Interior Department awards $9.6M contract for ecological restoration in Texas
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,630,035 ($9.6M)
Contractor: American Forests
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2023-08-30
End Date: 2027-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,492 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: THORNSCRUB RESTORATION SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: BROWNSVILLE, CAMERON County, TEXAS, 78520
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $9.6 million to AMERICAN FORESTS for work described as: THORNSCRUB RESTORATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract focuses on vital ecological restoration services, contributing to environmental health. 2. Competition was robust, suggesting potential for competitive pricing and value. 3. The fixed-price contract structure offers cost certainty for the government. 4. Performance period spans over four years, indicating a significant, long-term commitment. 5. This award aligns with broader federal goals for conservation and land management. 6. The contractor, American Forests, is a recognized non-profit in conservation.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $9.6 million for ecological restoration over nearly five years appears reasonable given the scope of services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale restoration projects is challenging due to unique ecological conditions and project specifics. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control. The award to a well-established conservation organization suggests a focus on expertise and mission alignment, which can contribute to value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of two bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific requirement. While more bidders could potentially drive prices lower, the fact that it was competed openly is a positive sign for price discovery and ensuring a fair market approach.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging a wider range of offers and potentially leading to more cost-effective solutions. It ensures that the government is not limited to a single provider, fostering a more competitive environment.
Public Impact
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service benefits from enhanced ecological restoration capabilities. Services will directly support the conservation and improvement of natural habitats in Texas. Geographic impact is concentrated in Texas, addressing specific regional environmental needs. The project may indirectly support local economies through potential employment opportunities in restoration activities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if restoration needs are more extensive than initially defined.
- Dependence on a single contractor for a multi-year, critical environmental service.
- Unforeseen environmental challenges could impact project timelines and costs, despite fixed pricing.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable non-profit organization with a clear conservation mission.
- Firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
- Long-term performance period allows for sustained ecological impact and monitoring.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on environmental and ecological restoration. The market for such services is driven by government mandates for conservation, environmental protection, and land management. While specific market size data for ecological restoration services is fragmented, it is a growing area driven by climate change adaptation and biodiversity preservation efforts. This contract represents a significant investment in a specialized niche within the broader environmental services industry.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. The award to American Forests, a non-profit organization, suggests a focus on mission and expertise rather than a traditional for-profit contracting model. This means direct opportunities for small businesses within this specific contract may be limited unless they are engaged by the prime contractor.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, an agency within the Department of the Interior. Oversight will likely involve regular performance reviews, milestone tracking, and financial audits to ensure compliance with the contract terms. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability for the contractor to deliver services within the agreed budget. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases, though specific project-level reporting details may vary.
Related Government Programs
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance activities
- Endangered Species Act (ESA) implementation
- Conservation and Restoration Programs
- Federal Land Management Contracts
- Environmental Consulting Services
Risk Flags
- Contract duration exceeds typical project timelines, increasing exposure to changing environmental conditions.
- Fixed-price contract may incentivize cost-cutting over optimal ecological outcomes if unforeseen issues arise.
- Reliance on a single non-profit entity for a large-scale, multi-year federal project.
Tags
ecological-restoration, environmental-services, department-of-the-interior, u-s-fish-and-wildlife-service, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, texas, non-profit-contractor, conservation, natural-resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $9.6 million to AMERICAN FORESTS. THORNSCRUB RESTORATION SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMERICAN FORESTS.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $9.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-08-30. End: 2027-09-30.
What is the track record of American Forests in managing large-scale federal restoration contracts?
American Forests is a well-established non-profit organization with a long history of conservation work, founded in 1895. While they are primarily known for their advocacy, research, and on-the-ground restoration projects, their experience specifically with managing large federal contracts of this magnitude (over $9 million) would need further investigation. Their mission aligns directly with ecological restoration, suggesting a strong programmatic fit. However, the administrative and contractual management capabilities for a federal award of this size are distinct from their core conservation activities. Reviewing past federal awards or grants managed by American Forests, particularly those involving complex project management and reporting requirements, would provide a clearer picture of their track record in this specific area.
How does the $9.6 million cost compare to similar ecological restoration projects in Texas or the Southwest?
Directly comparing the $9.6 million cost to similar ecological restoration projects is challenging due to the highly variable nature of such endeavors. Factors like the specific ecosystem being restored (e.g., wetlands, forests, grasslands), the extent of degradation, the types of interventions required (e.g., invasive species removal, reforestation, hydrological restoration), and the duration of the project significantly influence costs. Projects in Texas can also vary widely based on land ownership (public vs. private), accessibility, and regional environmental conditions. Without detailed project scopes for comparable contracts, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, large-scale, multi-year ecological restoration efforts often run into millions of dollars, making this award appear within a plausible range for a significant undertaking.
What are the primary risks associated with this firm fixed-price contract for ecological restoration?
The primary risk with a firm fixed-price contract for ecological restoration lies in the potential for unforeseen environmental conditions or challenges that could significantly increase the contractor's costs beyond what was anticipated during the bidding process. While the government is protected from cost overruns, the contractor bears the risk. This could lead to a contractor cutting corners on quality or scope if they encounter unexpected difficulties, potentially impacting the long-term success of the restoration. Another risk is that the fixed price might not adequately account for the full complexity or long-term monitoring needs of the restoration, potentially leading to disputes or incomplete outcomes if the scope is not meticulously defined and managed.
What is the expected effectiveness of the restoration services delivered under this contract?
The expected effectiveness hinges on the specific restoration goals outlined in the contract, the scientific methodologies employed by American Forests, and the long-term monitoring plan. Given the contractor's mission and the involvement of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it is reasonable to assume the services aim to improve habitat quality, enhance biodiversity, restore ecological processes, and potentially mitigate environmental threats in the designated Texas region. The effectiveness will be measured against predefined metrics, which should include ecological indicators such as species abundance, habitat connectivity, water quality, or vegetation cover. The multi-year duration allows for adaptive management, which is crucial for ecological restoration success.
How does this $9.6M contract fit into the broader spending patterns for ecological restoration by the Department of the Interior?
The Department of the Interior, through agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service, consistently allocates significant funds towards conservation, land management, and ecological restoration. A $9.6 million contract for restoration services in Texas represents a substantial, but not extraordinary, investment within the department's overall environmental stewardship budget. This type of award is typical for projects addressing specific ecological needs in key regions. Annual spending on restoration can fluctuate based on congressional appropriations, emerging environmental priorities, and the availability of competitive bids. This contract aligns with the department's ongoing commitment to preserving and restoring natural resources across federal lands and waters.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 140F0S23R0006
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1220 L ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20005
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $9,630,035
Exercised Options: $9,630,035
Current Obligation: $9,630,035
Actual Outlays: $5,184,726
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-08-30
Current End Date: 2027-09-30
Potential End Date: 2027-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-13
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