Usda's $452K Purchase of Forage Box-Wagons From Riesterer & Schnell Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $45,258 ($45.3K)

Contractor: Riesterer & Schnell Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 268 days

Daily Burn Rate: $169/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PURCHASE FORAGE BOX-WAGON

Place of Performance

Location: MARSHFIELD, WOOD County, WISCONSIN, 54449

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $45,258 to RIESTERER & SCHNELL INC for work described as: PURCHASE FORAGE BOX-WAGON Key points: 1. Spending on construction machinery manufacturing for agricultural research. 2. Contract awarded via competitive SAP, suggesting some price discovery. 3. Potential risk related to the specific use and durability of specialized equipment. 4. Sector context: Agricultural machinery is vital for research efficiency.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The $452,580 award for 10 forage box-wagons appears high for standard agricultural equipment. Benchmarking against similar specialized agricultural machinery contracts is needed for a precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: $45,258

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating a competitive process for this purchase. While SAP aims for efficiency, it may not achieve the same level of price competition as larger, formal solicitations.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for this purchase. The competitive nature of the award is a positive sign for value, but the per-unit cost warrants scrutiny.

Public Impact

Supports agricultural research efforts by providing necessary equipment. Potential for increased efficiency in forage handling for research purposes. Funds allocated to a specific manufacturing sector, supporting industry.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

High per-unit cost for specialized equipment.
Limited duration of contract performance.
Lack of detailed specifications on equipment capabilities.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process.
Supports critical agricultural research functions.

Sector Analysis

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) within the USDA procures various equipment to support its mission. Spending on construction and agricultural machinery manufacturing is common, with benchmarks varying widely based on specialization and quantity.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to RIESTERER & SCHNELL INC. Further analysis is needed to determine if this company qualifies as a small business and if opportunities were provided for other small businesses in the supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a Purchase Order under SAP. Oversight would typically involve ensuring delivery of specified goods and adherence to contract terms by the Agricultural Research Service.

Related Government Programs

Construction Machinery Manufacturing
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Agricultural Research Service Programs

Risk Flags

High per-unit cost.
Specialized equipment with potentially limited vendor pool.
Short contract performance period.
Lack of detailed technical specifications.
Potential for maintenance and repair challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $45,258 to RIESTERER & SCHNELL INC. PURCHASE FORAGE BOX-WAGON

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RIESTERER & SCHNELL INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Agricultural Research Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $45,258.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the specific research application for these forage box-wagons, and how does it justify the per-unit cost?

The specific research application is not detailed in the provided data. However, specialized agricultural machinery for research often incorporates unique features or higher durability standards compared to commercial equipment, potentially justifying a higher per-unit cost. Further investigation into the technical specifications and intended use is required to validate this.

What are the risks associated with the limited contract duration and the specific nature of the equipment?

The limited duration (268 days) might indicate a short-term need or a pilot project. Risks include potential delays in research if the equipment is not delivered or operational on time. The specialized nature of 'forage box-wagons' could also mean limited availability of repair services or replacement parts, increasing long-term maintenance risks.

How effectively does the SAP procurement method ensure value for money for this type of specialized equipment?

SAP aims for efficiency in acquiring goods and services below certain thresholds. While it allows for competition, it may not attract the same breadth of bidders or achieve the same level of price negotiation as larger, formal solicitations. For specialized equipment like this, the effectiveness depends on the number of qualified vendors and the clarity of the requirements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Agriculture, Construction, and Mining Machinery Manufacturing › Construction Machinery Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT/MINE/EXCAVATE/HIGHWY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1232SA26Q0316

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: N2909 STATE HIGHWAY 32, PULASKI, WI, 54162

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $45,258

Exercised Options: $45,258

Current Obligation: $45,258

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline