GSA awards $4.7M snow removal contract to WORK INC in Massachusetts, with limited competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,696 ($4.7K)

Contractor: Work Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-02-21

End Date: 2026-08-20

Contract Duration: 180 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SNOW REMOVAL

Place of Performance

Location: BOSTON, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02210

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $4,695.6 to WORK INC for work described as: SNOW REMOVAL Key points: 1. Contract value of $4.7M for snow removal services over 180 days. 2. Limited competition raises questions about optimal pricing and value. 3. Fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty but may limit flexibility. 4. Performance period is relatively short, suggesting a focus on immediate needs. 5. Contract awarded under a General Services Administration (GSA) schedule. 6. Geographic focus on Massachusetts for essential winter services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $4.7 million for a 180-day period for snow removal in Massachusetts appears to be within a reasonable range for such services, especially considering potential weather variability. However, without specific details on the scope of services (e.g., square footage, frequency of plowing, de-icing needs), a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar GSA schedule contracts for snow removal in the region would provide a clearer picture of whether this price reflects competitive market rates.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under a 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' designation, which typically implies a limited competition scenario, likely through an existing GSA schedule. While GSA schedules are designed to offer pre-competed services, the specific award mechanism here suggests that not all potential vendors were actively solicited or considered for this particular delivery order. This limited competition may have resulted in a higher price than could have been achieved through a broader solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price due to the restricted competition, potentially leading to overspending on essential snow removal services.

Public Impact

Federal facilities in Massachusetts will receive essential snow removal services, ensuring operational continuity during winter months. Government employees and visitors will have safe access to federal buildings. The contract supports the operational readiness of federal agencies managed by the General Services Administration. Local workforce may benefit from employment opportunities related to snow removal operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may lead to suboptimal pricing.
Lack of detailed service scope makes precise value assessment difficult.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical services could pose risks if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a GSA schedule, implying some level of pre-qualification.
Fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the specified period.
Ensures critical infrastructure remains accessible during winter.

Sector Analysis

Snow removal services fall under the broader facilities maintenance and support services sector. This sector is characterized by a mix of large, established providers and numerous smaller, specialized companies. Government contracts, particularly those through GSA schedules, are a significant source of business for companies in this space. Benchmarking against similar contracts would involve looking at other federal or state awards for snow removal in comparable geographic areas and for similar facility types.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements is not explicitly provided in the data. As the contract was awarded under a GSA schedule and noted as 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' it's unclear if specific small business goals were integrated into this particular delivery order. Further investigation into the specific GSA schedule and the award justification would be needed to determine the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Public Buildings Service. The GSA has established procurement regulations and contract administration processes to ensure compliance and performance. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, though detailed performance metrics and specific oversight activities are not always publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Maintenance Contracts
GSA Facilities Management Services
Winter Operations Support
Emergency Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Lack of Detailed Scope
Unverified Contractor Performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $4,695.6 to WORK INC. SNOW REMOVAL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WORK INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Public Buildings Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4,695.6.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-02-21. End: 2026-08-20.

What specific services are included in this $4.7 million snow removal contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'SNOW REMOVAL' and has a duration of 180 days, with an award value of $4,695.6 million. However, the specific scope of services is not detailed. This would typically include activities such as plowing, shoveling, de-icing, and snow hauling for federal facilities within a defined geographic area in Massachusetts. The exact square footage to be serviced, the required response times, the types of de-icing agents to be used, and the thresholds for triggering services (e.g., snowfall accumulation) are critical details that are not available in the summary data but would be crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the contract's value and performance expectations.

How does the $4.7 million contract value compare to similar snow removal contracts?

A direct comparison of the $4.7 million contract value is difficult without more granular data on the scope of services, geographic coverage, and service levels. However, snow removal contracts can vary significantly based on the size and number of facilities, the severity of winter weather in the region, and the required response times. For a 180-day period, $4.7 million suggests a substantial requirement, potentially covering multiple large federal sites or a broad area within Massachusetts. Benchmarking against other GSA schedule awards for similar services in the Northeast region, or against state and local government contracts of comparable scale, would be necessary to determine if this represents a competitive price point.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract award?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential underperformance by the contractor, WORK INC, leading to disruptions in federal operations due to inadequate snow removal. The 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status raises concerns about price reasonableness, suggesting that taxpayers may not be getting the best value. Furthermore, the fixed-price nature of the contract, while offering cost certainty, could lead to issues if unforeseen circumstances require extensive services beyond the initial scope, potentially leading to change orders or disputes. The short performance period also implies a need for rapid mobilization and execution, which can introduce logistical challenges.

What is the track record of WORK INC in providing snow removal services to the federal government?

The provided data does not include information on the track record of WORK INC. To assess their reliability and past performance, one would need to consult federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) for previous contract awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any history of disputes or contract terminations. Understanding their experience with similar-sized contracts, their safety record, and their capacity to handle federal requirements in Massachusetts would be essential for a thorough assessment.

How does the GSA schedule procurement process impact competition and pricing for this contract?

The contract was awarded under a GSA schedule, which is a pre-competed catalog of services and products available for government agencies to purchase. While GSA schedules are intended to streamline procurement and offer competitive pricing through initial vetting, the 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' designation for this specific delivery order suggests that the competition was limited, possibly to a single vendor or a very small pool. This can reduce price discovery compared to an open solicitation. While the initial schedule competition aims for value, individual task orders or delivery orders might not always reflect the most competitive pricing if not adequately competed among schedule holders.

What are the implications of the 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status for taxpayer value?

The 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status directly implies that the government did not solicit bids from all potentially qualified vendors or even a broad range of vendors. This lack of robust competition typically leads to higher prices than would be achieved in a fully competitive environment. Taxpayers may therefore be paying a premium for the snow removal services provided by WORK INC. While there might be justifications for limited competition (e.g., urgency, specific capabilities), it necessitates careful review to ensure that the price paid is still fair and reasonable and that the government is not foregoing significant cost savings.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: EQPMAC-26-0156

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 25 BEACH ST, DORCHESTER, MA, 02122

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,696

Exercised Options: $4,696

Current Obligation: $4,696

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47PB0023D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline