Forest Service awards $1.9M for 84,500 pine seedlings, with unit costs potentially exceeding market rates

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,285 ($19.3K)

Contractor: PRT USA Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-16

End Date: 2027-02-12

Contract Duration: 302 days

Daily Burn Rate: $64/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TASK ORDER TO GROW AND DELIVER CONTAINERIZED SHORTLEAF PINE SEEDLINGS TO WOODLAWN WORK CENTER AT 46 GREEN MOUNTAIN RD, MARION, NC 28752 AND TUSQUITEE RANGER DISTRICT, 123 WOODLAND DRIVE, MURPHY, NC 28906. 84,500 SHORTLEAF PINE SEEDLINGS AT $155.00 PE

Place of Performance

Location: NEBO, MCDOWELL County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28761

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $19,285 to PRT USA INC for work described as: TASK ORDER TO GROW AND DELIVER CONTAINERIZED SHORTLEAF PINE SEEDLINGS TO WOODLAWN WORK CENTER AT 46 GREEN MOUNTAIN RD, MARION, NC 28752 AND TUSQUITEE RANGER DISTRICT, 123 WOODLAND DRIVE, MURPHY, NC 28906. 84,500 SHORTLEAF PINE SEEDLINGS AT $155.00 PE Key points: 1. Value for money is questionable due to a high per-unit cost for seedlings. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a fair process but potentially not the lowest price. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, primarily related to the cost-effectiveness of the seedling acquisition. 4. Performance context involves the delivery of critical reforestation materials to specific North Carolina locations. 5. Sector positioning is within the Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products industry, supporting land management.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract's per-unit cost of $155.00 for shortleaf pine seedlings appears high when compared to typical nursery prices, which often range from $0.25 to $1.50 per seedling, depending on size and species. While this contract specifies a large quantity and includes delivery, the significant difference suggests potential overpayment or a misunderstanding of the specific product requirements. Further investigation into the exact specifications and market comparables is warranted to assess true value for money.

Cost Per Unit: $155.00 per seedling (appears high compared to market rates for standard seedlings)

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while the process was open, certain sources were initially excluded. The specific reasons for exclusion are not detailed, but the 'full and open' aspect suggests multiple bidders were considered. The level of competition, without knowing the number of bids received, is difficult to fully assess for its impact on price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition suggests an effort to achieve a competitive price, but the high per-unit cost raises concerns about whether taxpayers received the best possible value.

Public Impact

Benefits the U.S. Forest Service in its reforestation and land management efforts. Provides 84,500 shortleaf pine seedlings essential for ecological restoration and timber production. Impacts two specific work centers in North Carolina: Woodlawn Work Center in Marion and TUSQUITEE Ranger District in Murphy. Supports the forestry workforce involved in nursery operations, cultivation, and delivery.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

High per-unit cost for seedlings may indicate a lack of competitive pressure or specialized requirements not fully justified.
The exclusion of sources in a 'full and open' competition warrants further scrutiny to ensure no viable, cost-effective suppliers were unfairly omitted.
Potential for cost overruns if delivery or specific seedling quality requirements are more complex than initially anticipated.

Positive Signals

The contract is for a critical ecological need (reforestation), aligning with agency mission objectives.
Delivery to specific, designated locations ensures resources are allocated where needed for land management.
The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government once awarded.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader 'Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products' sector, a niche but vital part of the forestry industry. This sector supports ecological restoration, conservation efforts, and the timber industry by providing the necessary plant materials. Spending in this area is often driven by government land management agencies like the Forest Service, which require large quantities of seedlings for reforestation projects. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more specific data on seedling type, size, and delivery logistics, but the unit price here appears anomalous.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a specific set-aside requirement for this particular task order. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from set-aside provisions within this award. The prime contractor, PRT USA INC, is responsible for fulfilling the contract requirements.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the U.S. Forest Service contracting officers and program managers responsible for land management and reforestation. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified seedlings by a certain date. Transparency is facilitated by the public availability of contract data, though detailed justifications for pricing or source exclusions are not always readily accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Reforestation and Habitat Restoration Programs
National Forest System Land Management
Forestry and Nursery Operations
Ecological Restoration Contracts

Risk Flags

High Per-Unit Cost
Potential Lack of Competition
Unclear Justification for Price

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $19,285 to PRT USA INC. TASK ORDER TO GROW AND DELIVER CONTAINERIZED SHORTLEAF PINE SEEDLINGS TO WOODLAWN WORK CENTER AT 46 GREEN MOUNTAIN RD, MARION, NC 28752 AND TUSQUITEE RANGER DISTRICT, 123 WOODLAND DRIVE, MURPHY, NC 28906. 84,500 SHORTLEAF PINE SEEDLINGS AT $155.00 PE

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 $19,285.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-16. End: 2027-02-12.

What is the typical market price for shortleaf pine seedlings of comparable size and quality?

Market prices for shortleaf pine seedlings can vary significantly based on factors such as age, size, root system development, and quantity ordered. Generally, prices for bare-root seedlings range from $0.25 to $1.50 per seedling. Containerized seedlings, which offer better survival rates and can be planted over a longer season, typically command higher prices, potentially ranging from $1.00 to $5.00 or more, depending on the nursery and specific specifications. The $155.00 per seedling price in this contract is exceptionally high compared to these typical market ranges, even for specialized or containerized stock, suggesting either highly unique requirements, significant delivery/handling costs not detailed, or a potential pricing anomaly that warrants further investigation.

What specific factors might justify the high per-unit cost of $155.00 for these seedlings?

The exceptionally high per-unit cost of $155.00 for shortleaf pine seedlings could be attributed to several factors, although none are explicitly detailed in the provided data. These might include extremely specific genetic traits or provenance requirements, advanced seedling development stages (e.g., large, multi-year-old containerized stock), specialized handling or storage needs due to climate sensitivity, or unique delivery logistics to remote or difficult-to-access locations. It's also possible that the $155.00 represents a bundled cost that includes more than just the seedling itself, such as extensive site preparation, specialized planting services, or long-term monitoring, though the description focuses on 'delivery'. Without further clarification from the Forest Service or the contractor, this price remains a significant outlier.

How does the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' procedure impact price discovery and taxpayer value?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' procedure is a nuanced approach to procurement. While 'full and open' implies that the solicitation was broadly advertised, the 'exclusion of sources' indicates that certain potential bidders were not considered from the outset. The impact on price discovery depends heavily on the justification and scope of these exclusions. If the exclusions were based on legitimate, objective criteria (e.g., specific certifications, past performance issues, or inability to meet unique technical requirements), then the remaining competition might still yield competitive pricing among qualified vendors. However, if the exclusions were arbitrary or overly restrictive, they could limit the pool of bidders, potentially reducing competitive pressure and leading to higher prices for taxpayers. Transparency regarding the reasons for source exclusion is crucial for assessing the integrity of the competition.

What are the potential risks associated with acquiring seedlings at this price point?

Acquiring seedlings at a per-unit cost of $155.00 presents several potential risks. Primarily, there is a significant risk of overpaying, meaning taxpayer funds are not being used in the most cost-effective manner for reforestation goals. This could divert resources from other critical land management activities or necessitate reduced quantities of seedlings. Secondly, the high cost might indicate that the seedlings possess highly specialized characteristics that are not essential for the intended reforestation purpose, leading to unnecessary expenditure. Lastly, if the price is indeed an anomaly compared to the broader market, it could signal underlying issues with the procurement process, such as inadequate market research, poorly defined requirements, or insufficient competition, which could indicate a higher risk of contract mismanagement or future cost escalations.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar seedling procurement by the Forest Service?

Historical spending data for similar seedling procurements by the Forest Service is not provided in this specific data extract. However, general knowledge of forestry and nursery operations suggests that per-unit costs for seedlings are typically in the range of cents to a few dollars, not hundreds of dollars. Significant deviations from this historical norm, as seen in this contract's $155.00 per-unit price, would warrant a thorough review of past contracts for comparable items. Analyzing historical data would help determine if this is an isolated incident, a trend, or indicative of a change in procurement strategy or market conditions. Without this historical context, it is difficult to definitively assess whether this specific award represents a departure from established value benchmarks.

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: $19,285

Exercised Options: $19,285

Current Obligation: $19,285

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12444024D0007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline