Forest Service Awards $26K Contract for Mowing and Fence Line Maintenance in CT

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,999 ($26.0K)

Contractor: MAC Brothers, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-04-24

End Date: 2027-04-23

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $36/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ANSONIA, CT MOWING AND FENCE LINE MAINTENANCE AND HAMDEN, CT MOWING, WEEDING, TRIMMING AND FLOWER BEDS

Place of Performance

Location: THOMASTON, LITCHFIELD County, CONNECTICUT, 06787

State: Connecticut Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $25,999.2 to MAC BROTHERS, LLC for work described as: ANSONIA, CT MOWING AND FENCE LINE MAINTENANCE AND HAMDEN, CT MOWING, WEEDING, TRIMMING AND FLOWER BEDS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to MAC BROTHERS, LLC for landscaping services. 2. Competition method was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP', indicating a competitive process. 3. The contract duration is 729 days, ending April 23, 2027. 4. This award falls under NAICS code 561730 (Landscaping Services).

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $25,999.20 over two years appears reasonable for localized landscaping services. Benchmarking against similar small-scale municipal contracts would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a competitive process for smaller dollar amounts. This method aims for efficiency while still allowing for multiple bids.

Taxpayer Impact: The relatively low contract value suggests a minimal direct impact on taxpayers, with funds likely allocated from existing agency budgets for land management.

Public Impact

Ensures upkeep of federal lands, improving aesthetics and safety. Supports local businesses through contract awards. Maintains firebreaks and vegetation management critical for forest health.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price creep if scope expands beyond initial agreement.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical maintenance tasks.

Positive Signals

Competitive bidding process utilized.
Clear contract duration and deliverables.
Awarded to a small business.

Sector Analysis

The landscaping services sector is highly fragmented, with many small businesses. Federal contracts in this area typically focus on maintenance, groundskeeping, and specialized land management for public lands.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to MAC BROTHERS, LLC, which is likely a small business given the contract value and the nature of the services. This supports the government's goal of contracting with small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Standard purchase order procedures were followed. Oversight would involve monitoring service delivery against contract requirements and ensuring timely payments by the Forest Service.

Related Government Programs

Landscaping Services
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Contract value is relatively low, potentially limiting robust competition.
SAP competition may not yield the best possible price.
Scope of work details are not fully specified in the summary.
Potential for vendor performance issues over the contract term.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $25,999.2 to MAC BROTHERS, LLC. ANSONIA, CT MOWING AND FENCE LINE MAINTENANCE AND HAMDEN, CT MOWING, WEEDING, TRIMMING AND FLOWER BEDS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MAC BROTHERS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $25,999.2.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-24. End: 2027-04-23.

What is the specific scope of work for mowing and fence line maintenance?

The provided data indicates 'MOWING AND FENCE LINE MAINTENANCE' and 'MOWING, WEEDING, TRIMMING AND FLOWER BEDS'. A detailed statement of work within the contract documents would specify the exact areas, frequency, and standards for these services, including the length of fence lines and the types of mowing required.

How does the pricing compare to other landscaping contracts of similar size and scope?

Without access to a benchmark database or similar federal/state contracts for landscaping in Connecticut, a precise comparison is difficult. However, $26,000 over two years for localized maintenance suggests a modest investment, likely reflecting the specific needs and geographic area covered by this contract.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract's duration and scope?

Risks include potential underestimation of the work required, leading to cost overruns if the scope isn't strictly managed. Additionally, reliance on a single vendor for two years could pose a risk if the vendor's performance declines or they face operational challenges.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Services to Buildings and Dwellings › Landscaping Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 12444825Q0005

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1329 WATERBURY RD, THOMASTON, CT, 06787

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $70,598

Exercised Options: $25,999

Current Obligation: $25,999

Actual Outlays: $11,406

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline