Forest Service awards $50.4K contract for Prescott Bridge inspections to DER Engineering, P.L.C

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $50,400 ($50.4K)

Contractor: DER Engineering, P.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-07-03

Contract Duration: 91 days

Daily Burn Rate: $554/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Engineering Services

Official Description: PRESCOTT BRIDGE INSPECTIONS AND ASSESSMENTS

Place of Performance

Location: PRESCOTT, YAVAPAI County, ARIZONA, 86303

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $50,400 to DER ENGINEERING, P.L.C. for work described as: PRESCOTT BRIDGE INSPECTIONS AND ASSESSMENTS Key points: 1. Contract value is modest at $50.4K, suggesting a focused scope. 2. Competition method 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' indicates a streamlined process for smaller procurements. 3. Risk appears low due to the small contract value and defined scope. 4. Sector is Engineering Services, supporting infrastructure maintenance.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $50.4K for bridge inspections is reasonable for specialized engineering services. Benchmarking against similar, smaller-scale infrastructure assessment contracts would confirm pricing competitiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting it was open to a limited number of qualified vendors. This method is appropriate for smaller dollar amounts and aims for efficient price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal given the small contract value, which is appropriate for the scope of bridge inspection services.

Public Impact

Ensures safety and structural integrity of the Prescott Bridge. Supports local infrastructure maintenance and preservation efforts. Provides specialized engineering expertise for critical public assets.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if unforeseen issues arise during inspection.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical inspection services.

Positive Signals

Clear contract duration and completion date.
Use of a firm fixed-price contract limits cost overruns.
Procurement under SAP suggests efficient use of resources.

Sector Analysis

Engineering services, particularly for infrastructure like bridges, are crucial for public safety and maintenance. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on project complexity, but this contract appears to be for a routine assessment.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under SAP, which can be advantageous for small businesses. However, the data does not specify if DER ENGINEERING, P.L.C. is a small business or if small business set-asides were utilized.

Oversight & Accountability

Standard oversight for a purchase order of this value would apply, focusing on timely delivery of inspection reports and adherence to contract terms.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition to impact price.
Reliance on vendor expertise for accurate assessment.
Scope definition is critical for this type of service.
Need to ensure compliance with engineering standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $50,400 to DER ENGINEERING, P.L.C.. PRESCOTT BRIDGE INSPECTIONS AND ASSESSMENTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DER ENGINEERING, P.L.C..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $50,400.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-07-03.

What specific criteria were used to determine the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' classification, and how did this impact the final price?

SAP is typically used for procurements under the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000 for most supplies and services). This classification suggests the contract value was below this threshold, allowing for streamlined procedures like requesting quotes from a limited number of sources. This can lead to faster award times but may result in less aggressive price competition compared to full and open competition.

What are the potential risks associated with a limited competition procurement for critical infrastructure services?

Limited competition, even under SAP, can pose risks such as potentially higher prices due to reduced market pressure and a narrower pool of innovative solutions. For critical infrastructure, ensuring the selected vendor possesses the highest level of expertise and has undergone thorough vetting is paramount to mitigate risks related to inspection accuracy and safety recommendations.

How will the effectiveness of DER ENGINEERING, P.L.C.'s inspection services be measured and ensured?

Effectiveness will likely be measured by the timely delivery of a comprehensive inspection report that meets the Forest Service's specifications. The agency will review the report for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to engineering standards. Follow-up actions based on the inspection findings will also indirectly gauge the quality and usefulness of the services provided.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 127EAX26Q0013

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 171 ASPEN DR, DALEVILLE, VA, 24083

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $50,400

Exercised Options: $50,400

Current Obligation: $50,400

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline