Interior Department awards $26,925 for farm machinery, highlighting a need for specialized equipment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,926 ($26.9K)

Contractor: Deere & Company

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2026-10-30

Contract Duration: 206 days

Daily Burn Rate: $131/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IA NEAL SMITH NWR 20' FLEX WING MOWER WITH TRADE-INS

Place of Performance

Location: CARY, WAKE County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27513

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $26,925.68 to DEERE & COMPANY for work described as: IA NEAL SMITH NWR 20' FLEX WING MOWER WITH TRADE-INS Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable for specialized farm machinery, but a direct comparison to similar recent procurements is needed for a definitive value-for-money assessment. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a healthy market for this type of equipment. 3. The duration of the contract (206 days) is relatively short, indicating a focus on immediate operational needs. 4. The procurement falls within the Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing sector, a niche area within broader industrial manufacturing. 5. The use of a Firm Fixed Price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award of $26,925 for a specific mower model seems within a reasonable range for specialized agricultural equipment. However, without access to detailed specifications and comparable market data for this exact model or its direct competitors, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar procurements for tractors or other large farm machinery might offer some context, but the unique nature of a 'flex wing mower' could limit direct comparisons. The inclusion of 'trade-ins' suggests a potential cost-saving mechanism that needs further examination to quantify its impact on the net cost.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 3 bids suggests a competitive environment, which generally leads to better pricing and terms for the government. This level of competition is ideal for ensuring that the government receives fair market value for the goods procured.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a marketplace where the best price and quality are offered.

Public Impact

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service benefits from this contract by acquiring necessary equipment for land management and habitat maintenance at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. The delivered service includes the provision of a specialized flex wing mower, crucial for maintaining large areas of grassland and potentially for invasive species control. The geographic impact is localized to the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Iowa, supporting its conservation and operational goals. The acquisition of this machinery supports the operational workforce of the refuge, enabling them to perform essential land management tasks more effectively.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The specific model and its capabilities are not detailed, making it difficult to assess if it is the most cost-effective solution for the refuge's needs.
The 'trade-ins' aspect requires further scrutiny to ensure the full value of the trade-in was realized and factored into the final price.
The short contract duration might necessitate future procurements or extensions, potentially leading to administrative overhead.

Positive Signals

The use of full and open competition is a strong positive signal, indicating a robust bidding process and likely competitive pricing.
The selection of a Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The procurement is for essential operational equipment, directly supporting the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing sector, a sub-segment of the broader industrial manufacturing industry. This sector is characterized by specialized producers of agricultural, construction, and material handling equipment. The market size for specialized mowing equipment like flex wing mowers is relatively niche, serving specific needs in land management, agriculture, and conservation. Comparable spending benchmarks for this specific type of equipment are difficult to establish without more detailed market analysis, but general agricultural equipment spending by federal agencies can be in the hundreds of millions annually.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'sb': false. Furthermore, the 'ss' (small business) flag is also false. This suggests that the procurement was not specifically targeted towards small businesses. While Deere & Company is a large corporation, the subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly detailed in the provided data. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this specific award, as it was competed broadly.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contracting officers and program managers responsible for the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Accountability is established through the Firm Fixed Price contract terms, requiring delivery of the specified equipment. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, allowing for review of basic award details. There is no specific mention of an Inspector General's direct jurisdiction over this particular small award, but broader audits could encompass such procurements.

Related Government Programs

Federal Land Management Equipment Procurement
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Operations
National Wildlife Refuge System Maintenance
Agricultural Machinery Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for suboptimal trade-in valuation
Lack of specific model details for performance assessment
Limited duration may require future procurement actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $26,925.68 to DEERE & COMPANY. IA NEAL SMITH NWR 20' FLEX WING MOWER WITH TRADE-INS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DEERE & COMPANY.

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 $26,925.68.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-10-30.

What is the specific model of the '20' FLEX WING MOWER' and its key features relevant to the Neal Smith NWR's land management needs?

The provided data does not specify the exact model number or detailed features of the '20' FLEX WING MOWER'. However, 'flex wing' typically refers to mowers with multiple cutting decks that can articulate or 'flex' to follow ground contours, making them suitable for large, uneven areas like those found in wildlife refuges. These mowers are designed for efficient cutting of grass and vegetation over extensive acreage. The '20' likely refers to a width dimension, possibly 20 feet, indicating a large-capacity mower. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would have specified these features in their solicitation to ensure the equipment meets the unique requirements for habitat management, invasive species control, and general grounds maintenance at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge.

How does the $26,925 award compare to historical spending on similar mowing equipment by the Department of the Interior or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?

Comparing this $26,925 award to historical spending requires access to a comprehensive database of past federal procurements. Generally, large flex wing mowers can range significantly in price depending on brand, size, features, and whether they are new or used. A 20-foot flex wing mower from a reputable manufacturer like John Deere could easily fall within this price range, especially if it includes trade-in value. Historical data for the Department of the Interior might show similar awards for tractors, specialized mowers, or other grounds maintenance equipment. Without specific historical data points for comparable mowing equipment, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents a particularly high or low cost. However, the full and open competition suggests the price achieved is likely competitive within the market for this type of equipment.

What are the specific risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance issues with the mower, delivery delays, or the possibility that the equipment may not fully meet the operational needs of the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Since it's a Firm Fixed Price contract, the risk of cost overruns for the government is minimized. Mitigation strategies are inherent in the contracting process: the use of full and open competition encourages vendors to offer reliable products and services to win the bid. The contract likely includes specifications that the mower must meet, and acceptance testing would be performed upon delivery. The relatively short duration (206 days) also limits the period during which performance issues could arise. The 'trade-ins' aspect could introduce a minor risk if the valuation of the trade-in is not optimal, but this is typically managed through competitive bidding.

What is the track record of Deere & Company in supplying similar equipment to federal agencies, particularly the Department of the Interior?

Deere & Company is a well-established and reputable manufacturer of agricultural and construction machinery, including mowers. They have a significant track record of supplying equipment to various federal agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, and likely the Department of the Interior, given its land management responsibilities. Their equipment is generally known for its durability and performance. Federal procurement databases would likely show numerous awards to Deere & Company for tractors, mowers, and other heavy equipment over the years. Their consistent presence in federal contracting suggests a history of meeting government requirements, though specific performance details for individual contracts would require deeper investigation.

How does the inclusion of 'trade-ins' impact the overall value proposition and transparency of this procurement?

The inclusion of 'trade-ins' can enhance the value proposition by reducing the net cost of the new equipment to the government. Instead of disposing of old machinery separately, the agency can receive credit towards the purchase of new equipment. This can be more efficient and cost-effective. However, it can also introduce complexities in assessing the true value. The transparency of this aspect depends on how the trade-in value is determined and presented. Ideally, the solicitation would clearly outline the process for valuing the trade-in equipment, and the final contract price would reflect a fair market value for both the new mower and the accepted trade-in. Without detailed documentation on the trade-in valuation, it's difficult to ascertain the full extent of the cost savings or if the government received optimal value for its surrendered assets.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Agriculture, Construction, and Mining Machinery Manufacturing › Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT/MINE/EXCAVATE/HIGHWY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: RFQ1802345

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2000 JOHN DEERE RUN, CARY, NC, 27513

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $26,926

Exercised Options: $26,926

Current Obligation: $26,926

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS30F0007T

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline