Department of Defense awarded $11.17M for landscaping services, with a 42.5% prime contractor share

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,166,420 ($11.2M)

Contractor: South Georgia Cleaning Service Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2001-12-21

End Date: 2009-03-01

Contract Duration: 2,627 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 12

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 200203!000036!5700!AC27 !347 CONS/CC !F0960702C2003 !A!N! !Y! !20011221!20020930!088932298!088932298!088932298!N!SOUTH GEORGIA CLEANING SERVICE!1759 AIRPORT ROAD !VALDOSTA !GA!31601!52556!173!13!MOODY AFB !LANIER !GEORGIA !+000001539716!N!N!000000000000!S208!LANDSCAPING/GROUNDSKEEPING SERVICES !S1 !SERVICES !3000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !561730!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !A!N!J!2!012!K! !C!N!Z! ! !Y!B!N!N! ! !D! !B!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001!

Place of Performance

Location: MOODY AFB, LOWNDES County, GEORGIA, 31699

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.2 million to SOUTH GEORGIA CLEANING SERVICE INC for work described as: 200203!000036!5700!AC27 !347 CONS/CC !F0960702C2003 !A!N! !Y! !20011221!20020930!088932298!088932298!088932298!N!SOUTH GEORGIA CLEANING SERVICE!1759 AIRPORT ROAD !VALDOSTA !GA!31601!52556!173!13!MOODY AFB !LANIE… Key points: 1. The contract value of $11.17M for landscaping services represents a significant investment in maintaining federal grounds. 2. The prime contractor's share of 42.5% suggests a substantial portion of the work is performed directly by the awardee. 3. The contract duration of over 2600 days indicates a long-term need for these services. 4. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 561730 points to a specialized service sector. 6. The contract's fixed-price nature provides cost certainty for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $11.17M for landscaping services over its duration appears reasonable given the extensive period of performance. Benchmarking against similar large-scale landscaping contracts for federal installations would provide further context. The firm fixed-price structure helps manage cost fluctuations for the government. However, without specific details on the scope of services and geographic coverage, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' indicating that multiple bidders were solicited and considered. The presence of 12 bids suggests a healthy level of competition for this landscaping services contract. This competitive environment is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs through multiple offers.

Public Impact

Federal agencies, specifically the Department of the Air Force, benefit from well-maintained grounds, enhancing the operational environment and aesthetic appeal of military installations. The services delivered include landscaping and groundskeeping, crucial for the upkeep and safety of facilities like Moody Air Force Base. The geographic impact is centered in Georgia, specifically Valdosta and Moody AFB, supporting local economic activity through contract performance. The contract supports a workforce involved in landscaping, grounds maintenance, and related services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration could lead to potential complacency or reduced innovation if not actively managed.
The specific details of the 'exclusion of sources' clause in the competition type warrant further investigation to ensure no undue restrictions were placed.
Reliance on a single large contract for extensive landscaping needs might limit flexibility in adapting to changing requirements.

Positive Signals

The award under full and open competition indicates a robust bidding process, likely resulting in competitive pricing.
The firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the Department of Defense.
The long duration suggests a stable, ongoing requirement that the contractor is well-positioned to meet.

Sector Analysis

The landscaping and groundskeeping services sector is a significant component of the broader facilities management industry. Federal spending in this area supports the maintenance of government properties, including military bases, parks, and public buildings. This contract, valued at over $11 million, falls within the mid-to-large range for federal landscaping awards, reflecting the scale of operations at Moody Air Force Base. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically consider factors like acreage, specific services (mowing, horticultural care, pest control), and geographic location.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). The prime contractor's share of 42.5% suggests that a significant portion of the work may be subcontracted. Analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are being utilized effectively in the subcontracting plan to ensure broader economic participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Air Force's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within budget. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though detailed performance metrics may not always be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Base Operations Support (BOS)
Facilities Maintenance Contracts
Groundskeeping Services
Environmental Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources' clause.
Long contract duration may require active performance management.
Need to verify small business subcontracting utilization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.2 million to SOUTH GEORGIA CLEANING SERVICE INC. 200203!000036!5700!AC27 !347 CONS/CC !F0960702C2003 !A!N! !Y! !20011221!20020930!088932298!088932298!088932298!N!SOUTH GEORGIA CLEANING SERVICE!1759 AIRPORT ROAD !VALDOSTA !GA!31601!52556!173!13!MOODY AFB !LANIER !GEORGIA !+000001539716!N!N!000000000000!S208!LANDSCAPING/GROUNDSKEEPING SERVICES !S1 !SERVICES !3000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !561730!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SOUTH GEORGIA CLEANING SERVICE INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2001-12-21. End: 2009-03-01.

What is the historical spending trend for landscaping and groundskeeping services at Moody Air Force Base or similar Air Force installations?

Analyzing historical spending for landscaping and groundskeeping at Moody Air Force Base or comparable Air Force installations would provide crucial context for the $11.17M award. This involves examining past contract values, durations, and the number of bidders over several fiscal years. A trend of increasing or decreasing spending could indicate shifts in base priorities, budget allocations, or the effectiveness of previous contracts. For instance, if historical spending has been consistently lower, this $11.17M award might represent a significant expansion of services or a price increase. Conversely, if spending has been similar or higher, it suggests a stable, ongoing requirement. Comparing this to other Air Force bases of similar size and mission profile would further contextualize whether this represents a benchmark or an outlier in terms of investment in grounds maintenance.

How does the per-unit cost of services compare to industry benchmarks for landscaping and groundskeeping?

Determining the per-unit cost for landscaping and groundskeeping services requires breaking down the total contract value ($11.17M) by specific deliverables. This could include cost per acre maintained, cost per mowing cycle, or cost per horticultural service. Once these unit costs are identified, they can be benchmarked against industry data from sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics, industry associations (e.g., Professional Landcare Network), or commercial landscaping service providers. If the government's per-unit costs are significantly higher than commercial benchmarks, it could indicate inefficiencies, scope creep, or a lack of competitive pressure. Conversely, costs aligned with or below market rates would suggest good value for money. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a baseline, but the efficiency of service delivery is key to true value.

What is the track record of SOUTH GEORGIA CLEANING SERVICE INC on similar federal contracts?

Evaluating the track record of SOUTH GEORGIA CLEANING SERVICE INC on similar federal contracts is essential for assessing performance risk. This involves reviewing their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), any history of contract disputes, terminations, or awards. Specifically, looking at their experience with landscaping and groundskeeping services for Department of Defense or other federal agencies of similar scale would be most relevant. A history of successful contract completions, positive performance reviews, and timely delivery suggests reliability. Conversely, a pattern of issues could indicate potential risks for this current contract. The fact that they were awarded this significant contract suggests they likely have a satisfactory performance history, but a deeper dive into specific past projects is warranted.

What specific landscaping and groundskeeping services are included in this contract, and how are they measured for performance?

The contract specifies 'Landscaping/Groundskeeping Services' under NAICS code 561730. However, the precise scope of work is critical for a full analysis. This typically includes services such as mowing, fertilization, pest control, irrigation maintenance, tree and shrub care, snow removal (if applicable), and general grounds upkeep. Performance measurement is usually detailed in the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS). Metrics might include frequency of service, quality standards (e.g., grass height, weed density), response times for issues, and adherence to environmental regulations. The effectiveness of oversight hinges on clearly defined metrics and regular performance evaluations to ensure the $11.17M investment yields the desired outcomes for Moody AFB.

What is the potential impact of the 'exclusion of sources' clause on competition and pricing?

The contract type is listed as 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This designation requires careful interpretation. While it implies that the competition was open to all responsible sources, the 'exclusion of sources' phrase suggests that certain potential bidders or types of bids might have been excluded based on specific criteria established prior to the solicitation. Understanding *why* sources were excluded is crucial. If the exclusions were based on legitimate technical requirements or capabilities necessary for the unique demands of Moody AFB, then the competition might still be considered robust. However, if the exclusions were arbitrary or overly restrictive, they could have artificially limited competition, potentially leading to higher prices and reduced innovation. Further investigation into the justification for these exclusions is necessary to fully assess their impact.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 12

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1759 AIRPORT RD, VALDOSTA, GA, 08

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline