USDA's $2.5M Appalachian Fruit Station Generator Replacement Contract Awarded to Dvorak, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,538,258 ($2.5M)
Contractor: Dvorak, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture
Start Date: 2023-10-06
End Date: 2026-08-28
Contract Duration: 1,057 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: APPALACHIAN FRUIT RESEARCH STATION ELECTRIC SWITCHGEAR & EMERGENCY GENERATOR REPLACEMENT
Place of Performance
Location: KEARNEYSVILLE, JEFFERSON County, WEST VIRGINIA, 25430
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Agriculture obligated $2.5 million to DVORAK, LLC for work described as: APPALACHIAN FRUIT RESEARCH STATION ELECTRIC SWITCHGEAR & EMERGENCY GENERATOR REPLACEMENT Key points: 1. The contract focuses on critical infrastructure replacement for the Agricultural Research Service. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a specific justification. 3. The firm fixed price contract type aims to control costs for the $2.5M award. 4. The project is located in West Virginia and is expected to last nearly three years.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $2.54M for switchgear and generator replacement appears reasonable for specialized infrastructure. Benchmarking against similar federal projects for research stations or critical facility upgrades would provide a clearer picture of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating a specific reason for excluding some potential bidders. This method might limit the pool of competitors, potentially impacting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are impacted by the cost of this essential infrastructure upgrade, with the firm fixed price contract aiming for cost certainty.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation of vital agricultural research facilities. Supports the modernization of critical infrastructure at a USDA research station. Provides employment opportunities through the awarded contract.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Reason for excluding sources in full and open competition needs clarification.
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen issues arise during replacement.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
- Essential infrastructure upgrade for research continuity.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the construction sector, specifically power and communication line construction. Federal spending on infrastructure upgrades for research facilities is common to ensure operational continuity and modernization.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to DVORAK, LLC, a single entity. Information regarding whether this entity is a small business is not provided, nor is there an indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service. Oversight will focus on ensuring timely completion, adherence to specifications, and budget management.
Related Government Programs
- Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction
- Department of Agriculture Contracting
- Agricultural Research Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of clarity on source exclusion justification.
- Potential for cost escalation over the project's duration.
- Limited information on small business participation.
- Need for detailed cost benchmarking.
Tags
power-and-communication-line-and-related, department-of-agriculture, wv, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Agriculture awarded $2.5 million to DVORAK, LLC. APPALACHIAN FRUIT RESEARCH STATION ELECTRIC SWITCHGEAR & EMERGENCY GENERATOR REPLACEMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DVORAK, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Agricultural Research Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-10-06. End: 2026-08-28.
What was the specific justification for excluding sources in the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' process?
The specific justification for excluding sources is not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such exclusions are based on factors like unique capabilities, urgent and compelling needs, or specific government property requirements. Further investigation into the contract file or agency justifications would be necessary to understand the rationale behind this decision and its potential impact on competition.
How does the $2.54M cost compare to industry benchmarks for similar switchgear and emergency generator replacement projects of this scale?
Without specific details on the scope of work, equipment specifications, and site conditions, a precise benchmark comparison is difficult. However, for critical facility infrastructure replacement, costs can vary significantly. A detailed cost analysis comparing the unit prices for switchgear, generators, installation labor, and project management against similar federal or commercial projects would be needed to assess if this price is competitive.
What are the potential risks associated with a nearly three-year duration for this type of infrastructure replacement project?
A long duration for switchgear and generator replacement could increase risks such as material price escalation, potential for outdated technology by project completion, and extended periods of potential disruption if backup systems are insufficient. Additionally, longer projects may face greater challenges in maintaining consistent project management focus and could be more susceptible to changes in regulatory requirements or agency priorities.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Utility System Construction › Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction
Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 1232SA23R0010
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Dvorak LLC
Address: 2700 NORTH POINT BLVD, BALTIMORE, MD, 21222
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,538,258
Exercised Options: $2,538,258
Current Obligation: $2,538,258
Actual Outlays: $2,227,156
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-10-06
Current End Date: 2026-08-28
Potential End Date: 2026-08-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-02
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