DoD's $18.6M grounds maintenance contract for Pearl Harbor awarded to KN Lawn Service Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,572,550 ($18.6M)

Contractor: KN Lawn Service Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2009-01-30

End Date: 2020-08-19

Contract Duration: 4,219 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.4K/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: GROUNDS AND TREE MAINTENANCE SERVICES, PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII

Place of Performance

Location: JBPHH, HONOLULU County, HAWAII, 96860

State: Hawaii Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $18.6 million to KN LAWN SERVICE INC for work described as: GROUNDS AND TREE MAINTENANCE SERVICES, PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the long duration and scope of services. 2. Competition was robust, with 9 bidders vying for the contract. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm-fixed-price contract type. 4. Performance context is a long-term grounds maintenance requirement for a major naval base. 5. Sector positioning is within the facilities support services for the defense industry.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of approximately $18.6 million over roughly 11.5 years (4219 days) averages to about $1.6 million annually. This figure seems reasonable for comprehensive grounds and tree maintenance services at a large, high-profile installation like Pearl Harbor. Benchmarking against similar large-scale landscaping contracts for military bases would provide a more precise value assessment, but the duration suggests a stable, long-term need being met.

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 while the initial solicitation might have had some exclusions, the final award was based on a competitive process. Nine bidders participated, suggesting a healthy level of interest and competition for this type of service. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring a competitive market.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process with multiple bidders helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices and encouraging high-quality service delivery.

Public Impact

Benefits the Department of the Navy by ensuring the grounds of Pearl Harbor are maintained. Services include landscaping, tree maintenance, and general grounds upkeep. Geographic impact is localized to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Workforce implications include employment for landscaping and maintenance personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in long-term maintenance contracts if not clearly defined.
Reliance on a single contractor for over a decade could lead to complacency if not managed.
Weather-related disruptions in Hawaii could impact service delivery timelines.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government.
Long contract duration provides stability and predictability for both parties.
Multiple bidders indicate a competitive market for these services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the facilities maintenance and management sector, specifically focusing on grounds and landscaping services. The market for such services is substantial, driven by government installations, commercial properties, and residential needs. For the defense sector, maintaining the appearance and functionality of bases is crucial for operational readiness and morale. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large military installations' landscaping and groundskeeping contracts.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Given the scale and duration, it's unlikely that significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would be mandated unless specified in the contract terms, which are not detailed here. The primary awardee, KN Lawn Service Inc., is likely a medium to large enterprise.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer's representative (COR) within the Department of the Navy, responsible for monitoring performance and ensuring compliance with contract terms. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price structure, with penalties or remedies for non-performance. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports are usually internal.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Facilities Maintenance
Naval Base Groundskeeping Contracts
Landscaping Services for Government Installations
Hawaii Federal Contracts

Risk Flags

Long-term contract duration may warrant closer performance monitoring.
Potential for unquantified scope creep in maintenance services.
Need to verify specific performance metrics and quality assurance processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $18.6 million to KN LAWN SERVICE INC. GROUNDS AND TREE MAINTENANCE SERVICES, PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KN LAWN SERVICE INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-01-30. End: 2020-08-19.

What is the historical spending pattern for grounds maintenance at Pearl Harbor prior to this contract?

Detailed historical spending data for grounds maintenance specifically at Pearl Harbor before this contract (2009-2020) is not directly available in the provided data. However, the award of an $18.6 million contract over approximately 11.5 years suggests a consistent annual expenditure in the range of $1.6 million for these services. This indicates a significant and ongoing requirement for groundskeeping at the installation. To understand the pattern, one would need to access historical contract databases for the Department of the Navy and search for similar services at the same location over previous periods, looking for trends in contract values, durations, and awarded contractors.

How does the per-year cost of this contract compare to similar landscaping contracts at other large naval bases?

The approximate annual cost of this contract is $1.6 million ($18.6M / 11.5 years). Benchmarking this against similar landscaping contracts at other large naval bases requires access to comparative data. Factors such as the size of the installation, climate (affecting vegetation growth and maintenance needs), specific services required (e.g., tree trimming frequency, pest control), and local labor costs significantly influence pricing. Without specific data on comparable bases, it's difficult to definitively state if $1.6 million annually is high or low. However, for a major installation like Pearl Harbor, this figure appears within a plausible range for comprehensive, long-term grounds maintenance.

What specific performance metrics were likely included in the contract to ensure quality?

While specific performance metrics are not detailed in the provided data, typical performance standards for grounds maintenance contracts include requirements related to mowing frequency, weed control, fertilization schedules, tree pruning standards, irrigation system maintenance, debris removal, and overall aesthetic appearance. Contracts often utilize a Performance Work Statement (PWS) that outlines these requirements and may incorporate a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). Performance is often evaluated through inspections, customer feedback, and adherence to specified timelines, with potential for financial incentives or penalties tied to meeting or failing these metrics.

What is KN Lawn Service Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Defense?

The provided data indicates KN Lawn Service Inc. was awarded this specific Department of the Navy contract. To assess their broader track record, one would need to query federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for all contracts awarded to KN Lawn Service Inc. This would reveal the number of contracts, their values, agencies involved, contract types, and performance history (e.g., any disputes or terminations). A history of successful, timely, and cost-effective contract performance with the DoD would be a positive indicator, while a pattern of issues could raise concerns.

Were there any significant contract modifications or change orders during the contract's lifespan?

The provided summary data does not include details on contract modifications or change orders. The contract duration is from January 30, 2009, to August 19, 2020. Significant modifications could alter the original scope, cost, or timeline. To determine if modifications occurred, one would need to consult the contract's official file or detailed procurement records, which often track amendments and their financial impact. Without this information, we assume the contract largely adhered to its original terms, but verification is necessary for a complete analysis.

What is the estimated value of the 'exclusion of sources' clause in the competition process?

The 'exclusion of sources' clause in the contract's competition type ('FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES') implies that certain potential sources were excluded from the initial bidding process, but the competition was still considered full and open among the remaining eligible sources. The data does not provide a specific value or reason for this exclusion. Such exclusions are typically based on specific criteria, such as national security, unique capabilities, or prior performance issues, and are intended to ensure the best value is obtained from a qualified pool. The value is not quantifiable from this data but relates to the pool of potential competitors.

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)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 94-1181 KA UKA BLVD STE E, WAIPAHU, HI, 96797

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Native Hawaiian Organization Owned Firm, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,826,821

Exercised Options: $18,785,955

Current Obligation: $18,572,550

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N6247809D2316

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline