Indian Health Service awards $117K contract for flood mitigation and landscape maintenance in California

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $117,000 ($117.0K)

Contractor: SZ Landscape Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2031-04-02

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $64/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE, CALIFORNIA AREA OFFICE INTENDS TO ISSUE A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ) UNDER FAR PART 12 FOR COMMERCIAL SERVICES TO PROVIDE FLOOD MITIGATION AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES AT THE SACRED OAKS HEALING CENTER LOCATED IN DAV

Place of Performance

Location: DAVIS, YOLO County, CALIFORNIA, 95616

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $117,000 to SZ LANDSCAPE SERVICES LLC for work described as: THE INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE, CALIFORNIA AREA OFFICE INTENDS TO ISSUE A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ) UNDER FAR PART 12 FOR COMMERCIAL SERVICES TO PROVIDE FLOOD MITIGATION AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES AT THE SACRED OAKS HEALING CENTER LOCATED IN DAV Key points: 1. Contract awarded to SZ Landscape Services LLC for essential flood mitigation and landscape maintenance. 2. The contract duration of five years suggests a need for ongoing, reliable service delivery. 3. The firm-fixed-price structure indicates a defined scope and budget, reducing cost uncertainty. 4. Competition under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) implies a focus on smaller value procurements. 5. The service category (Landscaping Services) is critical for maintaining the operational integrity of the Sacred Oaks Healing Center. 6. Geographic focus on California highlights regional needs for environmental management and facility upkeep.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $117,000 over five years, equating to approximately $23,400 annually, appears reasonable for landscaping and flood mitigation services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for facility maintenance and environmental services in California would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price nature of the award helps control costs for the government. However, without detailed scope of work and specific service requirements, a definitive value assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which are typically used for procurements valued below the threshold for full and open competition. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, SAP generally allows for a broader range of competition than sole-source awards. The use of SAP suggests that the agency sought competitive bids from qualified vendors within the simplified acquisition framework, aiming for fair pricing and efficient procurement.

Taxpayer Impact: Using SAP for this procurement likely resulted in a more efficient process and potentially better pricing for taxpayers compared to a sole-source award, while still allowing for some level of competition.

Public Impact

The Sacred Oaks Healing Center benefits from enhanced facility safety and operational continuity through flood mitigation and landscape maintenance. The local workforce in California may see employment opportunities through SZ Landscape Services LLC's operations. Residents and visitors utilizing the Sacred Oaks Healing Center will experience a well-maintained and secure environment. The Indian Health Service ensures the proper upkeep of its facilities, supporting its mission to improve the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial flood mitigation needs are underestimated.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical environmental and maintenance services over a long period.
Ensuring consistent quality of service delivery across the five-year contract term.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Long-term contract duration allows for stable service provision and relationship building.
Focus on flood mitigation addresses potential environmental risks to the facility.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader landscaping and grounds maintenance sector, which is essential for the upkeep of various public and private facilities. The specific inclusion of flood mitigation highlights a specialized environmental service. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous providers ranging from small local businesses to larger national firms. The Indian Health Service's spending in this area is part of its broader facilities management budget, ensuring the operational readiness and safety of its healthcare infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it provide information on subcontracting plans. However, given the contract value and the use of SAP, it is plausible that small businesses were encouraged to bid. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation and its impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the Indian Health Service's contracting officers and program managers. They are responsible for monitoring performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and approving payments. The Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General may also conduct audits or investigations as part of its broader oversight responsibilities for federal healthcare spending.

Related Government Programs

Indian Health Service Facilities Management
Federal Grounds Maintenance Contracts
Environmental Services for Government Facilities
Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if market prices increase significantly over the contract term.
Risk of service quality degradation if contractor faces financial difficulties or cost pressures.
Inadequate definition of flood mitigation scope could lead to unmet needs or disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $117,000 to SZ LANDSCAPE SERVICES LLC. THE INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE, CALIFORNIA AREA OFFICE INTENDS TO ISSUE A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ) UNDER FAR PART 12 FOR COMMERCIAL SERVICES TO PROVIDE FLOOD MITIGATION AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES AT THE SACRED OAKS HEALING CENTER LOCATED IN DAV

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SZ LANDSCAPE SERVICES LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Indian Health Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $117,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2031-04-02.

What is the specific scope of work for flood mitigation and landscape maintenance, and how was it defined to ensure adequate service delivery?

The specific scope of work for flood mitigation and landscape maintenance is detailed within the Request for Quotation (RFQ) documents that preceded this award. Typically, such scopes would include tasks like vegetation management (mowing, trimming, weed control), debris removal, erosion control, drainage system maintenance, and potentially the installation or repair of flood barriers or channels. The definition of this scope is crucial for ensuring SZ Landscape Services LLC understands its obligations and for allowing the Indian Health Service (IHS) to effectively monitor performance. The RFQ would have outlined performance standards, frequency of services, and reporting requirements. Without direct access to the RFQ, the precise details remain unknown, but the contract's firm-fixed-price nature suggests a well-defined set of deliverables.

How does the annual cost of approximately $23,400 compare to market rates for similar services in the Sacred Oaks Healing Center's geographic region?

The annual cost of approximately $23,400 for flood mitigation and landscape maintenance services needs to be benchmarked against prevailing market rates in the specific geographic region of the Sacred Oaks Healing Center in California. Factors influencing market rates include local labor costs, material expenses, the complexity of the terrain, and the specific environmental conditions requiring flood mitigation. A comprehensive comparison would involve analyzing bids from other landscaping and environmental service providers in the area for comparable contracts, considering factors like acreage, frequency of service, and specialized flood control measures. Without this localized market data, it is difficult to definitively state whether this contract represents excellent, good, or fair value for money. However, for a five-year contract, this annual figure suggests a focus on routine maintenance and moderate flood risk management.

What is SZ Landscape Services LLC's track record with federal contracts, particularly with the Indian Health Service or other agencies?

Information regarding SZ Landscape Services LLC's specific track record with federal contracts, especially with the Indian Health Service (IHS) or other government agencies, is not provided in the initial data. A thorough assessment would require reviewing the System for Award Management (SAM) database and other federal procurement data sources to identify past performance, contract history, and any reported issues or commendations. Understanding their experience with similar projects, their performance ratings on previous federal awards, and their financial stability would provide crucial insights into their reliability and capability to execute this contract successfully. Without this historical data, the assessment of contractor reliability remains incomplete.

What are the potential risks associated with a five-year firm-fixed-price contract for landscaping and flood mitigation services?

A five-year firm-fixed-price contract for landscaping and flood mitigation services presents several potential risks. Firstly, the fixed price may not adequately account for unforeseen increases in labor, material, or fuel costs over the contract's duration, potentially leading to reduced profit margins for the contractor or a decline in service quality if cost-cutting measures are implemented. Secondly, if the scope of flood mitigation needs is not precisely defined or if environmental conditions change significantly (e.g., due to extreme weather events), the contractor might be unable to address emergent issues within the fixed price, leading to disputes or the need for contract modifications. Lastly, a long-term commitment to a single vendor could reduce flexibility if the government's needs evolve or if a better service provider becomes available.

How does this contract align with the Indian Health Service's broader mission and strategic objectives for facility management and health service delivery?

This contract directly aligns with the Indian Health Service's (IHS) mission by ensuring the operational integrity and safety of its facilities, specifically the Sacred Oaks Healing Center. Proper flood mitigation and landscape maintenance are critical for preventing damage, ensuring accessibility, and maintaining a healthy environment for patients and staff. By securing these essential services, the IHS upholds its commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. The contract supports the strategic objective of maintaining and improving healthcare infrastructure, which is fundamental to delivering quality health services and promoting the well-being of the communities served by the IHS.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 75H70326Q00003

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7887 LEEWARD CT, TRACY, CA, 95304

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Hispanic American Owned Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $117,000

Exercised Options: $117,000

Current Obligation: $117,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline