efficiency and the market's competitive landscape.

What are the primary risks associated with this snow removal contract?

The primary risks associated with this snow removal contract are relatively low due to its nature and contract type. A key risk is contractor performance failure, where John Shorb Landscaping Inc. might not adequately clear snow and ice, potentially disrupting operations at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Another risk is the potential for cost overruns if the contract were not firm fixed-price, but this is mitigated by the contract type. Weather unpredictability poses a logistical challenge, requiring the contractor to be responsive. Finally, the limited competition (2 bidders) presents a risk of suboptimal pricing, meaning the government might be paying more than necessary compared to a highly competitive scenario. Ensuring clear performance standards and monitoring is crucial.

How effective is this contract in ensuring operational continuity for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing during winter?

This contract is designed to be highly effective in ensuring operational continuity for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing during winter. By securing dedicated snow and ice removal services, the agency mitigates the risk of weather-related disruptions to its critical functions, such as currency production and distribution. The firm fixed-price agreement ensures that necessary services will be performed within a defined budget. The effectiveness relies on the contractor's responsiveness and adherence to service level agreements, which are typically part of such contracts. Regular monitoring and performance evaluations would further confirm its effectiveness in maintaining safe access and operational readiness throughout the winter season.

What are the historical spending patterns for snow removal services at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing?

Historical spending patterns for snow removal services at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing are not provided in the current data. To analyze this, one would need to examine past contracts for similar services, noting the award amounts, contract durations, and any changes in scope or service levels over time. Understanding historical spending can reveal trends in pricing, contractor performance, and the evolution of the agency's needs. It would also help in assessing whether the current $1.2 million award represents an increase, decrease, or stable expenditure compared to previous years, considering inflation and market conditions.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Services to Buildings and Dwellings › Landscaping Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10518 WARFIELD ST, KENSINGTON, MD, 20895

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $120,775

Exercised Options: $120,775

Current Obligation: $120,775

Actual Outlays: $28,974

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS06F0062S

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline