DoD's $10.6M contract for landscaping services awarded to Joppa Maintenance Co., Inc. shows potential value concerns

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,608,083 ($10.6M)

Contractor: Joppa Maintenance CO., Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2003-09-18

End Date: 2010-10-08

Contract Duration: 2,577 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 200311!000843!5700!GJ20 !WR-ALC/PKO !F0965003C0040 !A!N! !Y!P00001 !20030918!20040930!069046902!069046902!069046902!N!JOPPA MAINTENANCE CO INC !263 SLOOP POINT LOOP ROAD,!HAMPSTEAD !NC!28443!80508!153!13!WARNER ROBINS !HOUSTON !GEORGIA !+000001758000!N!N!000000000000!S208!LANDSCAPING/GROUNDSKEEPING SERVICES !S1 !SERVICES !3000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !561730!E! !3! ! !H! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !A!N!J!2!009!K! !C!N!Z! ! !N!B!N!Y! !B!D! !B!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! !

Place of Performance

Location: WARNER ROBINS, HOUSTON County, GEORGIA, 31098

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $10.6 million to JOPPA MAINTENANCE CO., INC. for work described as: 200311!000843!5700!GJ20 !WR-ALC/PKO !F0965003C0040 !A!N! !Y!P00001 !20030918!20040930!069046902!069046902!069046902!N!JOPPA MAINTENANCE CO INC !263 SLOOP POINT LOOP ROAD,!HAMPSTEAD !NC!28443!80508!153!13!WARNER ROBINS !HOUST… Key points: 1. The contract's value appears high relative to the scope of services, warranting further investigation into pricing and efficiency. 2. Competition was limited, raising questions about whether the government secured the best possible price. 3. The duration of the contract and its subsequent modifications could indicate evolving needs or potential scope creep. 4. Performance context is limited, making it difficult to assess the contractor's effectiveness and value delivery. 5. This contract falls within the broader Facilities Support Services sector, where benchmarking is crucial for cost assessment.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The awarded amount of $10.6 million for landscaping and groundskeeping services over a period of approximately 7 years (including modifications) appears substantial. Without specific details on the scope of work, such as acreage maintained or specific services rendered, it is difficult to benchmark against similar contracts. However, the duration and total value suggest a need for closer examination of the per-unit costs and overall efficiency compared to industry standards for grounds maintenance.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which suggests a competitive process but with specific exclusions. The number of bidders is not explicitly stated in the provided data, but the designation implies that not all potential sources were considered. This limited competition may have impacted the government's ability to achieve the lowest possible price.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition can lead to higher prices for taxpayers as it reduces the pressure on contractors to offer their most competitive bids.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of Defense, specifically the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Georgia, which receives grounds maintenance services. The services delivered include landscaping and groundskeeping, ensuring the upkeep and aesthetic presentation of military facilities. The geographic impact is localized to the Warner Robins, Houston, and Georgia areas where the facilities are located. Workforce implications are likely related to the employment opportunities generated by Joppa Maintenance Co., Inc. for performing these services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for overpricing due to limited competition.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes value assessment difficult.
Long contract duration could mask inefficiencies if not closely managed.
Ambiguity in contract type ('A') requires further clarification on specific terms and conditions.

Positive Signals

Contract was awarded under a competitive process, even if limited.
The contractor, Joppa Maintenance Co., Inc., has a track record of performing this type of service.
The contract has a defined period, allowing for periodic review and potential renegotiation.
The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Facilities Support Services sector, specifically grounds maintenance. The market for these services is generally competitive, with numerous providers ranging from small local businesses to large national corporations. Benchmarking spending in this sector often involves comparing contract values to the size of the facility, the scope of services (e.g., mowing, landscaping, snow removal), and the geographic location. The total contract value of $10.6 million over its extended period suggests a significant scope of work, potentially for a large military installation.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on the small business ecosystem would be through potential subcontracting opportunities, which are not detailed here. Without a small business set-aside, larger businesses are more likely to compete for and win these types of contracts.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the contracting officer and the relevant Department of Defense agency (Air Force). Accountability measures would be outlined in the contract's terms and conditions, including performance standards and payment schedules. Transparency is facilitated by contract databases like FPDS, which provide basic award information, but detailed performance reports or Inspector General findings are not included in this data.

Related Government Programs

Base Operations Support Services
Facilities Maintenance Contracts
Groundskeeping Services
Commercial Real Estate Services
Government Contracting

Risk Flags

Potential for high cost relative to service scope.
Limited competition may have inflated price.
Lack of detailed performance data hinders value assessment.
Contract duration and modifications warrant scrutiny for scope creep.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $10.6 million to JOPPA MAINTENANCE CO., INC.. 200311!000843!5700!GJ20 !WR-ALC/PKO !F0965003C0040 !A!N! !Y!P00001 !20030918!20040930!069046902!069046902!069046902!N!JOPPA MAINTENANCE CO INC !263 SLOOP POINT LOOP ROAD,!HAMPSTEAD !NC!28443!80508!153!13!WARNER ROBINS !HOUSTON !GEORGIA !+000001758000!N!N!000000000000!S208!LANDSCAPING/GROUNDSKEEPING SERVICES !S1 !SERVICES !3000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !561730!E! !3! ! !H! ! !99990909!B

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JOPPA MAINTENANCE CO., 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 $10.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2003-09-18. End: 2010-10-08.

What is the specific scope of services covered by this $10.6 million contract, and how does it compare to industry benchmarks for similar landscaping and groundskeeping contracts?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Landscaping/Groundskeeping Services' (NAICS 561730). However, the specific scope, such as the acreage maintained, frequency of services (mowing, trimming, pest control, snow removal), and any specialized landscaping requirements, is not detailed. To assess value, this information would need to be compared against industry benchmarks. For instance, if this contract covers extensive grounds at a large military base, the cost might be justifiable. Conversely, if it's for a smaller area or basic services, the $10.6 million total award value over its lifespan could indicate overpricing or inefficient service delivery. Further analysis would require detailed service level agreements and comparable contract data from other federal agencies or private sector entities managing similar facilities.

How did the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' process impact the final price and the range of potential bidders?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' (FBOE) award type suggests that while the contract was initially intended for full and open competition, certain sources were excluded before the final award. This could be due to various reasons, such as specific technical requirements, past performance issues with certain contractors, or national security considerations. The impact on the final price is that it likely resulted in fewer bidders than a truly unrestricted full and open competition. With a reduced pool of potential offerors, the competitive pressure to lower prices may have been lessened, potentially leading to a higher final award price than could have been achieved otherwise. Understanding which sources were excluded and why is crucial for a complete assessment of the price discovery achieved.

What is the track record of Joppa Maintenance Co., Inc. in performing similar government contracts, particularly in terms of performance and past issues?

Joppa Maintenance Co., Inc. was awarded this contract, indicating they were deemed capable of performing the required landscaping and groundskeeping services. However, the provided data does not include specific details on their past performance ratings, any contract disputes, or previous issues encountered on government contracts. A thorough assessment of the contractor's track record would involve reviewing performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS reports), any modifications to previous contracts, and any documented instances of non-compliance or quality deficiencies. Without this information, it's difficult to definitively assess their reliability and effectiveness beyond their ability to secure this award.

How has spending on landscaping and groundskeeping services by the Department of Defense evolved over time, and where does this contract fit within that trend?

The Department of Defense (DoD) consistently spends significant amounts on facilities maintenance, including landscaping and groundskeeping, across its numerous installations worldwide. Spending trends in this area are influenced by factors such as base consolidation, infrastructure upgrades, environmental regulations, and budget allocations. This specific contract, awarded in 2003 and modified through 2010, represents a portion of the DoD's spending during that period. To understand its place in the trend, one would need to analyze historical spending data for similar services across the DoD, looking at the average contract size, duration, and the number of contracts awarded annually. This contract's value of $10.6 million suggests it was a substantial award for its time, potentially covering a large or complex facility.

Are there any indications of potential risks associated with this contract, such as cost overruns, performance deficiencies, or contractor instability?

Based on the limited data, potential risks include the possibility of cost overruns if the 'Firm Fixed Price' contract did not adequately account for all potential service needs or unforeseen circumstances, although FFP generally shifts cost risk to the contractor. Performance deficiencies are a risk with any service contract; without performance reports, it's unknown if Joppa Maintenance Co., Inc. met all requirements. Contractor instability is also a potential risk, though the company's longevity in performing this contract (from 2003 to 2010) might suggest a degree of stability. The 'limited' competition also introduces a risk that the government did not secure the most competitive pricing. Further investigation into performance metrics and any contract modifications would clarify these risks.

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: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Contractor Details

Address: 263 SLOOP POINT LOOP ROAD,, HAMPSTEAD, NC, 07

Business Categories: Category Business, HUBZone Firm, Small Business, Special Designations, Veteran Owned Business

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline