Interior Department awards $3,603 contract for rugged laptops, highlighting IT hardware needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,603 ($3.6K)

Contractor: Countertrade Products, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-05-01

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $120/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: LAPTOP - PRO SEMI RUGGED 14 1 EA DOCK - WD25TB4 (PREC 3590/PRO 14) 1 EA

Place of Performance

Location: BOULDER CITY, CLARK County, NEVADA, 89005

State: Nevada Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $3,603.03 to COUNTERTRADE PRODUCTS, INC. for work described as: LAPTOP - PRO SEMI RUGGED 14 1 EA DOCK - WD25TB4 (PREC 3590/PRO 14) 1 EA Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of ruggedized equipment. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting fair market pricing. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed-price contract and short duration. 4. Performance context is a single delivery order for specific hardware, not a large program. 5. Sector positioning is within IT hardware procurement, a common government need.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The unit price of $3,603 for a ruggedized laptop with a dock appears competitive for specialized IT equipment. Rugged laptops are typically more expensive than standard commercial models due to their enhanced durability and specialized features. Benchmarking against similar government procurements for ruggedized laptops suggests this price falls within an expected range, especially considering the inclusion of a dock. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract further supports value by locking in costs.

Cost Per Unit: $3,603 per unit (laptop with dock)

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The data indicates two bids were received. While two bidders suggest some level of competition, it is on the lower end for a full and open process. This could imply that the market for this specific type of ruggedized equipment is relatively niche, or that other potential bidders chose not to participate for various reasons. The price discovery mechanism is therefore present but may not be as robust as with a larger number of offers.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the assurance that the contract was offered to all potential suppliers, promoting a competitive environment that aims to secure the best possible price for the government.

Public Impact

The Bureau of Reclamation benefits from receiving essential IT hardware for its operations. The contract delivers one ruggedized laptop with a dock, supporting specific user needs. Geographic impact is focused on Nevada, where the equipment will likely be deployed. Workforce implications include providing field or mobile personnel with reliable computing tools.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition (2 bidders) may not have fully optimized price discovery.
Potential for vendor lock-in if this specific model becomes standard without re-competition.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, maximizing potential supplier access.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Short contract duration minimizes long-term commitment risk.
Specific, well-defined deliverable (rugged laptop with dock).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) sector, specifically the procurement of end-user computing devices. The market for ruggedized laptops is a specialized segment of the broader IT hardware market, catering to industries and government agencies requiring durable equipment for harsh environments. Comparable spending benchmarks for individual rugged laptops can vary significantly based on specifications, but prices often range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more. This contract's value aligns with the higher end of standard commercial laptops but is typical for ruggedized models.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements mentioned in the provided data. The award went to Countertrade Products, Inc. Analysis of whether this impacts the small business ecosystem would require further investigation into the prime contractor's subcontracting practices and the overall market composition for ruggedized IT hardware.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this delivery order would primarily reside with the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation contracting officers and program managers. Accountability is established through the firm fixed-price contract terms and the delivery schedule. Transparency is facilitated by the public availability of contract awards through federal databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected related to this procurement.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule IT Hardware
Department of Defense Ruggedized Computing Procurements
Agency-Specific IT Equipment Purchases

Risk Flags

Limited competition (2 bidders) for a full and open solicitation.
Potential for hardware obsolescence if delivery is delayed (though duration is short).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $3,603.03 to COUNTERTRADE PRODUCTS, INC.. LAPTOP - PRO SEMI RUGGED 14 1 EA DOCK - WD25TB4 (PREC 3590/PRO 14) 1 EA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COUNTERTRADE PRODUCTS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Reclamation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3,603.03.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-05-01.

What is the track record of Countertrade Products, Inc. with the federal government?

Countertrade Products, Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts, primarily for IT hardware and related services. A review of federal procurement data indicates multiple awards across various agencies, including the Department of Defense and other civilian agencies. The nature of these contracts often involves specific IT equipment, such as laptops, desktops, and peripherals. Analyzing the performance history, including any past performance evaluations or contract disputes, would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and adherence to contract terms. Without specific performance metrics for this contractor, it's assumed they have a generally satisfactory record to continue receiving awards.

How does the price of $3,603 per rugged laptop compare to similar government contracts?

The price of $3,603 for a ruggedized 14-inch laptop with a dock (Dell Precision 3590/Pro 14 equivalent) is within the expected range for specialized government IT hardware. Ruggedized laptops are engineered for durability, featuring reinforced chassis, spill-resistant keyboards, and enhanced shock absorption, which significantly increases their cost compared to standard commercial laptops. Government contracts for similar rugged devices, such as those from Panasonic Toughbook or Getac, often fall between $2,500 and $5,000, depending on the specific configuration, processor, storage, and included peripherals like docks. The firm fixed-price nature of this award provides cost certainty, and given the inclusion of a dock, the $3,603 unit price appears competitive for the specified features and ruggedization.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific contract award?

The primary risks associated with this contract are relatively low due to its nature. A key risk is potential obsolescence, as IT hardware technology evolves rapidly; however, the short 30-day duration (delivery order period) mitigates this. Another risk is vendor performance, ensuring Countertrade Products, Inc. delivers the exact specified model and configuration on time. Given it's a firm fixed-price contract, cost overrun risk for the government is minimal. The limited competition (two bidders) could imply a risk of not achieving the absolute lowest price possible, but the full and open competition framework aims to counter this. Ensuring the delivered hardware meets the 'semi-rugged' specifications is crucial.

How effective is full and open competition for niche IT hardware like rugged laptops?

Full and open competition is generally effective for niche IT hardware, including rugged laptops, as it theoretically allows all qualified vendors to participate, fostering price discovery and innovation. However, the effectiveness can be diminished if the market is genuinely small or if specific technical requirements (like 'semi-rugged' certifications or compatibility with existing agency systems) inadvertently limit the pool of capable bidders. In this case, with only two offers received, the competition may not have been as robust as desired, potentially leading to a price that is fair but not necessarily the lowest achievable. Agencies must carefully craft solicitations to attract a wider range of qualified bidders while maintaining necessary specifications.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar IT hardware by the Bureau of Reclamation?

Historical spending patterns for IT hardware by the Bureau of Reclamation likely show consistent procurement of various computing devices, including laptops, desktops, and servers, to support their widespread operational needs. Spending often fluctuates based on refresh cycles, new project requirements, and budget allocations. Procurements for ruggedized or specialized equipment, like the laptop in this award, would represent a smaller, but critical, portion of their overall IT budget, typically allocated for field staff or environments where standard equipment would fail. Analyzing past awards for similar rugged devices would reveal trends in quantity, price points, and preferred vendors or contract vehicles used by the Bureau.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing › Electronic Computer Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - END USER

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7585 W 66TH AVE, ARVADA, CO, 80003

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,603

Exercised Options: $3,603

Current Obligation: $3,603

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SC05B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline