Forest Service Orders 107,000 Longleaf Seedlings for $9,156, Aiming for Forest Restoration
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,156 ($9.2K)
Contractor: PRT USA Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture
Start Date: 2025-08-18
End Date: 2026-01-30
Contract Duration: 165 days
Daily Burn Rate: $55/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: CROATAN & UWHARRIE IFCO TREE SEEDLING ORDER DELIVER 50,000 CONTAINERIZED LONGLEAF SEEDLINGS TO CNF. DELIVER 57,000 CONTAINERIZED LONGLEAF SEED TO UNF
Place of Performance
Location: NEW BERN, CRAVEN County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28560
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Agriculture obligated $9,155.67 to PRT USA INC for work described as: CROATAN & UWHARRIE IFCO TREE SEEDLING ORDER DELIVER 50,000 CONTAINERIZED LONGLEAF SEEDLINGS TO CNF. DELIVER 57,000 CONTAINERIZED LONGLEAF SEED TO UNF Key points: 1. The order supports critical reforestation efforts in North Carolina. 2. PRT USA INC is the sole awardee, indicating a potentially limited supplier pool. 3. The firm fixed price contract mitigates cost overrun risk. 4. This purchase falls under the 'Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products' NAICS code.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The price of $9,155.67 for 107,000 seedlings appears reasonable, averaging approximately $0.086 per seedling. This is competitive given the specialized nature of containerized longleaf seedlings.
Cost Per Unit: $0.086
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a limited competition approach. This method may not have achieved the lowest possible price compared to broader full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for essential ecological restoration, providing long-term environmental benefits.
Public Impact
Supports ecological restoration and biodiversity in North Carolina's national forests. Ensures the availability of native longleaf pine, a crucial species for the region's ecosystem. Contributes to carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation efforts. Provides seedlings for future timber resources and forest health.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 55 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may have resulted in a higher price than potentially achievable.
- Reliance on a single supplier could pose a risk if delivery or quality issues arise.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical environmental restoration goals.
- Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
- Specific focus on longleaf pine, an important native species.
Sector Analysis
This purchase falls within the Forest Service's broader mission of managing and restoring national forests. Spending on seedlings is a standard component of reforestation programs, benchmarked against the needs and costs of ecological restoration projects.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, PRT USA INC, is not indicated as a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were solicited or had the opportunity to compete.
Oversight & Accountability
The Forest Service's procurement process, including the justification for excluding sources, should be reviewed to ensure adherence to regulations and optimal use of taxpayer funds.
Related Government Programs
- Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products
- Department of Agriculture Contracting
- Forest Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for higher pricing due to limited competition
- Supplier dependency risk
- Lack of small business participation noted
Tags
forest-nurseries-and-gathering-of-forest, department-of-agriculture, nc, delivery-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Agriculture awarded $9,155.67 to PRT USA INC. CROATAN & UWHARRIE IFCO TREE SEEDLING ORDER DELIVER 50,000 CONTAINERIZED LONGLEAF SEEDLINGS TO CNF. DELIVER 57,000 CONTAINERIZED LONGLEAF SEED TO UNF
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PRT USA INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $9,155.67.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-08-18. End: 2026-01-30.
What was the specific justification for excluding other sources in the competition?
The justification for excluding other sources is critical to understanding the procurement's fairness and potential price impact. Without this information, it's difficult to assess if the limited competition was truly necessary or if it led to a suboptimal price for the government. Further review of the contract file is recommended.
Are there alternative suppliers for containerized longleaf seedlings in the region?
Investigating the availability of alternative suppliers is key to assessing future competition. If other qualified nurseries exist, the Forest Service should explore broader solicitations to foster competition and potentially secure better pricing. This also mitigates risks associated with sole-source or limited-source awards.
What is the long-term cost-benefit of using these seedlings for reforestation?
The long-term cost-benefit involves evaluating the success rate of seedling establishment, growth to maturity, and the ecological and economic returns (e.g., timber, carbon sequestration, habitat). While the initial cost is $9,155.67, the ultimate value lies in the successful restoration and health of the forest ecosystem over decades.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting › Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products › Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products
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: 31783 S MERIDIAN RD, HUBBARD, OR, 97032
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $9,156
Exercised Options: $9,156
Current Obligation: $9,156
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 12444024D0007
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-08-18
Current End Date: 2026-01-30
Potential End Date: 2026-01-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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