Department of Energy awards $3.1M contract for vegetation control services in four Western states
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $309,149 ($309.1K)
Contractor: Four Corners Weed Control, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2024-05-15
End Date: 2027-04-30
Contract Duration: 1,080 days
Daily Burn Rate: $286/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: BARE GROUND VEGETATION CONTROL SERVICES FOR SUBSTATIONS, MICROWAVE SITES AND OTHER SITES LOCATED IN EASTERN COLORADO, WYOMING, NEBRASKA AND MONTANA.
Place of Performance
Location: FARMINGTON, SAN JUAN County, NEW MEXICO, 87401
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $309,149.07 to FOUR CORNERS WEED CONTROL, INC for work described as: BARE GROUND VEGETATION CONTROL SERVICES FOR SUBSTATIONS, MICROWAVE SITES AND OTHER SITES LOCATED IN EASTERN COLORADO, WYOMING, NEBRASKA AND MONTANA. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential infrastructure maintenance for substations and microwave sites. 2. Services are critical for operational safety and preventing equipment damage. 3. The contract was competed, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type offers cost certainty for the government. 5. Duration of nearly three years indicates a need for ongoing services. 6. Geographic scope covers Eastern Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Montana.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $3.1 million over approximately three years for vegetation control services appears reasonable given the geographic scope and the critical nature of maintaining substations and microwave sites. While specific benchmarks for this niche service across multiple states are not readily available, the firm fixed-price structure provides cost predictability. The number of bids received (2) is on the lower side for a competed contract, which could warrant further investigation into pricing competitiveness.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
This contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating it was likely a smaller procurement valued below certain thresholds. Two bids were received, which suggests a limited but present level of competition. While not a full and open competition, SAP allows for a reasonable number of bidders to participate, potentially driving competitive pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition under SAP means taxpayers may not have benefited from the lowest possible price achievable through a broader bidding process. However, it still offers some price discovery compared to a sole-source award.
Public Impact
The Department of Energy benefits from maintained infrastructure, ensuring reliable operations of substations and microwave sites. Services ensure the safety and operational integrity of critical energy infrastructure. The contract supports environmental management by controlling vegetation in sensitive areas. Workforce implications include employment for landscaping and vegetation management professionals in the specified Western states.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition (2 bidders) may have restricted price discovery.
- SAP competition may not yield the most cost-effective outcome compared to larger-scale procurements.
- Geographic spread could lead to logistical challenges and potentially higher costs if not managed efficiently.
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
- Services are essential for critical infrastructure maintenance.
- Contract duration allows for consistent service delivery.
Sector Analysis
The landscaping and horticultural services sector encompasses a wide range of activities, including vegetation management for industrial and utility clients. This contract falls within the specialized niche of maintaining rights-of-way and critical infrastructure sites, which requires specific expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks for such specialized vegetation control across multiple states are difficult to ascertain without more granular data, but the Department of Energy's investment reflects the importance of safeguarding its operational facilities.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was competed under SAP and does not specify any small business set-aside provisions. The contractor, Four Corners Weed Control, Inc., is likely a small business based on its name, but without further information on its size classification or subcontracting plans, the direct impact on the broader small business ecosystem is unclear. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were made available to other small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Energy's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability is established through the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services. Transparency is facilitated by the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), which records contract actions. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Utility Vegetation Management Contracts
- Infrastructure Maintenance Services
- Department of Energy Facility Operations
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Services
Risk Flags
- Limited competition may impact price.
- Geographic scope could present logistical challenges.
- Contractor's past performance not detailed.
Tags
vegetation-control, landscaping-services, department-of-energy, energy-sector, western-region, competed-under-sap, firm-fixed-price, definitive-contract, infrastructure-maintenance, substations, microwave-sites, colorado
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $309,149.07 to FOUR CORNERS WEED CONTROL, INC. BARE GROUND VEGETATION CONTROL SERVICES FOR SUBSTATIONS, MICROWAVE SITES AND OTHER SITES LOCATED IN EASTERN COLORADO, WYOMING, NEBRASKA AND MONTANA.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FOUR CORNERS WEED CONTROL, INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $309,149.07.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-05-15. End: 2027-04-30.
What is the track record of Four Corners Weed Control, Inc. with federal contracts?
Information regarding the specific federal contract history of Four Corners Weed Control, Inc. is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive review would require accessing federal procurement databases like FPDS to identify past performance, contract values, agencies served, and any performance evaluations. This would help assess their experience and reliability in fulfilling similar vegetation control services for government entities. Without this historical data, it's difficult to definitively gauge their track record.
How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar vegetation control services?
Direct price comparison is challenging without specific benchmarks for bare ground vegetation control services across the specified states (Eastern Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Montana) for similar infrastructure like substations and microwave sites. The contract is firm fixed-price, which offers cost certainty. However, with only two bidders under SAP, the pricing might not reflect the full potential of competitive market rates. Further analysis would involve researching regional pricing for similar services or obtaining quotes from other qualified vendors to establish a more robust value-for-money assessment.
What are the primary risks associated with this vegetation control contract?
Key risks include potential performance issues if the contractor lacks sufficient resources or expertise for the large geographic area, leading to incomplete or ineffective vegetation control. Environmental risks could arise from improper herbicide application or damage to sensitive ecosystems. There's also a risk of cost overruns if the firm fixed-price contract doesn't adequately account for unforeseen site conditions or logistical challenges across the four states. Furthermore, the limited competition could pose a risk of suboptimal pricing for the government.
How effective is vegetation control in preventing infrastructure failures?
Effective vegetation control is crucial for preventing infrastructure failures, particularly for electrical substations and microwave sites. Overgrown vegetation can cause short circuits, fires, and physical damage to equipment through root systems or falling branches. It can also impede access for maintenance and emergency response. By maintaining clear zones around these critical assets, vegetation control significantly reduces the risk of outages, equipment damage, and ensures the reliable operation of the energy grid and communication networks.
What has been the historical spending pattern for vegetation control by the Department of Energy?
Historical spending patterns for vegetation control by the Department of Energy are not provided in the current data. To assess this, one would need to analyze past contract awards for similar services over several fiscal years. This analysis would reveal trends in contract values, frequency of awards, and potentially identify specific facilities or regions that have historically required significant vegetation management. Understanding these patterns can help contextualize the current $3.1 million award and identify any significant shifts in spending.
What is the significance of the firm fixed-price contract type for this service?
The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is significant because it shifts the majority of the risk to the contractor. The contractor agrees to a set price for the defined scope of work, and the government is obligated to pay that amount regardless of the contractor's actual costs. This provides the Department of Energy with budget certainty and protects against cost overruns. For the contractor, it incentivizes efficiency and cost control, as any savings achieved below the fixed price benefit them, while losses are their responsibility.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Services to Buildings and Dwellings › Landscaping Services
Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVERVAT SVCS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 89503224QWA000592
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 22 ROAD 1956, FARMINGTON, NM, 87401
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $616,646
Exercised Options: $365,766
Current Obligation: $309,149
Actual Outlays: $171,767
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-05-15
Current End Date: 2027-04-30
Potential End Date: 2029-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
Other Department of Energy Contracts
- Federal Contract — $48.1B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- ,Ct::igf Contract Award De-Na0003525 to the National Technology&engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC (ntess) for the Management and Operation of the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration's Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) — $41.7B (National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC)
- Management and Operation of the OAK Ridge National Laboratory — $40.8B (Ut-Battelle LLC)
- TAS::89 0240::TAS This Performance-Based Management Contract (pbmc) IS for the Management and Operation of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (llnl). the Contractor Shall, in Accordance With the Provisions of This Contract, Accomplish the Missions and Programs Assigned by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Manage and Operate the Laboratory. the Laboratory IS ONE of Does Office of Defense Program Multi-Program Laboratories. the Laboratory IS a Federally Funded Research and Development Institution (established in Accordance With the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 35 and Operated Under This Management and Operating (M&O) Contract, AS Defined in FAR 17.6 and Dear 917.6 — $40.8B (Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC)
- M&O of Lanl BR of U of CA — $35.3B (Regents of the University of California, the)