NEA Awards $1.7M for Plant Maintenance and Refresh to OASIS PLANTSCAPING LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,000 ($17.0K)
Contractor: Oasis Plantscaping LLC
Awarding Agency: National Endowment for the Arts
Start Date: 2026-04-10
End Date: 2027-04-12
Contract Duration: 367 days
Daily Burn Rate: $46/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: ONE-TEAM REFRESH OF DECLINING PLANTS AND ONGOING MAINTENANCE SERVICES TO ENSURE ALL AGENCY PLANTS CONSISTENTLY MAINTAIN GRADE A QUALITY.
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20506
Plain-Language Summary
National Endowment for the Arts obligated $17,000 to OASIS PLANTSCAPING LLC for work described as: ONE-TEAM REFRESH OF DECLINING PLANTS AND ONGOING MAINTENANCE SERVICES TO ENSURE ALL AGENCY PLANTS CONSISTENTLY MAINTAIN GRADE A QUALITY. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on maintaining and refreshing declining plants to ensure Grade A quality. 2. Competition was conducted under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 3. The firm fixed price contract type helps control costs for the agency. 4. The service falls under Interior Design Services, impacting the aesthetic and functional quality of agency facilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award amount of $1.7M for a 367-day duration appears reasonable for specialized plant maintenance and refresh services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for facility aesthetics and maintenance would provide a clearer picture of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP, indicating a limited competition approach likely due to the contract value. This method may not achieve the best possible price discovery compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for facility upkeep and aesthetic improvement, which is a necessary but not directly revenue-generating expense.
Public Impact
Ensures a pleasant and high-quality working environment for NEA staff and visitors. Supports the agency's mission by maintaining the physical infrastructure it operates within. The services contribute to the overall upkeep and presentation of federal facilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may lead to suboptimal pricing.
- Reliance on a single vendor for ongoing maintenance could pose future risk.
Positive Signals
- Clear objective for plant quality.
- Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
The National Endowment for the Arts operates within the government services sector, specifically focusing on facility maintenance and interior design. Spending benchmarks for such services can vary widely based on location and scope, but $1.7M for a year-long refresh and maintenance project is a significant investment in environmental quality.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether OASIS PLANTSCAPING LLC is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The use of SAP suggests a streamlined process, but oversight is still crucial to ensure performance standards are met and the contract remains within budget. The award is a Purchase Order, which typically has defined terms and conditions.
Related Government Programs
- Interior Design Services
- National Endowment for the Arts Contracting
- National Endowment for the Arts Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for vendor lock-in on maintenance
- Lack of small business designation information
Tags
interior-design-services, national-endowment-for-the-arts, dc, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Endowment for the Arts awarded $17,000 to OASIS PLANTSCAPING LLC. ONE-TEAM REFRESH OF DECLINING PLANTS AND ONGOING MAINTENANCE SERVICES TO ENSURE ALL AGENCY PLANTS CONSISTENTLY MAINTAIN GRADE A QUALITY.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is OASIS PLANTSCAPING LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Endowment for the Arts (National Endowment for the Arts).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $17,000.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2027-04-12.
What is the specific definition of 'Grade A quality' for plants, and how will it be measured and verified?
The contract should clearly define 'Grade A quality' with measurable metrics such as plant health, appearance, and survival rates. Verification methods, potentially involving site inspections or photographic evidence, should be established to ensure the vendor meets these standards consistently throughout the contract period. This clarity is essential for performance evaluation and dispute resolution.
What is the risk associated with relying on a single vendor for ongoing maintenance after the initial refresh?
Sole-source reliance for ongoing maintenance creates a risk of vendor lock-in, potentially leading to price increases or service degradation over time. The agency should consider establishing performance metrics and potentially exploring competitive re-solicitation for maintenance services in the future to ensure continued value and service quality.
How does this investment in plant maintenance contribute to the NEA's overall mission and operational effectiveness?
Maintaining high-quality plant life within NEA facilities contributes to a positive and productive work environment, potentially boosting staff morale and visitor experience. While not directly tied to artistic programming, a well-maintained physical space reflects positively on the agency's professionalism and operational efficiency, supporting its broader mission.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Specialized Design Services › Interior Design Services
Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 42722 TRADE WEST DR STE 100, STERLING, VA, 20166
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $17,000
Exercised Options: $17,000
Current Obligation: $17,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-10
Current End Date: 2027-04-12
Potential End Date: 2027-04-13 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-10
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