Forest Service Awards $3.4M Contract to Tetra Tech for Forestry Support in Oregon

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,416,374 ($3.4M)

Contractor: Tetra Tech, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2023-09-28

End Date: 2027-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,555 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.2K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NFWP AMENDMENT NEPA

Place of Performance

Location: PENDLETON, UMATILLA County, OREGON, 97801

State: Oregon Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $3.4 million to TETRA TECH, INC. for work described as: NFWP AMENDMENT NEPA Key points: 1. Contract value of $3.4 million for forestry support activities. 2. Awarded to Tetra Tech, Inc., a significant player in engineering and consulting. 3. Competition method was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP', indicating a competitive process within simplified acquisition procedures. 4. The contract is Firm Fixed Price, providing cost certainty for the government. 5. Duration of 1555 days (over 4 years) suggests a long-term need for these services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.4 million for a 4-year period appears reasonable for specialized forestry support. Benchmarking against similar support contracts would provide a more definitive assessment, but the fixed-price nature suggests a degree of cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a competitive process was utilized for awards below certain thresholds. This method generally allows for fair price discovery among eligible vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of a competitive process, even under SAP, aims to secure fair pricing and good value for taxpayer dollars. The fixed-price contract further protects against cost overruns.

Public Impact

Supports critical forestry management and environmental review activities in Oregon. Ensures continued operational capacity for the Forest Service in a key region. Potential for positive environmental outcomes through effective forestry support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Potential for scope creep in long-term support contracts.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical support activities.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost predictability.
Competitive award process suggests fair market pricing.
Long contract duration indicates sustained need and potential for efficiency gains.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically supporting government functions related to natural resource management. Spending in this area is crucial for environmental stewardship and land management.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded to Tetra Tech, Inc., a large business. There is no explicit information on small business participation or subcontracting goals within this award notice.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded under SAP, which has its own set of oversight requirements. Further review of the Forest Service's procurement process and contract management for this award would be necessary for a full oversight assessment.

Related Government Programs

Support Activities for Forestry
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration is lengthy.
Specific performance metrics not detailed.
Potential for vendor lock-in.
Small business participation not explicitly stated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $3.4 million to TETRA TECH, INC.. NFWP AMENDMENT NEPA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TETRA TECH, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-28. End: 2027-12-31.

What specific forestry support activities are included in this contract, and how do they align with the Forest Service's strategic goals?

The contract is for 'Support Activities for Forestry' under NAICS code 115310. While the specific tasks are not detailed here, this typically includes services like timber stand improvement, forest pest management, fire management support, and environmental compliance assistance. These activities directly support the Forest Service's mission of sustainable forest management, conservation, and protection of natural resources.

What is the potential risk associated with the long duration (1555 days) of this contract, and how is it mitigated?

A long contract duration can pose risks such as potential for outdated technology or methodologies, vendor lock-in, and reduced flexibility if needs change. Mitigation strategies often include clear performance standards, phased delivery, opportunities for review and modification, and robust contract management by the agency to ensure continued relevance and value.

How does the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation impact the overall value and effectiveness of this contract compared to larger, full-and-open competitions?

Competing under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) generally means the competition was limited to vendors capable of responding to simplified solicitations, often for smaller dollar amounts. While it ensures some level of competition and fair pricing, it may not always yield the same breadth of offers or potentially lower prices as a full-and-open competition for larger contracts. However, for this contract size, it likely provided adequate competition and efficiency.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 12363N23Q4267

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 19803 N CREEK PKWY, BOTHELL, WA, 98011

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,416,374

Exercised Options: $3,416,374

Current Obligation: $3,416,374

Actual Outlays: $1,967,236

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12363N23A4209

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline