Over $21.5M Awarded for Hurricane Helen Debris Removal in Polk County, Supporting AshBritt Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,567,780 ($21.6M)

Contractor: Ashbritt Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-10-28

End Date: 2025-08-26

Contract Duration: 302 days

Daily Burn Rate: $71.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HURRICANE HELEN CONTRACT SUPPORT POLK COUNTY DEBRIS REMOVAL.

Place of Performance

Location: RUTHERFORDTON, POLK County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28139

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $21.6 million to ASHBRITT INC for work described as: HURRICANE HELEN CONTRACT SUPPORT POLK COUNTY DEBRIS REMOVAL. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential post-disaster recovery services, indicating a critical need for debris management. 2. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs for the government, though potential for overruns exists. 3. A full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process, potentially leading to better pricing. 4. The contract duration of 302 days highlights the significant scale and expected timeline for debris removal. 5. This award falls under the 'Other Waste Collection' NAICS code, aligning with specialized disaster response services. 6. The geographic focus on North Carolina points to a specific regional impact from Hurricane Helen.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of approximately $21.57 million for debris removal services appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar disaster recovery contracts is challenging without more specific service details and geographic scope. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract provides some cost certainty for the government. The value should be assessed against the volume and type of debris removed, as well as the efficiency of the cleanup operations.

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. This process generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to more favorable pricing and better service offerings for the government. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition suggests a robust selection process.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best value for the funds expended on critical disaster recovery efforts.

Public Impact

Residents and businesses in Polk County, North Carolina, will benefit from the removal of debris, facilitating recovery and restoration of normal life. Essential services include the collection, removal, and disposal of debris resulting from Hurricane Helen. The geographic impact is concentrated in Polk County, North Carolina, addressing immediate post-storm needs. The contract supports the workforce involved in debris removal operations, potentially including local labor and specialized crews.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if debris volume significantly exceeds initial estimates, despite fixed-price structure.
Effectiveness of debris removal and disposal methods needs monitoring to ensure environmental compliance and efficiency.
Coordination with local authorities and residents is crucial for smooth operations and minimizing disruption.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a fair and transparent procurement process.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost control and predictability for the government.
Contract addresses a critical post-disaster need, supporting community recovery efforts.

Sector Analysis

The debris removal sector is a critical component of disaster response and recovery, often involving specialized companies with the equipment and expertise to handle large-scale cleanups. This contract fits within the broader waste management and construction services industries. Market size for disaster recovery services can fluctuate significantly based on the frequency and severity of natural disasters. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without detailed project scope, but significant federal funding is typically allocated for major disaster relief efforts.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not provided in the data. Analysis of small business participation would require further details on the contract's specific clauses and the contractor's subcontracting strategy. Without this information, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem remains unclear.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight of this contract would typically involve the contracting officer and potentially contracting officer representatives (CORs) to ensure performance meets the terms and conditions. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price structure, with payment contingent on satisfactory completion of services. Transparency is generally facilitated by the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction may apply if fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep if debris volume is underestimated.
Environmental compliance risks during debris disposal.
Logistical challenges in accessing and removing debris.
Contractor performance and timely completion risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $21.6 million to ASHBRITT INC. HURRICANE HELEN CONTRACT SUPPORT POLK COUNTY DEBRIS REMOVAL.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ASHBRITT INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $21.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-28. End: 2025-08-26.

What is the historical performance record of AshBritt Inc. on similar disaster recovery contracts?

AshBritt Inc. has a significant history of performing large-scale disaster recovery and debris removal contracts for various government agencies, including FEMA and the Department of Defense, following major hurricanes and other natural disasters. Their track record includes work in numerous states affected by significant weather events. While generally considered an experienced provider, like many large contractors in this field, they have faced scrutiny and occasional disputes related to contract performance, billing, and management on specific projects. A thorough review would involve examining specific past contracts, any associated audits, performance evaluations, and any litigation or claims filed by or against the company. This particular contract's success will depend on effective execution and adherence to the agreed-upon scope and terms.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated cost of debris removal for Hurricane Helen in Polk County?

The provided data indicates an award of $21,567,779.77 for debris removal in Polk County due to Hurricane Helen. However, the data does not include the initial estimated cost or budget allocated for this specific task. Without the government's original cost estimate or projections for the volume and type of debris, it is difficult to definitively state whether the awarded amount represents a significant deviation. The contract being firm-fixed-price suggests that the government aimed to establish a definitive cost upfront. Further analysis would require access to pre-award estimates and potentially post-award cost performance reports to assess if the final cost aligns with expectations or if significant changes occurred.

What are the primary risks associated with this debris removal contract?

Several risks are associated with this debris removal contract. Firstly, the scope of debris can be unpredictable following a major hurricane, potentially leading to cost increases if the volume or type of debris exceeds initial assessments, even under a fixed-price contract if change orders are necessary. Secondly, logistical challenges in accessing debris, managing disposal sites, and coordinating with local authorities can cause delays and increase operational costs. Thirdly, environmental risks related to the proper disposal of hazardous materials mixed with debris must be managed. Finally, there's a risk of contractor performance issues, such as delays, inadequate cleanup, or improper billing, which could necessitate government intervention or dispute resolution. Ensuring robust oversight and clear communication channels is vital to mitigate these risks.

What is the expected effectiveness of the debris removal services in restoring normalcy to Polk County?

The effectiveness of the debris removal services in restoring normalcy to Polk County will largely depend on the contractor's efficiency, the scope of work executed, and the coordination with local government efforts. Prompt and thorough removal of debris is crucial for reopening roads, restoring utilities, allowing residents access to their properties, and enabling businesses to resume operations. The contract's duration of 302 days suggests a substantial cleanup effort is anticipated. Success will be measured by the speed at which key infrastructure is cleared, the completeness of the removal process, and the minimization of secondary impacts, such as public health hazards or prolonged disruption. Community feedback and post-cleanup assessments will provide further insights into the overall effectiveness.

How has federal spending on debris removal services trended in recent years, and how does this contract fit?

Federal spending on debris removal services has historically fluctuated based on the frequency and severity of natural disasters. Years with significant hurricane seasons, wildfires, or other major events typically see a substantial increase in federal outlays for disaster response and recovery, including debris removal. Agencies like FEMA and the Department of Defense are the primary sources of this funding. This contract, awarded by the Department of the Army for Hurricane Helen support, represents a specific instance of this type of federal expenditure. Without broader historical data on total federal debris removal spending across all agencies and disaster events, it's challenging to place this single $21.57 million contract in a precise trend context. However, it signifies the ongoing need for federal support in managing the aftermath of natural catastrophes.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 565 E HILLSBORO BLVD, DEERFIELD BEACH, FL, 33441

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,567,780

Exercised Options: $21,567,780

Current Obligation: $21,567,780

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W912EK22D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline