NIST Awards $1.8M for Fire Alarm Maintenance to Optimum Low Voltage LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,795,430 ($1.8M)
Contractor: Optimum LOW Voltage LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2019-09-10
End Date: 2025-03-10
Contract Duration: 2,008 days
Daily Burn Rate: $894/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: FIRE ALARM AND SUPPRESSION SYSTEM INSPECTION, TESTING AND MAINTENANCE ON THE NIST GAITHERSBURG CAMPUS
Place of Performance
Location: WILMINGTON, NEW HANOVER County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28405
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $1.8 million to OPTIMUM LOW VOLTAGE LLC for work described as: FIRE ALARM AND SUPPRESSION SYSTEM INSPECTION, TESTING AND MAINTENANCE ON THE NIST GAITHERSBURG CAMPUS Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential fire safety systems. 2. Optimum Low Voltage LLC is the sole awardee. 3. Potential risk associated with single vendor reliance. 4. Spending falls within the Security Systems Services sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $1.8M over approximately 5.5 years appears reasonable for specialized fire alarm inspection, testing, and maintenance services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for campus-wide safety systems would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a limited competition approach. While this can expedite procurement for smaller dollar values, it may not always yield the most competitive pricing compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential safety infrastructure maintenance, ensuring compliance and operational continuity.
Public Impact
Ensures the safety of personnel and property at the NIST Gaithersburg campus. Maintains critical life-safety systems, preventing potential hazards. Supports the operational integrity of a key federal research facility.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 89 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may impact price optimization.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical safety systems.
Positive Signals
- Essential service for facility safety.
- Clear contract duration and scope.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) category, which includes the maintenance and repair of alarm and suppression systems. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining federal facility safety and compliance.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded via Purchase Order under SAP, suggesting a streamlined oversight process. Regular performance reviews and adherence to contract terms are key accountability measures.
Related Government Programs
- Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths)
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition procurement method.
- Sole awardee for critical safety service.
- Potential for price increases in future renewals.
- Lack of small business participation data.
Tags
security-systems-services-except-locksmi, department-of-commerce, nc, purchase-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $1.8 million to OPTIMUM LOW VOLTAGE LLC. FIRE ALARM AND SUPPRESSION SYSTEM INSPECTION, TESTING AND MAINTENANCE ON THE NIST GAITHERSBURG CAMPUS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is OPTIMUM LOW VOLTAGE LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Institute of Standards and Technology).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $1.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-09-10. End: 2025-03-10.
What is the estimated annual cost for this fire alarm maintenance contract?
The total contract value is $1,795,429.78, with an estimated period of performance from September 10, 2019, to March 10, 2025. This equates to approximately 5.5 years. Dividing the total value by the duration suggests an average annual cost of roughly $326,440, which is a key figure for understanding the ongoing investment in facility safety.
What are the primary risks associated with this limited competition contract?
The primary risk is vendor lock-in and potential price escalation over time due to limited competition. If Optimum Low Voltage LLC is the only provider with the necessary expertise or if the procurement process restricts broader market access, NIST may not be able to secure the most cost-effective services in the future. This also poses a risk if the vendor experiences financial difficulties or performance issues.
How does this spending align with NIST's overall security and infrastructure maintenance priorities?
This spending directly aligns with NIST's priority of maintaining a safe and secure research environment. Fire alarm and suppression systems are critical infrastructure for protecting personnel, valuable equipment, and sensitive research data. Consistent and effective maintenance ensures operational continuity and compliance with safety regulations, underscoring its importance.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths)
Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › INSPECTION SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 1333ND19Q150306
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 6624 GORDON RD STE L, WILMINGTON, NC, 28411
Business Categories: Category Business, 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: $1,795,430
Exercised Options: $1,795,430
Current Obligation: $1,795,430
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-09-10
Current End Date: 2025-03-10
Potential End Date: 2025-03-10 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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