Forest Service Awards $707K Contract for Chemical Toilet Replacement at Chattooga River Recreation Sites

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $707,024 ($707.0K)

Contractor: Hydra Engineering & Construction, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-09-29

End Date: 2026-06-26

Contract Duration: 270 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: GAOA PROJECT 8CS CHATTOOGA RIVER DISTRICT-WIDE CHEMICAL TOILET REPLACEMENT. WPAP#712926. PROJECT SCOPE: CONSTRUCTION TO REPLACE THREE CHEMICAL TOILETS AT LOW GAP, UPPER CHATT, AND WARWOMAN REC SITES AND ASSOCIATED SITE WORK.

Place of Performance

Location: CLAYTON, RABUN County, GEORGIA, 30525

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $707,024.1 to HYDRA ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION, LLC for work described as: GAOA PROJECT 8CS CHATTOOGA RIVER DISTRICT-WIDE CHEMICAL TOILET REPLACEMENT. WPAP#712926. PROJECT SCOPE: CONSTRUCTION TO REPLACE THREE CHEMICAL TOILETS AT LOW GAP, UPPER CHATT, AND WARWOMAN REC SITES AND ASSOCIATED SITE WORK. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on replacing three chemical toilets and associated site work at specific recreation areas. 2. Hydra Engineering & Construction, LLC, secured the award. 3. The project falls under the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction NAICS code. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating a set cost for the work.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $707,024.10 for replacing three chemical toilets and site work appears to be on the higher end for this type of construction project. Benchmarking against similar small-scale construction or renovation projects would be necessary to determine if the pricing is competitive.

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,' suggesting a competitive process was used, but specific details on source exclusion are not provided. This method aims for broad participation while potentially allowing for specific qualifications.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential infrastructure upgrades at public recreation sites, aiming to improve facilities and user experience.

Public Impact

Enhances visitor experience at popular Chattooga River recreation sites. Improves sanitation and environmental conditions at Low Gap, Upper Chatt, and Warwoman Rec Sites. Supports local infrastructure development within the Forest Service's operational areas.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site work is required.
Limited scope may not address broader facility needs.
Dependence on a single contractor for project completion.

Positive Signals

Clear project scope for essential facility replacement.
Competitive bidding process likely ensured reasonable pricing.
Firm Fixed Price contract limits cost uncertainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

This project falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Spending in this sector for government projects can vary widely based on scale and complexity, but this specific contract appears to be for a relatively small-scale construction task.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Hydra Engineering & Construction, LLC. Information regarding whether this company qualifies as a small business is not explicitly provided in the data, nor is there an indication of specific small business set-asides for this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is a Delivery Order under a larger contract vehicle. Oversight will likely involve monitoring project progress, adherence to scope, and quality of work by the Forest Service contracting officer's representative to ensure taxpayer funds are used effectively.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep in 'associated site work'.
Lack of detail on specific exclusion criteria for competition.
No information on long-term maintenance costs or contractor performance history.
Contract duration of 270 days may be tight for unforeseen construction issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $707,024.1 to HYDRA ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION, LLC. GAOA PROJECT 8CS CHATTOOGA RIVER DISTRICT-WIDE CHEMICAL TOILET REPLACEMENT. WPAP#712926. PROJECT SCOPE: CONSTRUCTION TO REPLACE THREE CHEMICAL TOILETS AT LOW GAP, UPPER CHATT, AND WARWOMAN REC SITES AND ASSOCIATED SITE WORK.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HYDRA ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $707,024.1.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-29. End: 2026-06-26.

What is the specific justification for excluding other sources if the competition was 'full and open'?

The term 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' typically implies that while the solicitation was broadly advertised, certain sources were intentionally excluded based on specific criteria, such as past performance, technical capabilities, or unique qualifications. Without further details on the solicitation or award process, the precise reasons for exclusion remain unclear but are usually documented in the contract file.

How does the per-unit cost of replacing these chemical toilets compare to industry benchmarks?

Benchmarking the per-unit cost is challenging without more detailed cost breakdowns. However, $707,024 for three units and associated site work suggests a significant investment per site. A detailed cost analysis comparing labor, materials, and site preparation for similar projects would be needed to assess if this represents good value or if costs are inflated.

What is the long-term maintenance plan and cost associated with these new chemical toilets?

The provided data focuses solely on the initial construction and replacement cost. Information regarding the long-term maintenance strategy, expected lifespan of the new units, and associated operational costs for the Forest Service is not included. Understanding these factors is crucial for a complete assessment of the project's overall value and effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 36 JASPER THOMAS RD, CRAWFORDVILLE, FL, 32327

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $707,024

Exercised Options: $707,024

Current Obligation: $707,024

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140F0822D0055

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline