Agriculture Forest Service Awards $2.4M Contract for Timber Marking Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,996 ($24.0K)

Contractor: King Matthew R

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-11-30

Contract Duration: 236 days

Daily Burn Rate: $102/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: #22 OTF-CON NIKX/SSCC PLATYPUS MARKING AND CRUISING CONTRACT 484 AC / 3.31 MMBF

Place of Performance

Location: WATERSMEET, GOGEBIC County, MICHIGAN, 49969

State: Michigan Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $23,996 to KING MATTHEW R for work described as: #22 OTF-CON NIKX/SSCC PLATYPUS MARKING AND CRUISING CONTRACT 484 AC / 3.31 MMBF Key points: 1. Contract awarded to KING MATTHEW R for timber marking and cruising. 2. The contract is for Firm Fixed Price (FFP) with a duration of 236 days. 3. Awarded under a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call. 4. The contract is for Support Activities for Forestry in Michigan. 5. This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP).

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.4 million for 236 days appears reasonable for specialized forestry support services. Benchmarking against similar timber marking contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a limited competition environment. While SAP aims for efficiency, it may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The $2.4 million expenditure supports essential forestry management activities, contributing to sustainable resource utilization and potentially mitigating wildfire risks, thus representing a justifiable use of taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Ensures accurate timber inventory and assessment for forest management. Supports sustainable forestry practices and resource planning. Contributes to the health and productivity of national forests. Provides specialized services crucial for the Forest Service's mission.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to SAP.
Potential for price escalation in future BPA calls.

Positive Signals

Supports critical forestry management functions.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Awarded under an existing BPA, potentially streamlining future needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Support Activities for Forestry sector, specifically focusing on timber inventory and assessment. Spending in this area is crucial for effective land management and conservation efforts.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service. Oversight would involve ensuring adherence to contract terms, quality of services, and proper financial management.

Related Government Programs

Support Activities for Forestry
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition.
Potential for price creep in future procurements.
Reliance on a single awardee for specific services.
Performance monitoring is critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $23,996 to KING MATTHEW R. #22 OTF-CON NIKX/SSCC PLATYPUS MARKING AND CRUISING CONTRACT 484 AC / 3.31 MMBF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KING MATTHEW R.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $23,996.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-11-30.

What is the typical cost per acre for timber marking and cruising services in Michigan?

The average cost per acre for timber marking and cruising can vary significantly based on terrain, timber density, and specific service requirements. While this contract's total value is $2.4 million over 236 days, a precise per-acre cost benchmark is not readily available without more detailed service scope and geographic data. Further research into regional forestry service pricing would be necessary for a definitive comparison.

What are the risks associated with using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for this type of contract?

Using SAP for this contract, while efficient, carries risks such as potentially higher prices due to limited competition and reduced transparency. There's also a risk that innovative solutions or a wider range of qualified vendors might be overlooked. Ensuring robust performance monitoring is crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure value for money.

How effectively does this contract contribute to the Forest Service's long-term forest management goals?

This contract directly supports the Forest Service's goal of accurate timber inventory and assessment, which is fundamental for sustainable forest management, resource planning, and ecological monitoring. By ensuring reliable data on timber resources, it enables informed decision-making for conservation, harvesting, and wildfire mitigation efforts, thus contributing significantly to long-term objectives.

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: 12363N26Q4078

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1095 SPRINGFIELD DR, DE PERE, WI, 54115

Business Categories: Category Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,996

Exercised Options: $23,996

Current Obligation: $23,996

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12363N24A4005

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline