Forest Service awards $22.5M contract to Brink Brothers Inc. for forestry support activities

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,804,205 ($26.8M)

Contractor: Brink Brothers Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-10-01

End Date: 2029-10-15

Contract Duration: 1,840 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CEDAR DXP IRSC -12363N24C4011 $1,109.00 TOTAL TIMBER APPLIED $22,487,801.62 TOTAL APPROPRIATED FUNDS $22,488,910.62 TOTAL CONTRACT AWARD COR: LOWELL EVANS (LOWELL.EVANS@USDA.GOV) PERFORMANCE PERIOD FOR AWARDED ITEMS: 10/01/2

Place of Performance

Location: WESTFIR, LANE County, OREGON, 97492

State: Oregon Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $26.8 million to BRINK BROTHERS INC. for work described as: CEDAR DXP IRSC -12363N24C4011 $1,109.00 TOTAL TIMBER APPLIED $22,487,801.62 TOTAL APPROPRIATED FUNDS $22,488,910.62 TOTAL CONTRACT AWARD COR: LOWELL EVANS (LOWELL.EVANS@USDA.GOV) PERFORMANCE PERIOD FOR AWARDED ITEMS: 10/01/2 Key points: 1. The contract value of $22.5 million represents a significant investment in forestry support. 2. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type indicates that the price is set and not subject to adjustment based on the contractor's costs. 4. The performance period spans over five years, from October 2024 to October 2029, indicating a long-term need for these services. 5. The contract is managed by the Forest Service, a key agency within the Department of Agriculture. 6. The contract is for Support Activities for Forestry, a broad category that could encompass various operational and administrative functions.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

Benchmarking the value of this contract requires more granular data on the specific services provided under 'Support Activities for Forestry'. However, the total award of $22.5 million over five years suggests an average annual value of $4.5 million. This figure should be compared against similar contracts for forestry support services across federal agencies to assess if it aligns with market rates and represents good value for money. The firm-fixed-price structure generally provides cost certainty for the government, which is a positive indicator.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this requirement. A higher number of bidders typically leads to more robust price discovery and potentially lower prices for the government. The fact that it was competed fully is a positive sign for achieving a fair market price.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and encourage innovation from multiple vendors, ensuring the government receives the best possible value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the various branches and operations within the U.S. Forest Service that require support activities for forestry. Services delivered could range from administrative support, data management, technical assistance, to operational planning and execution related to forest management and conservation. The geographic impact is likely national, given the Forest Service's mandate, with specific activities potentially concentrated in regions with significant federal forest lands. Workforce implications could include direct employment by Brink Brothers Inc. and potential indirect impacts on related industries and local economies where services are performed.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on 'Support Activities for Forestry' makes it difficult to assess the precise nature of the services and potential risks.
The long performance period of five years could introduce risks related to changing technological needs or evolving environmental regulations if not managed proactively.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust and fair bidding process.
The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract is with Brink Brothers Inc., whose track record and performance history would need further review to fully assess reliability.

Sector Analysis

The forestry sector within the U.S. economy is diverse, encompassing timber production, conservation, research, and land management. Federal spending in this area, particularly through the Forest Service, is crucial for maintaining national forests and implementing sustainable practices. This contract for 'Support Activities for Forestry' likely fits into the broader operational and administrative framework supporting these goals. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale service contracts awarded by the Forest Service or similar land management agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a small business set-aside. However, the prime contractor, Brink Brothers Inc., may choose to subcontract portions of the work to small businesses as part of their overall business strategy, which could indirectly benefit the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the U.S. Forest Service, a component of the Department of Agriculture. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract terms, including performance standards, reporting requirements, and payment schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like SAM.gov. The Inspector General for the Department of Agriculture would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Forest Management Services
Environmental Consulting
Government Support Services
Department of Agriculture Contracts
National Forest System Operations

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns for the contractor under firm-fixed-price over a long duration.
Risk of scope creep or difficulty adapting to evolving needs over the 5-year performance period.
Need for detailed review of Brink Brothers Inc.'s past performance and capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $26.8 million to BRINK BROTHERS INC.. CEDAR DXP IRSC -12363N24C4011 $1,109.00 TOTAL TIMBER APPLIED $22,487,801.62 TOTAL APPROPRIATED FUNDS $22,488,910.62 TOTAL CONTRACT AWARD COR: LOWELL EVANS (LOWELL.EVANS@USDA.GOV) PERFORMANCE PERIOD FOR AWARDED ITEMS: 10/01/2

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BRINK BROTHERS INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $26.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-01. End: 2029-10-15.

What is the specific scope of work for 'Support Activities for Forestry' under this contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific scope of work for 'Support Activities for Forestry'. This category is broad and could encompass a wide range of services, including but not limited to administrative support, data analysis, technical assistance, planning, environmental monitoring, or operational logistics for forest management. To understand the precise services, one would need to consult the contract's statement of work (SOW) or performance work statement (PWS), which are typically available through contract repositories or upon request from the contracting agency. The nature of these activities is critical for assessing value and performance.

How does the awarded price of $22.5 million compare to similar forestry support contracts?

A direct comparison of the $22.5 million award to similar forestry support contracts requires access to a database of historical contract awards with detailed service descriptions and pricing. Without this comparative data, it's challenging to definitively state whether this price represents excellent, good, or fair value. Factors such as the duration of the contract (5 years), the specific services rendered, the geographic scope, and the level of expertise required would all influence pricing. Benchmarking against contracts of similar size, duration, and service type awarded by the Forest Service or other agencies like the Bureau of Land Management would be necessary for a robust assessment.

What is the track record of Brink Brothers Inc. in performing similar government contracts?

Information regarding the track record of Brink Brothers Inc. in performing similar government contracts is not provided in the summary data. A thorough assessment would involve reviewing their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), any past disputes or contract terminations, and the types and values of previous contracts they have held. A history of successful performance on comparable contracts would indicate a lower risk for this award, while a history of issues might raise concerns about the contractor's ability to meet the requirements of this new $22.5 million contract.

What are the potential risks associated with a 5-year firm-fixed-price contract for forestry support?

A 5-year firm-fixed-price contract for forestry support carries several potential risks. For the contractor, the primary risk is that costs could escalate beyond initial projections due to inflation, unforeseen operational challenges, or changes in regulatory requirements, potentially eroding profit margins. For the government, the risk lies in the potential for the contractor to cut corners on quality or service delivery to maintain profitability if costs rise unexpectedly. Additionally, over a 5-year period, the specific needs or technologies related to forestry support might evolve, and a fixed-price contract could make it more difficult or costly to adapt the scope of work to these changes compared to other contract types.

How does the Forest Service typically procure 'Support Activities for Forestry' services?

The Forest Service, like other federal agencies, procures a wide range of services, including 'Support Activities for Forestry,' through various contract types and competition strategies. The method of procurement often depends on the estimated value, complexity, and urgency of the requirement. For services valued above certain thresholds (e.g., thesimplified acquisition threshold), full and open competition is generally preferred to ensure fair market prices. However, specific circumstances might lead to other methods like sole-source awards or limited competition if justified. The use of 'full and open competition' for this $22.5 million contract suggests it met the criteria for a broadly competed requirement.

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

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 12363N24R4022

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 83938 N ENTERPRISE RD, PLEASANT HILL, OR, 97455

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $26,804,205

Exercised Options: $26,804,205

Current Obligation: $26,804,205

Actual Outlays: $16,466,572

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline