Forest Service Awards $30.8M Engineering Support Contract to Case, Lowe & Hart, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,878 ($30.9K)

Contractor: Case, Lowe & Hart, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2022-11-17

End Date: 2025-11-01

Contract Duration: 1,080 days

Daily Burn Rate: $29/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Engineering Services

Official Description: AE TASK 2024 DAMS ENGINEERING SUPPORT FOR REGION 4

Place of Performance

Location: OGDEN, WEBER County, UTAH, 84401

State: Utah Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $30,877.5 to CASE, LOWE & HART, INC. for work described as: AE TASK 2024 DAMS ENGINEERING SUPPORT FOR REGION 4 Key points: 1. Contract awarded for engineering support services in Region 4. 2. The contract has a firm fixed price structure. 3. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources. 4. The contract duration is 1080 days. 5. The award value is $30,877,500.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $30.8M over approximately 3 years appears reasonable for specialized engineering support services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale engineering contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests taxpayers are likely receiving fair value for the engineering services provided.

Public Impact

Ensures critical engineering support for Forest Service operations in Region 4. Supports infrastructure maintenance and development within national forests. Provides specialized expertise for complex engineering challenges. Contributes to the long-term sustainability of forest resources.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in engineering projects.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical support.
Uncertainty in long-term cost effectiveness beyond initial award.

Positive Signals

Competitive award process.
Firm fixed price contract limits cost overruns.
Clear statement of work for engineering services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting federal land management agencies. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining and improving public infrastructure and natural resources.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. The Forest Service is responsible for monitoring performance and ensuring compliance with contract terms.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for undefined scope leading to change orders.
Contractor's past performance record.
Adequacy of the competitive process.
Long-term cost implications beyond the award period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $30,877.5 to CASE, LOWE & HART, INC.. AE TASK 2024 DAMS ENGINEERING SUPPORT FOR REGION 4

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CASE, LOWE & HART, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $30,877.5.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-11-17. End: 2025-11-01.

What specific engineering disciplines are covered under this contract, and how do they align with the Forest Service's current needs in Region 4?

The contract specifies 'Engineering Services' broadly. A detailed breakdown of disciplines like civil, structural, environmental, or geotechnical engineering would be necessary to confirm alignment with Region 4's specific infrastructure projects, maintenance backlogs, and conservation goals. Understanding the precise scope ensures the awarded services directly address the agency's most pressing engineering requirements.

How does the firm fixed price structure mitigate risks associated with potential cost overruns in complex engineering projects?

A firm fixed price (FFP) contract shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. The contractor is obligated to complete the work for the agreed-upon price, regardless of their actual costs. This structure incentivizes the contractor to manage their expenses efficiently and accurately estimate project costs upfront, thereby protecting the government from unexpected increases.

What mechanisms are in place to ensure the effectiveness and quality of the engineering services provided by Case, Lowe & Hart, Inc.?

Effectiveness and quality are typically ensured through a combination of contract clauses, performance metrics, and government oversight. This includes requirements for qualified personnel, adherence to industry standards, regular progress reporting, and government acceptance of deliverables. The Forest Service contracting officer's representative (COR) would be responsible for monitoring performance and ensuring the contractor meets all technical and quality specifications.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2484 WASHINGTON BLVD STE 510, OGDEN, UT, 84401

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $30,878

Exercised Options: $30,878

Current Obligation: $30,878

Actual Outlays: $30,878

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1240LR21D0010

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline