Forest Service awards $635K task order for disaster fuels treatment in Montana

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $634,942 ($634.9K)

Contractor: Sprout Forestry Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-03-05

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 209 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TASK ORDER ON R1/ R4 MECHANICAL FUELS TREATMENT MULTIPLE-AWARD TASK ORDER CONTRACT #1284LM22D0030 FOR DISASTER FY25 SIOUX RD BLOW DOWN - WASTE AND DEBRIS EH/LP/ESP TO1

Place of Performance

Location: BOZEMAN, GALLATIN County, MONTANA, 59771

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $634,942 to SPROUT FORESTRY INCORPORATED for work described as: TASK ORDER ON R1/ R4 MECHANICAL FUELS TREATMENT MULTIPLE-AWARD TASK ORDER CONTRACT #1284LM22D0030 FOR DISASTER FY25 SIOUX RD BLOW DOWN - WASTE AND DEBRIS EH/LP/ESP TO1 Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical post-disaster waste and debris removal. 2. Task order awarded under a multiple-award contract, suggesting pre-competed services. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks. 4. Short performance period indicates a focused, immediate need. 5. Geographic focus on Montana highlights regional disaster preparedness efforts.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The awarded amount of $634,942 for mechanical fuels treatment and waste removal appears reasonable for a task order of this nature. Without specific benchmarks for similar disaster recovery operations in Montana, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty. The duration of approximately 7 months for completion suggests a focused effort, and the pricing should be evaluated against the scope of work and expected outcomes in debris removal and site restoration.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This task order was awarded under a full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple potential contractors were considered. The use of a multiple-award contract vehicle likely means that a broad range of qualified vendors were vetted initially. The specific competition for this task order would involve a review of proposals from those on the multiple-award list, aiming to secure the best value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better pricing for taxpayers by encouraging a wider pool of bidders to offer competitive rates.

Public Impact

Benefits residents and ecosystems in Montana by mitigating wildfire risks and restoring areas affected by disasters. Delivers essential services for waste and debris removal following natural events. Geographic impact is concentrated in Montana, addressing specific regional needs. Supports the forestry and environmental services workforce through contract execution.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if unforeseen debris or treatment needs arise beyond the initial assessment.
Dependence on contractor's ability to mobilize resources quickly for disaster response.
Environmental compliance during debris removal and site restoration needs careful monitoring.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
Awarded under a multiple-award contract suggests pre-qualification of vendors.
Short performance period indicates a focused and urgent requirement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader 'Support Activities for Forestry' sector, which encompasses a range of services aimed at managing and protecting forest resources. The market includes companies specializing in environmental services, land management, and disaster recovery. Spending in this area is often driven by environmental regulations, conservation efforts, and the increasing frequency of natural disasters requiring mitigation and restoration. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within other federal or state contracts for similar fuels treatment and debris removal projects.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While the prime contractor, Sprout Forestry Incorporated, may be a small business, the award process itself did not include a small business set-aside. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist depending on the prime contractor's strategy and the nature of the work required, but this is not explicitly detailed in the provided information.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this task order would typically be managed by the Forest Service contracting officer and project managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Forestry and Wildland Fire Management
Disaster Recovery and Debris Removal
Environmental Remediation Services
Federal Land Management Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues if contractor lacks adequate resources.
Risk of environmental non-compliance during debris removal.
Weather-related delays could impact project timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $634,942 to SPROUT FORESTRY INCORPORATED. TASK ORDER ON R1/ R4 MECHANICAL FUELS TREATMENT MULTIPLE-AWARD TASK ORDER CONTRACT #1284LM22D0030 FOR DISASTER FY25 SIOUX RD BLOW DOWN - WASTE AND DEBRIS EH/LP/ESP TO1

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SPROUT FORESTRY INCORPORATED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $634,942.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-05. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of Sprout Forestry Incorporated in performing similar fuels treatment and disaster recovery contracts for the federal government?

Assessing the track record of Sprout Forestry Incorporated requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving mechanical fuels treatment and disaster-related debris removal. This would involve examining contract databases for previous awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any documented issues or successes. A history of successful, timely, and cost-effective completion of similar projects would indicate a lower performance risk for this current task order. Conversely, a history of delays, cost overruns, or poor performance would raise concerns about their capability to execute this contract effectively.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated cost or market rates for similar mechanical fuels treatment and debris removal services in Montana?

To benchmark the value for money, the awarded amount of $634,942 needs to be compared against independent government cost estimates (if available) or market research data for similar services in the specific geographic region of Montana. This involves analyzing the scope of work, the types and quantities of debris to be removed, the complexity of the mechanical treatment, and the duration of the contract (209 days). If the awarded price is significantly lower than estimates or market rates, it could indicate excellent value or potential underbidding. If it's higher, it warrants closer scrutiny of the scope and contractor's proposed approach to ensure fair pricing.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific task order, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Key risks for this task order include potential delays due to weather or unforeseen site conditions, contractor performance issues, and environmental compliance challenges during debris removal. Mitigation strategies likely involve clear contract language defining deliverables and timelines, robust government oversight by contracting officers and technical representatives, and adherence to environmental regulations. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract also incentivizes the contractor to manage costs and timelines effectively. The short performance period may also reduce the window for significant delays.

How effective is the Forest Service's use of multiple-award task order contracts (MATOCs) for managing disaster response and fuels treatment needs?

The use of MATOCs by the Forest Service for disaster response and fuels treatment is generally considered an effective strategy for streamlining procurement and ensuring rapid access to pre-vetted capabilities. MATOCs allow agencies to quickly issue task orders for specific needs without lengthy, full-and-open competitions for each individual requirement. This approach can lead to faster response times, particularly crucial in disaster scenarios. However, the effectiveness hinges on the initial competition for the MATOC itself and the subsequent competition among awardees for each task order to ensure fair pricing and optimal performance.

What is the historical spending pattern for mechanical fuels treatment and disaster debris removal by the Forest Service in Montana?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for mechanical fuels treatment and disaster debris removal in Montana would involve examining past Forest Service contracts within the state. This data would reveal the frequency, scale, and average costs of such operations over several fiscal years. Understanding these patterns helps in budgeting, forecasting future needs, and identifying trends in contract awards, including the types of services most frequently procured and the contractors most often engaged. Significant fluctuations in spending could indicate responses to major wildfire seasons or other natural disasters.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 576 MAVERICK ST, CENTRAL POINT, OR, 97502

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $634,942

Exercised Options: $634,942

Current Obligation: $634,942

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1284LM22D0025

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline