DOE awards $4.2M for weed spraying and inspection services in Utah over one year
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $42,050 ($42.0K)
Contractor: THE Horticultural Group Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2026-04-01
End Date: 2027-03-31
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $116/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: UGP SUB / COMM WEED SPRAYING INSPECTION CONTRACT 2026
Place of Performance
Location: SALT LAKE CITY, SALT LAKE County, UTAH, 84123
State: Utah Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $42,050 to THE HORTICULTURAL GROUP INC for work described as: UGP SUB / COMM WEED SPRAYING INSPECTION CONTRACT 2026 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized landscaping services. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially efficient price discovery process. 3. Performance risk is moderate, given the defined scope and duration. 4. This contract supports essential facility maintenance and safety at a specific DOE site. 5. The landscaping services sector is characterized by numerous small and medium-sized businesses.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $4.2 million for a one-year period for weed spraying and inspection services seems aligned with industry standards for specialized grounds maintenance. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for landscaping and groundskeeping services in similar geographic regions suggests this pricing is competitive. The firm fixed-price structure further supports value for money by shifting cost overrun risks to the contractor.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a competitive process among eligible vendors. With four bidders participating, the level of competition is adequate for this contract size and type. This suggests that the price achieved likely reflects a reasonable market rate, as multiple firms vied for the opportunity.
Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process for this contract helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently, securing necessary services at a fair price.
Public Impact
The Department of Energy benefits from maintained grounds, enhancing safety and operational efficiency. Services include weed spraying and inspection, crucial for preventing overgrowth and potential hazards. The geographic impact is localized to the specific Department of Energy site in Utah. The contract supports jobs within the landscaping and grounds maintenance sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for increased chemical usage if not strictly monitored.
- Dependence on contractor's adherence to environmental regulations.
Positive Signals
- Clear scope of work for weed control and inspection.
- Firm fixed-price contract limits cost uncertainty.
- Defined contract period of one year with potential for renewal.
Sector Analysis
The landscaping services sector is a significant part of the broader facilities management industry. Federal agencies, like the Department of Energy, frequently contract for these services to maintain grounds, ensure safety, and support operational readiness. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on the size and complexity of the facilities managed, with federal contracts often ranging from thousands to millions of dollars annually for comprehensive groundskeeping and specialized services like pest and weed control.
Small Business Impact
This contract was competed under SAP and did not indicate a small business set-aside. While the prime contractor is not specified as a small business, the competitive nature of the award suggests opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors, particularly in specialized areas of landscaping and grounds maintenance.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of Energy. Performance reviews, site inspections, and adherence to contract terms and conditions would be key accountability measures. Transparency is facilitated through federal contract databases where award details are publicly accessible.
Related Government Programs
- Federal Grounds Maintenance Contracts
- Pest and Weed Control Services
- Department of Energy Facility Management
Risk Flags
- Potential environmental impact of herbicides
- Contractor performance history review needed
Tags
department-of-energy, landscaping-services, weed-control, inspection-services, competed-under-sap, firm-fixed-price, definitive-contract, utah, facility-maintenance, grounds-maintenance, small-contract-value
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $42,050 to THE HORTICULTURAL GROUP INC. UGP SUB / COMM WEED SPRAYING INSPECTION CONTRACT 2026
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE HORTICULTURAL GROUP INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $42,050.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.
What is the historical spending pattern for weed spraying and inspection services at this specific DOE facility?
Analyzing historical spending for weed spraying and inspection services at this specific DOE facility would provide crucial context for the current $4.2 million award. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to determine if this represents an increase, decrease, or stable expenditure. However, understanding past contract values, durations, and the number of bidders over several years would reveal trends in pricing, contractor performance, and potential shifts in service requirements. This analysis helps assess whether the current contract offers better value or if there are emerging cost pressures within the sector impacting this facility.
How does the per-unit cost of weed spraying compare to industry benchmarks for similar services?
Determining the per-unit cost for weed spraying requires breaking down the total contract value by the estimated acreage or specific service units to be treated. For instance, if the contract specifies treatment for 100 acres, the per-acre cost can be calculated. Comparing this per-acre cost to industry benchmarks, which can be obtained from landscaping associations or market research reports, would indicate if the DOE is receiving a competitive price. Factors like the type of vegetation, the chemicals used, and the frequency of application influence per-unit costs. A higher-than-average per-unit cost might signal potential overpricing or a need for more competitive bidding in the future.
What are the specific performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) outlined in the contract?
The contract likely includes specific performance metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure the effectiveness of weed spraying and inspection services. These could include metrics such as the percentage of weed coverage reduction, the timeliness of inspections, adherence to application rates for herbicides, and compliance with environmental safety protocols. Robust KPIs allow the Department of Energy to objectively measure contractor performance and hold them accountable. Without these defined metrics, assessing the true value and success of the contract beyond its monetary value would be challenging.
What is the track record of The Horticultural Group Inc. with federal contracts, particularly in landscaping and grounds maintenance?
Investigating the track record of The Horticultural Group Inc. with federal contracts is essential for assessing performance risk. A review of their past federal awards, contract durations, and any reported performance issues or successes would provide valuable insights. Specifically, examining their experience with similar landscaping, weed control, and inspection services for government agencies can indicate their capability to meet the requirements of this Department of Energy contract. A history of successful contract completion suggests a lower risk of performance issues, while a pattern of deficiencies might warrant closer monitoring.
Are there any known environmental risks associated with the specific weed control methods or chemicals to be used under this contract?
Assessing environmental risks associated with the weed control methods and chemicals is crucial for responsible contract management. The contract should specify the types of herbicides and application techniques to be employed. Researching the potential environmental impact of these specific agents, such as effects on local ecosystems, water sources, or non-target species, is necessary. The Department of Energy would need to ensure that the contractor adheres to all relevant environmental regulations and best practices to mitigate any potential harm. This includes proper disposal of materials and containment during application.
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: 89503426QWA001183
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4703 S 1175 W, SALT LAKE CITY, UT, 84123
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $55,500
Exercised Options: $55,500
Current Obligation: $42,050
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-01
Current End Date: 2027-03-31
Potential End Date: 2027-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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