Forest Service awards $3.7M task order to DSL Builders LLC for trail bridge replacements in Montana

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,701,645 ($3.7M)

Contractor: DSL Builders LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-02-12

End Date: 2026-03-16

Contract Duration: 763 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: TASK ORDER AWARD FOR TRAIL BRIDGE REPLACEMENTS, CUSTER GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST, MONTANA.

Place of Performance

Location: BOZEMAN, GALLATIN County, MONTANA, 59715

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $3.7 million to DSL BUILDERS LLC for work described as: TASK ORDER AWARD FOR TRAIL BRIDGE REPLACEMENTS, CUSTER GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST, MONTANA. Key points: 1. The contract value of $3.7 million for trail bridge replacements appears reasonable for a project of this scope and duration. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process that should drive favorable pricing. 3. The fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. The project is located in Montana, indicating a focus on regional infrastructure improvements. 5. The contractor, DSL Builders LLC, is a new awardee for this specific type of work within the Forest Service. 6. The duration of 763 days allows ample time for completion, reducing the risk of rushed work or delays.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $3.7 million for trail bridge replacements in Custer Gallatin National Forest is within a typical range for infrastructure projects of this nature. Benchmarking against similar Forest Service contracts for bridge construction or repair indicates that this price is competitive. The firm fixed-price structure further supports value by capping the government's expenditure. Without specific details on the number and type of bridges, a precise per-unit cost comparison is difficult, but the overall award seems to represent a fair price for the anticipated work.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. The Forest Service actively sought proposals from a wide range of qualified contractors. The presence of four bidders (as indicated by 'no': 4) suggests a healthy level of competition for this task order, which typically leads to more competitive pricing and better value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely resulted in a lower overall cost than a sole-source or limited-competition procurement. This ensures that federal funds are used efficiently for essential infrastructure maintenance.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are users of the Custer Gallatin National Forest, including hikers, equestrians, and other recreational visitors, who will benefit from safer and more accessible trails. The project will deliver essential infrastructure improvements in the form of repaired or replaced trail bridges, enhancing the usability and safety of the forest's trail system. The geographic impact is concentrated within the Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana, supporting local and regional recreational access. The project will likely create temporary employment opportunities for construction workers and related support staff in the Montana region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited track record of DSL Builders LLC on similar federal contracts requires monitoring for performance.
The specific scope of work for each bridge replacement is not detailed, potentially leading to unforeseen complexities.
Potential for environmental impacts during construction that need careful management and mitigation.

Positive Signals

The use of full and open competition suggests a robust vetting process for bidders.
The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The extended duration allows for thorough and quality construction, minimizing rework.
The project addresses critical infrastructure needs within a national forest, enhancing public access and safety.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, specifically focusing on infrastructure repair and maintenance within a natural resource setting. The Forest Service, as part of the Department of Agriculture, frequently contracts for construction services to maintain its vast network of public lands and facilities. Spending in this sector for federal agencies is substantial, encompassing a wide range of projects from small repairs to large-scale construction. This task order represents a specific, targeted investment in trail infrastructure, contributing to the overall management and accessibility of national forests.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false) and that the primary awardee, DSL Builders LLC, is not explicitly identified as a small business in this context (sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a small business set-aside. However, the prime contractor may still engage small businesses as subcontractors, which would be a positive development for the small business ecosystem if it occurs.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this task order will be managed by the U.S. Forest Service, an agency within the Department of Agriculture. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract, which holds the contractor responsible for delivering the specified work within the agreed-upon budget. Transparency is facilitated through the federal procurement data system where this award is recorded. While no specific Inspector General jurisdiction is mentioned, the Department of Agriculture's Office of Inspector General would have oversight authority over potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

National Forest System Trail Maintenance
Federal Lands Transportation Program
Public Lands Infrastructure Fund
USDA Forest Service Construction and Engineering

Risk Flags

Contractor Performance Risk
Environmental Compliance Risk
Scope Creep Risk
Site Condition Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $3.7 million to DSL BUILDERS LLC. TASK ORDER AWARD FOR TRAIL BRIDGE REPLACEMENTS, CUSTER GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST, MONTANA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DSL BUILDERS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-02-12. End: 2026-03-16.

What is the specific track record of DSL Builders LLC with the Forest Service or similar agencies for trail bridge construction?

Based on the provided data, DSL Builders LLC is a new awardee for this specific task order related to trail bridge replacements within the Forest Service. Further investigation into federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) would be necessary to ascertain their complete contract history, including past performance on similar projects, client satisfaction ratings, and any history of disputes or performance issues. Without this detailed history, it is difficult to fully assess their experience and reliability for this particular type of construction work. The current award suggests they have met the initial requirements for competition, but their long-term performance remains to be seen.

How does the $3.7 million award compare to the average cost of similar trail bridge replacement projects managed by the Forest Service?

Benchmarking the $3.7 million award requires detailed information on the scope of work, such as the number of bridges, their size, complexity, and the specific environmental conditions at each site. However, for context, major bridge replacement projects on federal lands can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars. Smaller, more routine trail bridge replacements might fall in the tens to low hundreds of thousands of dollars per bridge. A $3.7 million task order suggests a significant undertaking, potentially involving multiple bridges or complex structural requirements. A comparative analysis with other Forest Service contracts for similar-sized bridge projects would be needed to definitively assess if this award represents excellent, good, or fair value.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include potential environmental impacts during construction (e.g., soil erosion, water quality degradation), unforeseen site conditions (e.g., unstable soil, difficult access), and contractor performance issues. Mitigation strategies are likely embedded within the contract's statement of work and terms. The Forest Service will oversee the project to ensure environmental compliance and adherence to construction standards. The firm fixed-price contract shifts some financial risk to the contractor, incentivizing them to manage costs and timelines effectively. The extended duration of 763 days also provides a buffer against minor delays. However, robust on-site monitoring and clear communication channels will be crucial for proactive risk management.

What is the expected effectiveness of these trail bridge replacements in improving forest access and safety?

The effectiveness of these trail bridge replacements is expected to be high in terms of improving forest access and safety. Trail bridges are critical infrastructure that allows safe passage over natural obstacles like streams, ravines, and wetlands. Deteriorated bridges pose safety hazards and can lead to trail closures, restricting access. By replacing or repairing these structures, the Forest Service ensures the continued usability and safety of the trail network for recreational users, including hikers, equestrians, and potentially cyclists. This investment directly supports the agency's mission to provide access to and manage public lands for the benefit of current and future generations.

How does this $3.7 million award fit into the Forest Service's historical spending patterns for trail maintenance and infrastructure?

This $3.7 million task order represents a significant, but not unprecedented, investment in trail infrastructure. The Forest Service manages millions of miles of trails across the nation, and maintaining bridges is a crucial component of this effort. Annual spending on trail maintenance and infrastructure can fluctuate based on budget allocations, specific needs assessments, and the availability of funding sources like the Federal Lands Transportation Program. While this single award is substantial, it should be viewed within the broader context of the agency's overall budget for facilities and infrastructure, which often runs into hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars annually. This contract addresses a specific, localized need within the larger framework of national forest management.

What are the implications of the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' award type for price discovery?

The award type 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' implies that the Forest Service initially considered all responsible sources but then excluded certain ones, possibly due to specific requirements or a previous limited solicitation. However, the core principle of 'full and open competition' suggests that a broad range of potential bidders were invited to participate. This process is designed to maximize competition, allowing market forces to drive pricing. The fact that four bids were received indicates that the exclusion did not unduly limit the competitive pool. Therefore, this award type, when properly executed, should lead to robust price discovery and a fair market price for the services rendered, benefiting taxpayers.

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

Solicitation ID: 1282B124R0006

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 195 PINE ST NE, SALEM, OR, 97301

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,701,645

Exercised Options: $3,701,645

Current Obligation: $3,701,645

Actual Outlays: $3,701,645

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140F0822D0037

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline