Forest Service Spends $3,380 on Engine Chassis Repair and Apparatus Relocation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,380 ($3.4K)

Contractor: Line-X of Knoxville, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-30

End Date: 2026-07-30

Contract Duration: 91 days

Daily Burn Rate: $37/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: REMOVE FLATBED AND FIRE APPARATUS FROM AN EXISTING USFS AGENCY TYPE 6 ENGINE CHASSIS WITH A DEFECTIVE CHASSIS MOTOR AND RELOCATE THE REMOVED FLATBED/FIRE APPARATUS ONTO A NEW US FOREST SERVICE CHASSIS. GOVERNMENT WILL DELIVER TRAILER AND PICK UP TRAI

Place of Performance

Location: ROBBINSVILLE, GRAHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28771

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $3,379.95 to LINE-X OF KNOXVILLE, LLC for work described as: REMOVE FLATBED AND FIRE APPARATUS FROM AN EXISTING USFS AGENCY TYPE 6 ENGINE CHASSIS WITH A DEFECTIVE CHASSIS MOTOR AND RELOCATE THE REMOVED FLATBED/FIRE APPARATUS ONTO A NEW US FOREST SERVICE CHASSIS. GOVERNMENT WILL DELIVER TRAILER AND PICK UP TRAI Key points: 1. The contract focuses on specialized vehicle repair and component transfer, indicating a need for specific automotive expertise. 2. LINE-X OF KNOXVILLE, LLC secured this contract, suggesting potential competition within the general automotive repair sector. 3. The primary risk lies in the potential for further mechanical issues with the existing chassis or the transfer process. 4. This expenditure falls under the 'General Automotive Repair' sector, a common area for government vehicle maintenance.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The total award amount of $3,379.95 appears low for the described work, which involves removing and relocating significant components. It's unclear if this price adequately covers labor, specialized equipment, and potential unforeseen issues with the defective chassis.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting it was likely a small dollar value procurement. The specific competition method and how price was discovered are not detailed, but SAP typically aims for fair and reasonable pricing through quotes.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer impact is minimal given the low dollar amount, but efficiency in repair and reuse of existing apparatus is a positive fiscal consideration.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational capability for a USFS Type 6 Engine by addressing a defective chassis. Supports the Forest Service's mission by maintaining essential firefighting equipment. The repair and relocation process aims to maximize the utility of existing government assets.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for underestimation of repair complexity
Reliance on a single vendor for specialized work
Defective chassis may lead to further costs

Positive Signals

Extends life of existing fire apparatus
Cost-effective solution compared to new equipment
Supports agency operational readiness

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the General Automotive Repair sector, which is crucial for maintaining government fleets. Spending benchmarks for such specialized repairs can vary widely based on the complexity of the vehicle and the specific components involved.

Small Business Impact

The contract was competed under SAP, which often favors small businesses. However, without specific details on the number of quotes received or the size of the awardee, it's difficult to definitively assess the small business impact.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is a Purchase Order, a common method for smaller procurements. Oversight would typically involve ensuring the work is completed according to specifications and within the delivery timeline.

Related Government Programs

General Automotive Repair
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if chassis issues are more severe
Risk of delays if specialized parts are needed
Dependence on vendor's expertise for critical component transfer
Unclear long-term reliability of the repaired chassis

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $3,379.95 to LINE-X OF KNOXVILLE, LLC. REMOVE FLATBED AND FIRE APPARATUS FROM AN EXISTING USFS AGENCY TYPE 6 ENGINE CHASSIS WITH A DEFECTIVE CHASSIS MOTOR AND RELOCATE THE REMOVED FLATBED/FIRE APPARATUS ONTO A NEW US FOREST SERVICE CHASSIS. GOVERNMENT WILL DELIVER TRAILER AND PICK UP TRAI

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LINE-X OF KNOXVILLE, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3,379.95.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-30. End: 2026-07-30.

What is the estimated cost savings of repairing and relocating the apparatus compared to purchasing a new Type 6 Engine?

Without detailed cost breakdowns for new equipment and the full scope of repair, it's difficult to quantify savings precisely. However, the $3,380 cost suggests a significant saving compared to the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars for a new engine chassis and apparatus.

What are the long-term risks associated with placing the fire apparatus on a chassis with a previously identified defective motor?

The primary long-term risk is that the defective motor, even if repaired, could fail again, leading to further downtime and repair costs. There's also a risk that the transfer process itself could reveal other underlying issues with the chassis or the apparatus, necessitating additional work.

How effectively does this repair strategy contribute to the overall readiness and operational capability of the USFS firefighting fleet?

This strategy contributes effectively by extending the life of existing, specialized equipment at a relatively low cost. It allows the Forest Service to maintain a functional Type 6 Engine, crucial for certain types of wildland fires, without the immediate capital outlay of a new vehicle.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Automotive Repair and Maintenance › General Automotive Repair

Product/Service Code: MAINT/REPAIR SHOP EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 12444026Q0050

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8812 KINGSTON PIKE, KNOXVILLE, TN, 37923

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,380

Exercised Options: $3,380

Current Obligation: $3,380

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline