The Forest Service paid a small builder $658,371.71 to fix a White Mountains trail in New Hampshire

A small New Hampshire builder got a $658,371.71 Forest Service job to fix a trail in the White Mountains.

The company is Swan Contracting LLC. The Forest Service is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It signed the contract on Aug. 1, 2025. The job is to shore up the slopes and rebuild the Lincoln Woods Trail in the White Mountain National Forest. The work runs from Aug. 11, 2025, to Nov. 13, 2026.

The first price was $589,600. On Sept. 1, 2026, the Forest Service added a change order for $68,771.71. That brought the total to $658,371.71. On Oct. 1, 2026, it made a paperwork change. That one added no money.

Seven companies sent in sealed bids. Only small businesses could bid. Swan won. It is listed as a small business, an 8(a) firm, and a woman-owned small business.

The award says no subcontracting plan was required. That does not mean the winner does it all alone. Trail and slope work still needs rock, gravel, erosion cloth, timber, hauling, and machine rental.

What a supplier could still ask:

- Ask Swan who is buying the rock, gravel, and erosion cloth, and when. - Ask if they need a sub for hauling, machine work, or timber steps. - Ask the Forest Service contract office (USDA-FS, CSA East 13) what trail jobs are coming next. - Seven bids came in on this one. Small firms can win these. Get on the list for the next one.

The work must finish by Nov. 13, 2026. Suppliers who call now have the best shot.

Award: 12445525C0012. Source: USAspending.gov prime award record, last changed Oct. 1, 2026.