Agriculture Dept. Awards $49.2M for Forestry Support, Full Competition Used

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $49,205,808 ($49.2M)

Contractor: OK'S Cascade

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2003-09-15

End Date: 2003-12-31

Contract Duration: 107 days

Daily Burn Rate: $459.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $49.2 million to OK'S CASCADE for work described as: Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $49.2 million for forestry support. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract was awarded by the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type indicates price certainty for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $49.2 million is substantial. Without specific benchmarks for 'Support Activities for Forestry,' it's difficult to definitively assess pricing. However, the use of full and open competition generally supports fair pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically allows all responsible sources to submit a bid. This method is expected to foster price discovery and potentially lead to more competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently by leveraging market forces to achieve the best possible price.

Public Impact

Supports critical forestry activities, potentially impacting conservation and resource management. The large contract value suggests a significant need for these services. Transparency through full and open competition benefits public trust in government spending.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics or outcomes in provided data.
Potential for cost overruns if scope expands beyond initial 'Support Activities for Forestry'.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition utilized.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost predictability.
Awarded by a key agency (Forest Service) for essential functions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under general government services, specifically supporting the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service. Benchmarks for such support activities can vary widely depending on the specific services rendered, but the $49.2 million award indicates a significant program.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate whether small businesses participated in or benefited from this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of full and open competition is a positive oversight mechanism. However, ongoing monitoring of contract performance and adherence to the firm fixed price would be crucial for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Support Activities for Forestry
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration of 107 days is relatively short for a contract of this value.
Lack of detail on specific performance metrics.
Potential for undefined scope within 'Support Activities for Forestry'.
No indication of small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $49.2 million to OK'S CASCADE. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is OK'S CASCADE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $49.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2003-09-15. End: 2003-12-31.

What specific services are included under 'Support Activities for Forestry' and how do they align with the Forest Service's mission?

The 'Support Activities for Forestry' likely encompass a range of essential functions such as administrative support, data management, research assistance, or logistical coordination for forestry operations. These activities are crucial for the Forest Service to effectively manage national forests, conduct research, implement conservation programs, and respond to environmental challenges, directly supporting their overarching mission of sustaining forests for future generations.

Given the firm fixed price, what mechanisms are in place to manage potential scope creep or unforeseen issues during the contract period?

With a firm fixed price contract, the contractor assumes the risk of cost overruns. Mechanisms to manage scope creep typically involve a clearly defined statement of work, change order procedures, and rigorous contract administration. Any deviation from the original scope would require a formal modification and potentially a price adjustment, subject to negotiation and approval.

How does the $49.2 million award compare to historical spending on similar forestry support activities by the Forest Service?

Comparing this $49.2 million award to historical spending requires access to historical contract data for the Forest Service's 'Support Activities for Forestry' or similar categories. Without that comparative data, it's challenging to determine if this represents an increase, decrease, or is in line with previous investments. Such analysis would reveal trends in resource allocation and potential shifts in program priorities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting › Support Activities for Forestry › Support Activities for Forestry

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVERVAT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Contractor Details

Address: NO DATA FROM D AND B, NO DATA FROM D AND B

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $49,205,808

Exercised Options: $49,205,808

Current Obligation: $49,205,808

Timeline