NBAF Job Order Contract for Bollard Repairs Awarded to Firelake Construction Inc. for $6.2 Million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,207 ($6.2K)

Contractor: Firelake Construction Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-07-08

Contract Duration: 98 days

Daily Burn Rate: $63/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: NBAF JOB ORDER CONTRACT POP UP BOLLARD REPAIRS, NATIONAL BIO AND AGRO-DEFENSE FACILITY, MANHATTAN, KANSAS

Place of Performance

Location: MANHATTAN, RILEY County, KANSAS, 66502

State: Kansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $6,207 to FIRELAKE CONSTRUCTION INC for work described as: NBAF JOB ORDER CONTRACT POP UP BOLLARD REPAIRS, NATIONAL BIO AND AGRO-DEFENSE FACILITY, MANHATTAN, KANSAS Key points: 1. Contract value of $6.2 million for pop-up bollard repairs at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility. 2. The contract was awarded using full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive process. 3. The duration of the contract is 98 days, suggesting a focused scope of work. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 5. The work is located in Manhattan, Kansas, supporting a critical national defense facility. 6. The contractor, Firelake Construction Inc., is responsible for delivering these specialized repair services. 7. The contract falls under the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction NAICS code. 8. No small business set-aside was utilized for this contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $6.2 million for pop-up bollard repairs over a 98-day period appears substantial. Without specific details on the scope of repairs, the number of bollards, or the complexity of the work, it is difficult to benchmark the value effectively. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests that the contractor has assessed the risks and costs associated with the repairs. Further analysis would require comparing this to similar specialized repair contracts for critical infrastructure or similar facilities.

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.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be broad, certain sources may have been excluded prior to the solicitation. The specific reasons for exclusion are not detailed, but the 'full and open' designation suggests an effort to solicit from a wide range of qualified contractors. The number of bidders is not provided, which limits the assessment of the intensity of competition and its impact on price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging multiple bids, which can lead to more competitive pricing and better value. However, the 'exclusion of sources' aspect warrants further scrutiny to ensure no potentially competitive firms were unfairly barred.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) and the Department of Agriculture, ensuring the operational integrity of a critical national asset. The services delivered include essential repairs to pop-up bollard systems, crucial for facility security and access control. The geographic impact is localized to Manhattan, Kansas, where the NBAF is situated. The contract supports the construction and maintenance workforce, likely involving skilled tradespeople for the repair work.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detail on the specific reasons for 'exclusion of sources' in the competition process.
The substantial contract value for a relatively short duration raises questions about the unit cost and efficiency of the repairs.
Absence of data on the number of bidders limits the assessment of competitive pressure on pricing.
The firm fixed-price contract, while shifting risk, could lead to higher initial bids if the contractor perceives significant unknowns.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a 'full and open competition' process, suggesting an attempt to maximize bidder participation.
The firm fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract supports the maintenance of critical infrastructure at a high-security national facility.
The work is being performed by a specific construction company, Firelake Construction Inc., indicating a clear point of accountability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, specifically addressing specialized repair needs for facility infrastructure. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) represents a significant investment in biodefense research and infrastructure. Contracts for specialized repairs and maintenance of such facilities are common across various government agencies managing critical assets. Benchmarking would ideally involve comparing costs for similar bollard repair or specialized infrastructure maintenance contracts at other federal installations, though such specific data is often not publicly available.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the procurement was open to all qualified offerors, including large businesses. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans or requirements for small business participation. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless Firelake Construction Inc. voluntarily engages small businesses as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service, the specific agency managing the NBAF. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to complete the work to specifications. Transparency is dependent on the public availability of contract details and performance reports, which may be limited for specific repair jobs. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) Operations
Department of Agriculture Construction and Maintenance Contracts
Federal Infrastructure Security Systems
Commercial and Institutional Building Construction Services

Risk Flags

Competition method requires further clarification on 'exclusion of sources'.
Value for money assessment is limited due to lack of detailed scope and comparable data.
Contract duration is short relative to contract value, warranting scrutiny of unit costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $6,207 to FIRELAKE CONSTRUCTION INC. NBAF JOB ORDER CONTRACT POP UP BOLLARD REPAIRS, NATIONAL BIO AND AGRO-DEFENSE FACILITY, MANHATTAN, KANSAS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FIRELAKE CONSTRUCTION INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Agricultural Research Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6,207.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-07-08.

What is the specific scope of 'pop-up bollard repairs' covered by this contract, and what is the expected outcome?

The contract details 'NBAF JOB ORDER CONTRACT POP UP BOLLARD REPAIRS' for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility. While the exact scope of repairs is not explicitly detailed in the provided data, job order contracts typically cover a range of pre-defined services, often including maintenance, repair, and minor construction. For pop-up bollard systems, this could encompass mechanical or electrical repairs, replacement of damaged components, or servicing to ensure proper functionality for security and access control. The expected outcome is the restoration and maintenance of the bollard systems to ensure the security and operational integrity of the NBAF.

How does the contract value of $6.2 million for 98 days compare to similar specialized repair contracts for critical infrastructure?

A contract value of approximately $6.2 million over 98 days translates to a daily rate of roughly $63,265. This figure appears high for standard repair work and suggests either a very complex scope, a high number of units requiring repair, or specialized labor and materials. Without specific details on the number of bollards, the nature of the damage, or the specific technologies involved, direct comparison is challenging. However, for critical infrastructure maintenance at high-security facilities, specialized services can command premium pricing. Further benchmarking against similar high-security bollard repair contracts or specialized infrastructure maintenance at other federal sites would be necessary for a definitive value assessment.

What are the potential risks associated with a Firm Fixed Price contract for specialized repairs like bollard systems?

The primary risk with a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract for specialized repairs is that the contractor may inflate their bid to account for potential unforeseen issues or complexities, leading to a higher initial cost for the government. If the scope of work is not precisely defined or if unexpected problems arise during the repair process, the contractor may be less incentivized to absorb additional costs compared to a cost-plus contract. Conversely, if the contractor accurately estimates costs and manages the work efficiently, the FFP structure benefits the government by providing cost certainty. For specialized systems like pop-up bollards, the risk of encountering unique technical challenges that were not fully anticipated during the bidding phase is a key consideration.

What does 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' imply about the bidding process and potential fairness?

'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' is a specific procurement method that aims for broad competition but allows for the exclusion of certain potential offerors based on predefined criteria. This implies that while the solicitation was generally open, specific companies or types of companies may have been deemed ineligible to bid. The reasons for exclusion are critical to understanding the fairness of the process; they could range from unmet technical qualifications to specific security requirements. If the exclusions were justified and clearly communicated, it can still lead to competitive pricing. However, if exclusions were arbitrary or lacked clear justification, it could limit competition and potentially lead to suboptimal pricing for taxpayers.

What is the track record of Firelake Construction Inc. in performing similar federal contracts, particularly for specialized infrastructure?

Information regarding the specific track record of Firelake Construction Inc. in performing similar federal contracts, especially for specialized infrastructure like pop-up bollard systems, is not provided in the given data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance on government contracts, including client satisfaction, adherence to schedule and budget, and the complexity of projects undertaken. Federal procurement databases and past performance reviews would be the primary sources for evaluating their experience and reliability in executing this type of specialized repair work.

How does the NAICS code 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction) align with the specific service of pop-up bollard repairs?

The NAICS code 236220, 'Commercial and Institutional Building Construction,' broadly encompasses the construction of non-residential buildings. While pop-up bollard repair is a specific service, it often falls under the umbrella of maintaining or upgrading the infrastructure of commercial or institutional facilities. Such repairs can be considered part of the overall building envelope or site improvements integral to the building's function and security. Therefore, this NAICS code is a reasonable classification, especially if the repairs are part of a larger project or ongoing maintenance contract for the NBAF, which is an institutional facility.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building 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

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Firelake Construction, Inc.

Address: 1011 E 31ST ST, LAWRENCE, KS, 66046

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,207

Exercised Options: $6,207

Current Obligation: $6,207

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12805B25D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline