USDA Awards $4,274 for Growth Chamber Outlets at SRRC New Orleans

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,274 ($4.3K)

Contractor: RED Bison Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2026-06-16

Contract Duration: 70 days

Daily Burn Rate: $61/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: INSTALLATION OF OUTLETS FOR GROWTH CHAMBERS, SOUTHERN REGIONAL RESEARCH CENTER, NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

Place of Performance

Location: NEW ORLEANS, ORLEANS County, LOUISIANA, 70124

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $4,274.1 to RED BISON SERVICES, LLC for work described as: INSTALLATION OF OUTLETS FOR GROWTH CHAMBERS, SOUTHERN REGIONAL RESEARCH CENTER, NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Red Bison Services, LLC for electrical work. 2. Project involves installation of outlets for growth chambers. 3. Competition method was 'Competed under SAP', indicating a streamlined process. 4. Sector is primarily construction/electrical contracting.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $4,274.10 is relatively small. Without specific benchmarks for similar electrical installation contracts in research facilities, a precise pricing assessment is difficult. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests a defined scope and cost.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was 'Competed under SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting it was likely competed among a limited number of pre-qualified vendors or through a simplified process for smaller dollar amounts. This method can be efficient but may not always yield the lowest price compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The direct taxpayer impact is minimal due to the small contract value. The primary benefit is enabling research infrastructure at the Southern Regional Research Center.

Public Impact

Enhances research capabilities at the Southern Regional Research Center. Supports agricultural research initiatives in Louisiana. Provides necessary infrastructure for scientific experiments.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 61 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may have impacted price discovery.
SAP competition might not be the most cost-effective for all contract types.

Positive Signals

Supports critical research infrastructure.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors (NAICS 238210) sector. Spending in this sector is generally driven by construction and infrastructure projects. The benchmark for this specific type of specialized installation is not readily available, but typical electrical contracting rates apply.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, Red Bison Services, LLC, is a small business. This contract demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting small businesses in specialized contracting roles.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a Purchase Order, a common method for smaller procurements. Oversight would typically involve ensuring the work is completed according to specifications and within the timeframe.

Related Government Programs

Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Agricultural Research Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for higher cost due to limited competition.
Scope creep risk if growth chamber requirements evolve.
Dependence on a single small business vendor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $4,274.1 to RED BISON SERVICES, LLC. INSTALLATION OF OUTLETS FOR GROWTH CHAMBERS, SOUTHERN REGIONAL RESEARCH CENTER, NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RED BISON SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4,274.1.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-06-16.

What is the typical cost range for similar growth chamber outlet installations in research facilities?

Determining a precise cost range for similar installations is challenging without access to a broader dataset of specialized research facility electrical work. Factors like facility age, existing infrastructure, specific outlet requirements (e.g., voltage, amperage, safety features), and local labor rates significantly influence pricing. However, for standard electrical work, costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per outlet, depending on complexity.

What are the potential risks associated with using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for this contract?

While SAP streamlines the procurement process for smaller dollar amounts, potential risks include reduced price competition compared to full and open solicitations, potentially leading to higher costs. There's also a risk that innovative solutions or a wider pool of qualified contractors might be overlooked. However, for straightforward, low-value requirements like this, SAP is often an efficient and appropriate method.

How effectively does this contract support the overall mission of the Agricultural Research Service?

This contract is crucial for enabling the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) at the Southern Regional Research Center to conduct vital research. By providing the necessary electrical infrastructure for growth chambers, it directly supports experiments and studies aimed at advancing agricultural science. The effectiveness lies in ensuring the research facilities are properly equipped to function, thereby facilitating the ARS's mission.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Building Equipment Contractors › Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1232SA26Q0388

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2232 FAYETTE ST, KENNER, LA, 70062

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,274

Exercised Options: $4,274

Current Obligation: $4,274

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline