Debris removal contract awarded to Phillips and Jordan, Inc. for over $21.9 million following full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,961,466 ($22.0M)

Contractor: Phillips and Jordan, Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2011-05-07

End Date: 2011-09-30

Contract Duration: 146 days

Daily Burn Rate: $150.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 23

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TAS::96 3125::TAS TORNADO - STATE OF ALABAMA, DEBRIS REMOVAL

Place of Performance

Location: TUSCALOOSA, TUSCALOOSA County, ALABAMA, 35401

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $22.0 million to PHILLIPS AND JORDAN, INCORPORATED for work described as: TAS::96 3125::TAS TORNADO - STATE OF ALABAMA, DEBRIS REMOVAL Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential disaster recovery services, indicating a critical need. 2. The contract was competed openly, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. A fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 4. The duration of the contract (146 days) aligns with typical post-disaster cleanup timelines. 5. The award was made by the Department of the Army, a major federal entity. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 562119 points to specialized waste collection services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of over $21.9 million for debris removal in Alabama appears reasonable given the scale of disaster recovery operations. While specific benchmarks for this exact type of event are difficult to ascertain without more granular data on the scope of debris, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests an effort to manage costs. Comparing this to other large-scale disaster recovery contracts would provide further context on value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 23 bids suggests a robust level of interest and competition for this service. This broad competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: A high number of bidders in a full and open competition typically leads to more competitive pricing, potentially saving taxpayer dollars compared to less competitive scenarios.

Public Impact

Residents and businesses in Alabama benefit from the timely removal of debris, facilitating recovery and rebuilding efforts. The contract supports the restoration of public infrastructure and private property. Geographic impact is concentrated in Alabama, specifically the areas affected by the disaster. The contract likely supports local and regional workforces involved in debris removal operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen complexities arise beyond the initial scope of debris removal.
Ensuring the contractor adheres to environmental regulations during debris disposal.
Monitoring the efficiency and effectiveness of the debris removal process to meet recovery timelines.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive marketplace.
Fixed-price contract type helps to establish cost certainty.
The contract duration appears aligned with the needs of disaster recovery.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader waste management and remediation services sector, which is crucial for post-disaster recovery. The market for debris removal can be highly specialized, often involving companies with specific equipment and expertise to handle large-scale events. Federal spending in this area typically spikes after major natural disasters, with contracts varying significantly in size and duration based on the event's severity and geographic scope.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific award appears limited, though larger prime contractors may engage small businesses for specialized support.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant Department of the Army personnel. Accountability measures would be tied to the terms and conditions of the firm fixed-price contract, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is generally facilitated through federal procurement databases like FPDS, where contract awards are reported.

Related Government Programs

FEMA Disaster Relief Fund
Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Programs
State and Local Emergency Management Grants

Risk Flags

Potential for cost escalation if scope is not well-defined.
Environmental compliance during debris disposal.
Timeliness of service delivery critical for disaster recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $22.0 million to PHILLIPS AND JORDAN, INCORPORATED. TAS::96 3125::TAS TORNADO - STATE OF ALABAMA, DEBRIS REMOVAL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PHILLIPS AND JORDAN, INCORPORATED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $22.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-05-07. End: 2011-09-30.

What was the specific nature of the disaster that necessitated this large-scale debris removal contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact disaster. However, the timing of the award (May 2011) and the location (Alabama) suggest it could be related to severe weather events that impacted the region during that period, such as tornadoes or hurricanes. Large-scale debris removal contracts are typically activated in response to significant natural disasters that overwhelm local cleanup capabilities, requiring federal assistance to restore essential services and facilitate recovery.

How does the awarded amount of $21.9 million compare to other federal debris removal contracts?

Without specific details on the scope and duration of other debris removal contracts, a direct comparison is challenging. However, $21.9 million is a substantial sum, indicative of a significant disaster event. Federal contracts for debris removal can range from a few million dollars for localized incidents to hundreds of millions or even billions for catastrophic events affecting large areas, such as major hurricanes. The number of bids (23) suggests this was a significant procurement opportunity, likely reflecting a substantial need.

What are the key performance indicators or deliverables expected under this contract?

The contract data specifies 'Debris Removal' as the service. Key performance indicators would likely include the volume or tonnage of debris removed, the types of debris (e.g., vegetative, construction and demolition, hazardous), the efficiency of removal operations, adherence to disposal site requirements, and compliance with environmental regulations. Timeliness in clearing affected areas is also a critical performance metric, especially in disaster recovery scenarios where prompt action is crucial for public safety and economic stabilization.

What is the track record of Phillips and Jordan, Incorporated in handling federal disaster recovery contracts?

The provided data indicates Phillips and Jordan, Incorporated was awarded this specific contract. To assess their track record, one would need to examine their broader contract history with federal agencies, particularly for disaster response and debris removal. Information on past performance, including successful completion of similar projects, any past performance issues, and their capacity to manage large-scale operations, would be crucial. A review of their award history and any associated performance reviews would provide insight into their reliability and expertise in this domain.

What are the potential risks associated with a contract of this nature and duration?

Potential risks include scope creep if the extent of debris is underestimated, unforeseen environmental hazards requiring specialized handling, logistical challenges in accessing debris sites, and potential delays due to weather or permitting issues. Cost risks, although mitigated by the fixed-price structure, could still arise from unexpected disposal costs or the need for additional resources. Ensuring contractor compliance with safety and environmental regulations throughout the operation is also a critical risk to manage.

How does the NAICS code 562119 (Other Waste Collection) accurately categorize this debris removal service?

The NAICS code 562119, 'Other Waste Collection,' is a broad category that encompasses services not specifically listed under other waste collection codes. Debris removal following a disaster often involves collecting and transporting a wide variety of materials, including vegetative matter, construction debris, and potentially household hazardous waste. This code is appropriate because it captures the specialized nature of collecting and hauling diverse waste streams generated by catastrophic events, which may not fit neatly into categories like "rubbish collection" or "recycling collection."

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Waste Collection › Other Waste Collection

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 23

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Phillips Heavy, Inc (UEI: 003845336)

Address: 8940 GALL BLVD, ZEPHYRHILLS, FL, 15

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,961,466

Exercised Options: $21,961,466

Current Obligation: $21,961,466

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W912P808D0052

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline