USDA's Agricultural Research Service awards $592K for walk-in freezer equipment replacement to Elite Veteran Solutions, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $59,199 ($59.2K)

Contractor: Elite Veteran Solutions, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 181 days

Daily Burn Rate: $327/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 14

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY26 WALK-IN FREEZER EQUIP REPLACEMENT

Place of Performance

Location: MARSHFIELD, WOOD County, WISCONSIN, 54449

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $59,198.53 to ELITE VETERAN SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: FY26 WALK-IN FREEZER EQUIP REPLACEMENT Key points: 1. Spending is concentrated on a single vendor for essential equipment. 2. The contract is competed under SAP, suggesting potential for limited competition. 3. Risk is moderate due to reliance on one vendor for critical infrastructure. 4. The sector involves specialized refrigeration equipment manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $591,985.30 for a walk-in freezer replacement appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment and the firm fixed price contract. Benchmarking against similar large-scale commercial refrigeration units suggests this pricing is within expected ranges.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically allows for a broader range of vendors but may not achieve full and open competition. This method can lead to efficient procurement but might limit price discovery compared to full-scale competitive bidding.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential equipment replacement, ensuring continued operational capacity for the Agricultural Research Service. The use of SAP aims for efficiency, but the limited competition aspect warrants monitoring for optimal value.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation of critical research facilities by replacing aging freezer equipment. Supports the Agricultural Research Service's mission by providing necessary infrastructure for sample storage and preservation. The award to Elite Veteran Solutions, LLC, a small business, aligns with federal goals to support veteran-owned enterprises.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to SAP.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical equipment.

Positive Signals

Award to a veteran-owned small business.
Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This procurement falls within the manufacturing sector for commercial and industrial refrigeration equipment. Spending benchmarks for such specialized equipment can vary significantly based on size, features, and energy efficiency requirements. The $592K award is substantial for a single unit, reflecting its critical role and specialized nature.

Small Business Impact

The award to Elite Veteran Solutions, LLC, a small business, is a positive signal. It demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting small and veteran-owned businesses. Further analysis would be needed to confirm if this was a set-aside or if the small business won in a broader competition.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of a Purchase Order under SAP suggests a streamlined procurement process. Oversight would focus on ensuring the equipment meets specifications, the vendor fulfills the contract terms, and the price remains competitive within the SAP framework.

Related Government Programs

Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Agricultural Research Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical infrastructure.
Lack of detailed specifications on equipment lifespan.
Need for clear justification for SAP procurement method.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $59,198.53 to ELITE VETERAN SOLUTIONS, LLC. FY26 WALK-IN FREEZER EQUIP REPLACEMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ELITE VETERAN SOLUTIONS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $59,198.53.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the expected lifespan of the new walk-in freezer equipment, and how does it compare to the previous unit's lifespan?

The expected lifespan of the new walk-in freezer equipment is crucial for assessing long-term value. While not explicitly stated in the data, typical commercial-grade freezers can last 15-20 years. Understanding this allows for a better calculation of the total cost of ownership and comparison against the operational efficiency and maintenance costs of the older unit, ensuring the replacement provides a significant upgrade in reliability and energy savings.

What specific criteria were used to determine that SAP was the appropriate procurement method, and were alternative competitive strategies considered?

The determination to use SAP likely stems from the estimated contract value falling within the simplified acquisition threshold, allowing for a faster and less burdensome procurement process. However, the agency should have considered if a broader competition, even under SAP, was feasible. Documenting the rationale for choosing SAP over other competitive methods, especially if full and open competition was possible, is key to ensuring maximum value and fairness in the award.

How will the performance and reliability of the new freezer equipment be monitored post-installation to ensure it meets the Agricultural Research Service's needs?

Post-installation monitoring will likely involve acceptance testing to verify the equipment meets all specified performance parameters, such as temperature control and energy efficiency. The agency should establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and conduct regular check-ins with Elite Veteran Solutions, LLC, during the warranty period. This ensures the equipment operates reliably, minimizes downtime, and fulfills the critical research support functions for which it was procured.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Ventilation, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing › Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1232SA26Q0303

Offers Received: 14

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4950 WOODSTONE DR APT 321, SAN ANTONIO, TX, 78230

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $59,199

Exercised Options: $59,199

Current Obligation: $59,199

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline