HHS awards $1.08M for weed control services at Tohatchi Health Center, with 8 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,800 ($10.8K)

Contractor: Kcsr Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2023-12-20

End Date: 2024-12-31

Contract Duration: 377 days

Daily Burn Rate: $29/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: WEED CONTROL SERVICES - TOHATCHI HEALTH CENTER - FACILITY MANAGEMENT

Place of Performance

Location: GALLUP, MCKINLEY County, NEW MEXICO, 87301

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $10,800 to KCSR INC for work described as: WEED CONTROL SERVICES - TOHATCHI HEALTH CENTER - FACILITY MANAGEMENT Key points: 1. The contract value of $1.08 million for weed control services appears reasonable given the duration and scope. 2. Strong competition with 8 bids suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. This contract supports facility management and maintenance at a critical health center. 5. The geographic focus on New Mexico highlights regional service delivery. 6. The absence of small business set-aside indicates a broader competition approach.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.08 million for a one-year period of performance for weed control services at the Tohatchi Health Center seems aligned with industry standards for facility maintenance. Benchmarking against similar landscaping and groundskeeping contracts within the federal government, particularly those managed by the Indian Health Service, would provide a more precise value assessment. However, the number of bids received (8) suggests that the pricing was likely competitive and reflective of market rates.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a full and open competition approach for acquisitions below the threshold for sealed bidding. The receipt of 8 bids demonstrates robust interest from potential contractors, suggesting that the solicitation was widely disseminated and that multiple capable firms were aware of and chose to bid on the requirement. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The strong competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down the final price through a bidding process, ensuring that federal funds are used efficiently for essential facility maintenance.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the patients and staff of the Tohatchi Health Center, who will experience a well-maintained and safe environment. The services delivered include essential weed control, contributing to the overall upkeep and aesthetic of the health center's grounds. The geographic impact is localized to the Tohatchi, New Mexico area, supporting local infrastructure. The contract supports the operational needs of the Indian Health Service, a critical component of healthcare delivery to Native American communities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if unforeseen environmental factors impact weed growth beyond typical expectations.
Reliance on a single contractor for a year could lead to service degradation if oversight is not maintained.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government.
Multiple bids indicate a competitive market, likely leading to a fair price.
The contract duration allows for consistent service delivery throughout the year.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the broader facilities management and groundskeeping sector, specifically focusing on landscaping services. This sector is characterized by a mix of small, medium, and large businesses providing essential services to government agencies and private entities. Federal spending in this area is consistent, supporting the maintenance of government properties nationwide. The market size for such services is substantial, with numerous providers capable of fulfilling these requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses. While the solicitation was competed under SAP, which can include small business set-asides, the absence of this designation suggests it was open to all eligible bidders. There is no explicit information on subcontracting requirements, but larger contracts often include provisions for small business participation, which would need to be verified in the contract details.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Indian Health Service. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring KCSR INC to deliver specified services. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Indian Health Service Facility Maintenance
Federal Groundskeeping Contracts
Department of Health and Human Services Support Services
Landscaping Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep if not clearly defined.
Dependence on contractor performance for facility upkeep.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $10,800 to KCSR INC. WEED CONTROL SERVICES - TOHATCHI HEALTH CENTER - FACILITY MANAGEMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KCSR INC.

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 $10,800.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-12-20. End: 2024-12-31.

What is the track record of KCSR INC in performing similar federal contracts?

Information regarding KCSR INC's specific track record with federal contracts, particularly for weed control or landscaping services, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) and any history of contract modifications, disputes, or terminations. Without this data, it's difficult to definitively assess their reliability and past success in fulfilling similar government requirements. Further research into their contract history with agencies like the IHS or other federal entities would be necessary.

How does the awarded price compare to similar weed control contracts in New Mexico?

The provided data does not include specific per-unit costs or detailed service breakdowns that would allow for a direct comparison to similar contracts in New Mexico. The total award of $1.08 million is for a one-year period. To benchmark effectively, one would need to analyze contracts for similar acreage, frequency of service, and types of vegetation control within the same geographic region. The fact that 8 bids were received suggests competitive pricing, but without granular data on comparable contracts, a precise value-for-money assessment is limited.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Primary risks include potential for unforeseen environmental factors (e.g., extreme weather impacting weed growth) that could necessitate additional services or impact effectiveness, and the risk of service quality degradation over the contract term if not adequately monitored. Mitigation strategies include the firm-fixed-price contract type, which caps the government's financial exposure for the defined scope of work. Robust contract administration and performance monitoring by the Indian Health Service are crucial to ensure quality and address any emerging issues promptly. The defined service period also helps manage expectations and performance.

How effective is weed control in maintaining the operational integrity and safety of the Tohatchi Health Center?

Effective weed control is crucial for maintaining the operational integrity and safety of the Tohatchi Health Center by preventing overgrown vegetation that could obscure visibility, impede access, or harbor pests and disease vectors. It also contributes to the overall aesthetic and professional appearance of the facility, which can positively impact patient and staff morale. By ensuring clear grounds and preventing invasive species, the contract directly supports the health and safety environment essential for a healthcare facility.

What is the historical spending trend for weed control services at the Tohatchi Health Center?

The provided data only details the current award of $1.08 million for the period of December 20, 2023, to December 31, 2024. There is no historical spending data available for weed control services at this specific facility within this dataset. To understand historical spending patterns, one would need to access procurement records for previous years, looking for similar contracts awarded to the same or different vendors for the Tohatchi Health Center or comparable IHS facilities in the region.

What is the significance of the NAICS code 561730 (Landscaping Services) for this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 561730, 'Landscaping Services,' signifies the primary business activity the contractor is expected to perform. This classification helps categorize the contract within the federal procurement system, aligning it with specific industry standards and potential sources of competition. For this contract, it means KCSR INC is expected to provide services related to maintaining grounds, including planting, mowing, trimming, and, crucially in this case, controlling weed growth to ensure the aesthetic and functional quality of the Tohatchi Health Center's exterior.

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: 75H71024Q00023

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 245 S PLUMER AVE, TUCSON, AZ, 85719

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,696

Exercised Options: $10,800

Current Obligation: $10,800

Actual Outlays: $10,800

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline