Forest Service awards $451K task order for Kootenai National Forest renovations to DSL Builders LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,512,642 ($4.5M)

Contractor: DSL Builders LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2024-10-14

End Date: 2026-10-15

Contract Duration: 731 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.2K/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: TASK ORDER AWARD RENOVATIONS FOR THE SUPERVISOR'S OFFICE AND IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE WORK CENTER AT KOOTENAI NATIONAL FOREST, LIBBEY, MONTANA

Place of Performance

Location: BOZEMAN, GALLATIN County, MONTANA, 59715

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $4.5 million to DSL BUILDERS LLC for work described as: TASK ORDER AWARD RENOVATIONS FOR THE SUPERVISOR'S OFFICE AND IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE WORK CENTER AT KOOTENAI NATIONAL FOREST, LIBBEY, MONTANA Key points: 1. The contract value represents a modest investment for facility improvements within a national forest. 2. Competition dynamics for this specific task order are detailed, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The fixed-price contract type suggests a defined scope and cost, mitigating some financial risk. 4. Performance will be assessed against the established delivery order timeline. 5. This contract falls within the broader sector of commercial and institutional building construction. 6. The award is a single task order under a larger contract vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $451,264 for renovations and improvements appears reasonable for the scope described. Benchmarking against similar-sized renovation projects for federal facilities, particularly in rural or less densely populated areas, suggests this falls within expected cost ranges. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, assuming the scope of work remains stable. Without detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to multiple bids, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the initial indication is positive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This task order was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which implies that while the initial contract vehicle may have had some exclusions, this specific task order was competed broadly. The presence of two bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this particular project. A higher number of bidders typically leads to more competitive pricing, but two bids can still yield a fair market price, especially for specialized or geographically specific work.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award, even with two bidders, suggests that taxpayer funds were likely used efficiently, as contractors vied for the work. This process helps ensure that the government receives a fair price for the services rendered.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Forest Service personnel who will utilize the improved supervisor's office and work center. The services delivered include renovations and improvements to existing federal facilities. The geographic impact is localized to the Kootenai National Forest in Libby, Montana. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for construction labor during the contract period.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if renovation requirements are not precisely defined.
Risk of delays due to weather or material availability in a remote location.
Ensuring compliance with all federal building codes and environmental regulations.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost overruns for the government.
Award to an established entity (DSL Builders LLC) suggests prior experience.
Clear performance period (731 days) provides a defined timeline for completion.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a broad category encompassing the building and renovation of non-residential structures. Spending in this sector for federal agencies often supports operational infrastructure, administrative facilities, and specialized government buildings. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be derived from data on similar renovation projects for federal agencies, considering factors like location, size, and complexity. The Forest Service, as part of the Department of Agriculture, manages extensive physical infrastructure requiring ongoing maintenance and upgrades.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have a small business subcontracting requirement (indicated by 'sb': false). While DSL Builders LLC's size status is not provided, the lack of a set-aside suggests it was competed broadly. This means larger firms could participate, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is limited unless DSL Builders LLC itself is a small business that intends to subcontract to other small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily be managed by the U.S. Forest Service contracting officer and project managers. Accountability measures are built into the contract through the firm-fixed-price terms and the defined performance period. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, allowing for review of basic contract details. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Renovations
National Forest Infrastructure
Department of Agriculture Facilities Management
Commercial Construction Contracts
Forest Service Operations Support

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting cost or schedule.
Dependency on timely material procurement and delivery.
Risk of weather-related delays in Montana.
Ensuring adequate oversight to maintain quality standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $4.5 million to DSL BUILDERS LLC. TASK ORDER AWARD RENOVATIONS FOR THE SUPERVISOR'S OFFICE AND IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE WORK CENTER AT KOOTENAI NATIONAL FOREST, LIBBEY, 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 $4.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-14. End: 2026-10-15.

What is the track record of DSL Builders LLC in performing federal construction contracts, particularly for the Forest Service or Department of Agriculture?

A review of federal contract databases would be necessary to fully assess DSL Builders LLC's track record. Key indicators to examine include the number of previous federal awards, the total value of those awards, performance ratings (if available), and any history of contract disputes or terminations. For this specific contract, understanding their experience with similar renovation projects, adherence to schedules, and quality of work on past government jobs would provide crucial context for evaluating their capability and the likelihood of successful project completion. Without this specific data, we rely on the contracting agency's due diligence during the award process.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated cost or independent government cost estimate for this renovation project?

The awarded amount of $451,264 serves as a key data point, but its true value is best understood when compared to the government's own estimate or the bids received from other competitors. If the awarded price is significantly below the government estimate and other bids, it could indicate aggressive pricing or potentially an underestimated scope. Conversely, if it's at or above the estimate, it suggests the market validated the government's cost expectations. The fact that it was a competitive award with two bids provides some assurance that the price is market-driven, but a direct comparison to the government estimate would offer a clearer picture of cost efficiency.

What are the specific risks associated with performing construction work in a national forest environment like Kootenai National Forest?

Construction projects within national forests present unique risks beyond standard building challenges. These can include environmental considerations such as protecting sensitive habitats, managing potential wildlife encounters, and adhering to strict land-use regulations. Logistical challenges are also common due to remote locations, potentially requiring extended travel times for workers and materials, and limited access during certain seasons (e.g., winter). Weather conditions can be more extreme and unpredictable, impacting schedules. Furthermore, ensuring the safety of both construction personnel and the public who may still access adjacent areas requires robust safety protocols and coordination with forest service operations.

What is the historical spending pattern for facility renovations and improvements within the Kootenai National Forest or similar Forest Service regions?

Analyzing historical spending for facility maintenance and renovation within the Kootenai National Forest, or comparable national forests, would provide context for the $451,264 award. This involves examining past contract awards for similar types of work (office renovations, work center improvements) over several fiscal years. Understanding the average cost per project, the frequency of such awards, and the types of contractors typically engaged can reveal trends. Significant deviations from historical spending levels, either higher or lower, might warrant further investigation into the specific needs of this project or changes in construction costs and agency priorities.

How will the success of this renovation project be measured, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs)?

The success of this renovation project will likely be measured against the terms outlined in the delivery order, primarily focusing on adherence to the scope of work, quality of construction, and completion within the specified timeline (ending October 15, 2026). Key performance indicators (KPIs) would typically include meeting all project milestones, achieving final inspection and acceptance by the Forest Service, ensuring all work complies with building codes and safety standards, and staying within the firm-fixed-price budget. The contracting officer's representative (COR) will play a crucial role in monitoring progress and ensuring deliverables meet the contract requirements. Post-occupancy evaluations could also serve as a qualitative measure of success.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 1282B124R0047

Offers Received: 2

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: $4,700,018

Exercised Options: $4,512,642

Current Obligation: $4,512,642

Actual Outlays: $3,559,647

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