FAA Awards $408K Contract to Tropical Tree Care for Vegetation Management at VOR Antenna

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $408,000 ($408.0K)

Contractor: Tropical Tree Care, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2023-09-20

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,106 days

Daily Burn Rate: $369/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO TRIM TREES TWICE A YEAR AND REMOVE SHRUBS, GRASS, AND OTHER VEGETATION, OR OBSTRUCTIONS SURROUNDING THE UPP VOR ANTENNA TO PREVENT INTERFERENCE OF THE RADIATED SIGNAL FROM THE ANTENNA.

Place of Performance

Location: KAILUA KONA, HAWAII County, HAWAII, 96740

State: Hawaii Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $408,000 to TROPICAL TREE CARE, INC. for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO TRIM TREES TWICE A YEAR AND REMOVE SHRUBS, GRASS, AND OTHER VEGETATION, OR OBSTRUCTIONS SURROUNDING THE UPP VOR ANTENNA TO PREVENT INTERFERENCE OF THE RADIATED SIGNAL FROM THE ANTENNA. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential vegetation management to ensure VOR antenna signal integrity. 2. Tropical Tree Care, Inc. secured the award, indicating potential market concentration. 3. Risk of signal interference due to unchecked vegetation poses a direct operational risk. 4. Landscaping services are crucial for maintaining critical infrastructure like navigation aids.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $408,000 over approximately three years appears reasonable for specialized vegetation management around critical FAA equipment in Hawaii. Benchmarking against similar landscaping contracts for infrastructure maintenance is needed for a definitive assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a limited competition scenario. This method may have restricted the pool of potential bidders, potentially impacting price discovery and overall value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential maintenance to ensure the reliability of air navigation systems, which indirectly supports safe air travel.

Public Impact

Ensures the continued operational integrity of the UPP VOR antenna, vital for air traffic control. Prevents potential signal interference, which could lead to navigation errors and safety concerns. Supports local employment through the contracted landscaping services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may lead to higher costs.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical maintenance.
Potential for service disruption if contractor fails.

Positive Signals

Clear definition of services ensures operational needs are met.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Longer contract duration offers stability for service provision.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Landscaping Services, a sector critical for maintaining government infrastructure. Spending benchmarks for similar vegetation management contracts around sensitive equipment are generally tied to the complexity of the site and the frequency of service required.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Tropical Tree Care, Inc. Information regarding the size of this business or its status as a small business was not provided, making it difficult to assess the impact on small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' designation warrants further review to ensure the exclusion was justified and that adequate competition was sought. Oversight of service delivery against the contract requirements is essential.

Related Government Programs

Landscaping Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition may not yield the best price.
Potential for service disruption due to single provider.
Lack of small business participation noted.
Justification for source exclusion requires verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $408,000 to TROPICAL TREE CARE, INC.. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO TRIM TREES TWICE A YEAR AND REMOVE SHRUBS, GRASS, AND OTHER VEGETATION, OR OBSTRUCTIONS SURROUNDING THE UPP VOR ANTENNA TO PREVENT INTERFERENCE OF THE RADIATED SIGNAL FROM THE ANTENNA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TROPICAL TREE CARE, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $408,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-20. End: 2026-09-30.

What specific criteria led to the exclusion of other sources in this 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award?

The specific criteria for excluding other sources are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such exclusions are based on unique capabilities, urgent and compelling needs, or specific technical requirements that only a limited number of sources can meet. A thorough review would examine the justification provided by the FAA to ensure it aligns with procurement regulations and best practices.

What is the potential risk associated with relying on a single provider for critical vegetation management around a VOR antenna?

Relying on a single provider creates a risk of service disruption if the contractor experiences financial difficulties, operational issues, or fails to meet performance standards. This could lead to prolonged vegetation overgrowth, potentially impacting the VOR antenna's signal integrity and air navigation safety. Contingency planning and robust contract monitoring are crucial to mitigate this risk.

How does the firm fixed-price contract structure ensure cost-effectiveness for this landscaping service?

A firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government, as the contractor assumes the risk of cost overruns. This structure incentivizes the contractor to manage their costs efficiently to maximize profit. For this contract, it ensures the $408,000 total price covers the defined scope of work, preventing unexpected cost increases for the taxpayer.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Services to Buildings and Dwellings › Landscaping Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 697DCK-23-R-00168

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 73-4383 PUKIAWE ST, KAILUA KONA, HI, 96740

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $510,000

Exercised Options: $510,000

Current Obligation: $408,000

Actual Outlays: $306,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline