DoD Awards $5.98M Grounds Maintenance Contract to Tellus LLC for Landscaping Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $5,981,246 ($6.0M)
Contractor: Tellus LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-01-15
End Date: 2025-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,811 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.3K/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: GROUNDS MAINTENANCE CANTONMENT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: FORT NOVOSEL, DALE County, ALABAMA, 36362
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $6.0 million to TELLUS LLC for work described as: GROUNDS MAINTENANCE CANTONMENT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Tellus LLC for grounds maintenance and cantonment services. 2. The contract is for landscaping services, falling under NAICS code 561730. 3. Awarded by the Department of the Army, a component of the Department of Defense. 4. The contract has a firm fixed price structure. 5. This is a definitive contract with a duration of 1811 days.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $5.98 million over approximately 5 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar landscaping contracts would be necessary to fully assess pricing fairness, as specific per-unit costs are not provided.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating a limited competition environment. This method may not always yield the most competitive pricing compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for essential grounds maintenance services. The efficiency of the procurement process under SAP will influence the overall value for money.
Public Impact
Ensures upkeep of military cantonment areas, contributing to operational readiness and morale. Supports local economy through contract services, though specific small business impact is unclear. Provides essential landscaping and grounds maintenance for a significant Department of Defense facility.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP may not guarantee the best price.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown makes independent price validation difficult.
- Contract duration extends to late 2025, requiring ongoing monitoring.
Positive Signals
- Essential service for military operations.
- Firm fixed price provides cost certainty for the government.
- Procurement under SAP can be more efficient for smaller dollar amounts.
Sector Analysis
The landscaping services sector is characterized by numerous small and medium-sized businesses. Government contracts in this sector often focus on maintenance and upkeep of public facilities, with pricing influenced by labor costs, equipment, and geographic location.
Small Business Impact
While the contract was competed under SAP, it is unclear if small businesses were actively solicited or participated. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement and subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Army is responsible for oversight of this contract. Standard contract management procedures should be in place to ensure performance and adherence to terms. The use of SAP suggests a streamlined oversight process.
Related Government Programs
- Landscaping Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for higher costs due to limited competition.
- Lack of detailed cost transparency.
- Contract performance monitoring is crucial.
- Dependency on a single contractor for essential services.
Tags
landscaping-services, department-of-defense, al, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $6.0 million to TELLUS LLC. GROUNDS MAINTENANCE CANTONMENT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TELLUS LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $6.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-01-15. End: 2025-12-31.
What is the specific breakdown of services included in 'Grounds Maintenance Cantonment Services' and how does it align with industry standards for landscaping contracts?
The contract likely encompasses a range of services such as lawn mowing, landscaping, debris removal, and potentially snow removal depending on the location. Aligning with industry standards would involve comparing the scope of work, service levels, and performance metrics against typical landscaping contracts for similar facilities. A detailed statement of work is crucial for this assessment.
Given the limited competition under SAP, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the government is receiving competitive pricing and high-quality service?
Mechanisms may include pre-negotiated rates, market research conducted prior to solicitation, and performance-based metrics within the contract. However, the inherent nature of SAP limits the breadth of competition. Robust contract surveillance and performance evaluations are critical to mitigate potential risks associated with limited competition and ensure value.
How does the annual cost of this contract compare to other similar grounds maintenance contracts awarded by the Department of Defense or other federal agencies?
A direct comparison requires access to detailed cost data and scope of work for other contracts. However, the annual spend of approximately $1.2 million ($5.98M / ~4.9 years) appears moderate for comprehensive grounds maintenance of a cantonment area. Benchmarking against publicly available contract data for similar services and facility sizes would provide a more definitive answer.
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: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: W9124G20R0003
Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1997 ANNAPOLIS EXCHANGE PKWY SUITE 300, ANNAPOLIS, MD, 21401
Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $7,852,175
Exercised Options: $6,442,249
Current Obligation: $5,981,246
Actual Outlays: $1,124,388
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-01-15
Current End Date: 2025-12-31
Potential End Date: 2026-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-15
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