Forest Service awards $3.1M grounds maintenance contract to Tipton-FSI JV II, LLC in Kentucky

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,112,170 ($3.1M)

Contractor: Tipton-Fsi JV II, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-01-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 637 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SERVICES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: FACILITY AND GROUNDS CLEANING, MOWING, LANDSCAPING, EDGING, TRIMMING, WEEDING, HERBICIDE APPLICATION, LEAF REMOVAL, CLEANING AND SANITIZING FLOORS, DRINKING FOUNTAINS AND RESTROOMS, CLEANI

Place of Performance

Location: CADIZ, TRIGG County, KENTUCKY, 42211

State: Kentucky Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $3.1 million to TIPTON-FSI JV II, LLC for work described as: GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SERVICES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: FACILITY AND GROUNDS CLEANING, MOWING, LANDSCAPING, EDGING, TRIMMING, WEEDING, HERBICIDE APPLICATION, LEAF REMOVAL, CLEANING AND SANITIZING FLOORS, DRINKING FOUNTAINS AND RESTROOMS, CLEANI Key points: 1. Contract focuses on comprehensive grounds maintenance, including cleaning, landscaping, and herbicide application. 2. The contract is a delivery order under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle. 3. Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration is approximately 21 months, ending September 30, 2026. 5. The firm-fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 6. The contractor, Tipton-FSI JV II, LLC, is a joint venture. 7. The contract is not set aside for small businesses.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $3.1 million over 21 months appears reasonable for comprehensive grounds maintenance services across a significant geographic area. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for groundskeeping and facility support services would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The firm-fixed-price structure helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government, but the specific pricing details and profit margins are not publicly available for detailed assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' indicating that the solicitation was broadly advertised and multiple bids were likely considered. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, this procurement method generally fosters price discovery and encourages competitive pricing. The exclusion of sources clause might suggest specific technical requirements or past performance considerations that narrowed the field from initial broad outreach.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices and encouraging the most cost-effective solutions. This approach reduces the risk of overpayment and promotes a fair market for government contracting.

Public Impact

Benefits federal land management by ensuring the upkeep and safety of facilities and grounds within the Forest Service's jurisdiction in Kentucky. Services include essential tasks like mowing, landscaping, weed control, and general cleaning, contributing to the aesthetic and functional quality of public spaces. The geographic impact is concentrated in Kentucky, supporting local operations of the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service. The contract supports jobs within the grounds maintenance and facility services sector, likely benefiting local workforces in Kentucky.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition if 'exclusion of sources' significantly narrowed the bidder pool.
Joint venture structure may present unique management or performance dynamics.
Reliance on firm-fixed-price contracts can sometimes lead to scope creep if not managed carefully.
Performance quality of grounds maintenance can be subjective and require diligent oversight.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract duration allows for consistent service delivery over a defined period.
The contractor is a joint venture, potentially bringing combined expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Facilities Support Services sector, a broad category encompassing a wide range of services necessary for the operation and maintenance of buildings and grounds. This sector is highly competitive, with numerous small, medium, and large businesses offering specialized services. Federal spending in this area is substantial, supporting everything from janitorial services to complex building management. This specific award represents a portion of the Forest Service's broader strategy to maintain its extensive land holdings and associated infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor is there an indication of specific subcontracting goals for small businesses within the provided data. This means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this contract are likely limited to those that could compete directly with larger entities or potentially through subcontracting arrangements with the prime contractor, Tipton-FSI JV II, LLC, if they choose to engage them.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Forest Service contracting officers and project managers responsible for facilities and grounds maintenance in the relevant Kentucky region. Performance will be monitored against the terms and conditions of the firm-fixed-price delivery order, with regular inspections and reporting likely required. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though detailed performance metrics are not typically disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Federal Grounds Maintenance Contracts
Facilities Support Services IDIQ Contracts
Department of Agriculture Service Contracts
Forest Service Operational Support
Kentucky Federal Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep in firm-fixed-price contracts.
Ensuring consistent quality of services over the contract duration.
Adequate oversight of joint venture performance.
Market competitiveness may be affected by 'exclusion of sources' criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $3.1 million to TIPTON-FSI JV II, LLC. GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SERVICES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: FACILITY AND GROUNDS CLEANING, MOWING, LANDSCAPING, EDGING, TRIMMING, WEEDING, HERBICIDE APPLICATION, LEAF REMOVAL, CLEANING AND SANITIZING FLOORS, DRINKING FOUNTAINS AND RESTROOMS, CLEANI

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TIPTON-FSI JV II, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-01-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of Tipton-FSI JV II, LLC in performing similar grounds maintenance contracts for the federal government?

Assessing the track record of Tipton-FSI JV II, LLC is crucial for understanding their capability to deliver on this $3.1 million contract. As a joint venture, its performance history might be a composite of its constituent members' past experiences or reflect the JV's specific operational history. Publicly available data on federal contract awards can reveal previous contracts held by Tipton-FSI JV II, LLC, including their value, duration, agency, and performance ratings if available. Analyzing these past engagements can highlight their experience with similar scope, scale, and complexity of grounds maintenance, identify any performance issues or commendations, and provide insights into their reliability and efficiency. Without specific past performance data, it's difficult to definitively gauge their suitability beyond the fact they were selected through a competitive process.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar grounds maintenance services in Kentucky?

The awarded value of $3.1 million for approximately 21 months of grounds maintenance services needs to be benchmarked against prevailing market rates in Kentucky. This comparison should consider factors such as the scope of services (mowing, landscaping, cleaning, herbicide application), the size and type of facilities maintained, and the specific geographic locations within Kentucky. Industry reports, commercial landscaping bids, and data from similar federal contracts awarded in the region can serve as benchmarks. A higher-than-market rate could indicate potential inefficiencies or a lack of robust competition, while a lower rate might suggest aggressive pricing or potential risks to service quality. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract means the government has a defined cost, but understanding the underlying value requires market context.

What are the primary risks associated with this firm-fixed-price contract for grounds maintenance?

The primary risks associated with this firm-fixed-price contract for grounds maintenance revolve around potential scope creep and the contractor's ability to maintain quality while adhering to the fixed price. If the government requires services beyond the initially defined scope, managing change orders and associated costs becomes critical. For the contractor, the risk lies in underestimating the labor, materials, or time required, potentially leading to reduced profit margins or an incentive to cut corners on service quality to remain profitable. Ensuring clear contract language, diligent oversight of work performed, and effective communication channels are essential to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives the expected level of service within the agreed-upon budget.

How effective is the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method in ensuring value for money in this case?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method aims to balance broad market access with specific requirements, potentially enhancing value for money. By initially opening the competition broadly, the government seeks a wide range of potential bidders, fostering price competition. The subsequent 'exclusion of sources' suggests that certain criteria (e.g., technical capabilities, past performance, specific certifications) were applied to narrow the field, ensuring that only qualified and capable contractors remained. This targeted approach can prevent the award of contracts to less suitable bidders, reducing the risk of poor performance or cost overruns. However, if the exclusion criteria were too restrictive, it could inadvertently limit competition, potentially leading to higher prices than under truly unrestricted full and open competition.

What are the historical spending patterns for grounds maintenance services by the Forest Service in Kentucky?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for grounds maintenance by the Forest Service in Kentucky is vital for contextualizing the current $3.1 million award. This involves examining previous contract values, durations, and the number of contractors utilized for similar services in the region over the past several fiscal years. Understanding trends—whether spending has increased, decreased, or remained stable—can indicate shifts in Forest Service needs, budget allocations, or contracting strategies. Comparing the current contract's value and duration against historical averages helps determine if it represents a typical investment, a significant increase, or a decrease. This historical perspective aids in assessing the long-term financial commitment and the efficiency of resource allocation for grounds maintenance in Kentucky.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

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: 152 GLEN HOLLIDAY RD, INDIAN MOUND, TN, 37079

Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,112,170

Exercised Options: $3,112,170

Current Obligation: $3,112,170

Actual Outlays: $2,751,945

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12443923D0003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline