Justice Department awards $85K for septic services, raising questions on competition and value

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $85,000 ($85.0K)

Contractor: Soco Septic Service LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-03-20

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 41 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY26 GREASETRAP (3-4-26) MAR 26

Place of Performance

Location: FLORENCE, FREMONT County, COLORADO, 81226

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $85,000 to SOCO SEPTIC SERVICE LLC for work described as: FY26 GREASETRAP (3-4-26) MAR 26 Key points: 1. Contract awarded via purchase order, indicating a streamlined but potentially less competitive process. 2. Short performance period suggests a need for immediate service rather than long-term strategic planning. 3. Limited competition raises concerns about achieving optimal pricing and value for taxpayer funds. 4. The specific nature of septic services may limit the pool of qualified and competitive bidders. 5. Analysis of pricing against market rates is crucial to determine if the $85K represents fair value.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $85,000 for septic services over a 41-day period appears reasonable for a localized need. However, without a competitive bidding process, it is difficult to benchmark against similar contracts or market rates to definitively assess value for money. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty, but the lack of competition may have led to a higher price than could have been achieved through a more open solicitation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded as a purchase order, which often implies a non-competitive or limited competition scenario. The data indicates it was 'NOT COMPETED'. This suggests that either only one vendor was identified as capable of meeting the requirement, or the procurement was expedited, bypassing a formal competitive process. The lack of multiple bidders means there was no opportunity for price discovery through market forces.

Taxpayer Impact: When contracts are not competed, taxpayers may not benefit from the most cost-effective pricing. This can lead to overspending if the awarded price is higher than what would have emerged from a competitive environment.

Public Impact

Federal Prison System facilities in Colorado will receive essential septic maintenance services. Ensures operational continuity and sanitary conditions within correctional institutions. Benefits inmates and staff by maintaining critical infrastructure. Supports the operational readiness of the Bureau of Prisons' facilities in the specified region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
Short contract duration might indicate a reactive rather than proactive maintenance approach.
Limited transparency on vendor selection process.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Addresses an essential operational need for facility maintenance.
Specific NAICS code (562991) indicates a specialized service provider.

Sector Analysis

The septic tank and related services sector (NAICS 562991) is a critical component of infrastructure maintenance, particularly for government facilities. While not a large sector in terms of overall federal spending compared to IT or defense, it is essential for public health and environmental compliance. Federal spending in this area is often project-specific and localized, driven by the maintenance needs of government-owned properties. Benchmarking is challenging due to the localized nature of services and variations in environmental regulations.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Given the small dollar value and specialized nature of the service, it's possible a small business could have been awarded this contract, but the non-competitive nature of the award prevents confirmation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was considered or achieved.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a purchase order, which typically has internal oversight within the agency. However, the lack of competition limits the scope for external oversight related to fair market pricing and vendor selection. Transparency is moderate, as the award is likely recorded in federal procurement databases, but the rationale for not competing the award is not detailed here. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if fraud or mismanagement were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Maintenance Contracts
Bureau of Prisons Facility Operations
General Services Administration (GSA) Facility Support Contracts
Environmental Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Lack of Competition
Potential for Overpricing
Limited Transparency on Vendor Selection

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $85,000 to SOCO SEPTIC SERVICE LLC. FY26 GREASETRAP (3-4-26) MAR 26

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SOCO SEPTIC SERVICE LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $85,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-20. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the typical pricing for septic services of this nature and duration in Colorado?

Determining the typical pricing for septic services requires detailed market research specific to the geographic location (Colorado) and the exact scope of work (e.g., routine pumping, emergency repair, system inspection). Factors influencing cost include the size of the septic system, accessibility, type of service required, and local labor rates. Without a competitive bidding process for this $85,000 purchase order, it's difficult to ascertain if the price paid aligns with market benchmarks. A comparison with contracts awarded by other federal or state agencies in Colorado for similar services, or with quotes from private sector providers, would be necessary to establish a fair market price. The short 41-day duration suggests a specific, potentially urgent need, which could influence pricing.

Why was this contract not competed?

The provided data states the contract was 'NOT COMPETED' and awarded as a 'PURCHASE ORDER'. Purchase orders are often used for smaller dollar value procurements or when an urgent need arises. Agencies may choose not to compete a requirement if only one source is capable of meeting the need (sole-source justification), if the urgency precludes a competitive process, or if the value falls below the threshold for mandatory competition. Without a formal justification document (e.g., a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition - JOFOC), the specific reason for not competing this septic service contract remains unclear. This lack of competition limits the government's ability to ensure it received the best possible price and value.

What is the track record of SOCO SEPTIC SERVICE LLC with federal contracts?

Information regarding SOCO SEPTIC SERVICE LLC's track record with federal contracts is not detailed in the provided data snippet. This award is a single purchase order valued at $85,000. To assess their track record, one would need to search federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for previous awards, contract performance history, and any reported issues or commendations. A history of successful, timely, and cost-effective performance on similar government contracts would be a positive indicator. Conversely, a history of contract disputes, poor performance ratings, or late deliveries would raise concerns about their reliability and capability for future awards.

How does this spending compare to other septic services contracts within the Federal Prison System?

Comparing this $85,000 purchase order to other septic services contracts within the Federal Prison System (FPS) requires access to historical spending data for similar services across different Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities. The FPS operates numerous institutions nationwide, each with unique infrastructure and maintenance needs. This contract's value and short duration might be typical for localized, immediate needs, such as emergency repairs or routine pumping at a single facility. However, larger contracts for system upgrades, comprehensive maintenance contracts, or services across multiple facilities would likely be significantly higher in value and potentially competed more broadly. Without a broader dataset of FPS septic service expenditures, it's difficult to place this specific award in a larger spending context.

What are the potential risks associated with a non-competed contract for essential services like septic maintenance?

The primary risk associated with a non-competed contract for essential services like septic maintenance is the potential for paying a higher price than necessary. Without competition, the vendor has less incentive to offer their most competitive rate. Another risk is the possibility that a more qualified or capable vendor might have been available through a competitive process. Furthermore, a lack of transparency in the selection process can raise concerns about fairness and potential favoritism. For essential services, reliance on a single, non-competed vendor could also pose a risk if that vendor experiences operational difficulties, potentially disrupting critical facility functions.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Remediation and Other Waste Management Services › Septic Tank and Related Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8177 GARDEN PARK RD, CANON CITY, CO, 81212

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $85,000

Exercised Options: $85,000

Current Obligation: $85,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline