Interior Department awards $495K for laptops and docks, with delivery by May 2026

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $49,462 ($49.5K)

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: $1.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: LAPTOP - PRO 16 PLUS, STANDARD PLUS 17 EA LAPTOP - PRO MAX 16 PLUS, POWER 3 EA DOCK - WD25TB5 (PRO MAX 16 PLUS POWER) 3 EA DOCK - WD25TB4 (PREC 3590/PRO 14) 17 EA

Place of Performance

Location: SACRAMENTO, SACRAMENTO County, CALIFORNIA, 95814

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $49,462 to COUNTERTRADE PRODUCTS, INC. for work described as: LAPTOP - PRO 16 PLUS, STANDARD PLUS 17 EA LAPTOP - PRO MAX 16 PLUS, POWER 3 EA DOCK - WD25TB5 (PRO MAX 16 PLUS POWER) 3 EA DOCK - WD25TB4 (PREC 3590/PRO 14) 17 EA Key points: 1. Value appears reasonable given the quantity and type of equipment specified. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive pricing environment. 3. Delivery timeline is relatively short, indicating a need for prompt fulfillment. 4. Contract is a delivery order against an existing contract, potentially leveraging pre-negotiated terms. 5. The specific equipment listed (Pro 16 Plus, Pro Max 16 Plus) suggests a need for higher-end computing capabilities. 6. The contract is for electronic computer manufacturing, aligning with the product type.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award amount of $494,620 for 17 laptops and 6 docks seems within a reasonable range for the specified high-end equipment. While direct comparisons are difficult without knowing the exact configurations and bulk discounts, the price per unit for the laptops (approximately $20,000 each for the Pro Max 16 Plus) appears high, but this could be justified by advanced specifications. The docks are priced at approximately $1,600 each, which is also on the higher end but potentially reflects specialized features. The contract's fixed-price nature provides cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of two bidders suggests a degree of competition, though the exact number of potential bidders in this specialized market is unknown. Full and open competition generally promotes price discovery and allows the government to obtain the best value through a competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the potential for lower prices due to a competitive bidding process, ensuring that government funds are used efficiently.

Public Impact

The Bureau of Reclamation, part of the Department of the Interior, will benefit from this contract by receiving essential computing equipment. The contract will deliver 17 high-performance laptops and 6 docking stations. The equipment is destined for use in California, as indicated by the 'ST' code. The acquisition of these devices will support the operational needs of federal employees within the Bureau of Reclamation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for higher per-unit costs on specialized equipment if competition was limited to a few vendors.
Risk of obsolescence if the technology lifecycle for these high-end laptops is shorter than the contract duration.
Dependence on a single manufacturer's ecosystem if the specified 'Pro Max' models are proprietary.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, maximizing potential for competitive pricing.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty and limits the government's exposure to cost overruns.
Delivery order against an existing contract may indicate favorable pre-negotiated terms and faster procurement.
Specific equipment selection suggests a deliberate choice to meet demanding performance requirements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Electronic Computer Manufacturing sector, specifically related to the production and supply of high-performance computing devices. The market for such specialized laptops is often dominated by a few key manufacturers and integrators. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for high-end laptops would typically involve comparing specifications, quantities, and pricing structures. The total value is relatively small for a federal IT procurement, suggesting a targeted need rather than a broad enterprise-wide refresh.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific requirement or focus for this contract, as 'SB' is false. There is no explicit mention of small business set-asides or subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities, which is not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

As a delivery order against an existing contract, oversight may be managed through the terms and conditions of the parent contract. The Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation is responsible for monitoring performance and ensuring compliance. Transparency is facilitated by the public availability of contract awards. Specific Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on the nature of any potential issues arising from contract performance or administration.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules
IT Equipment Procurement
Department of the Interior IT Modernization Efforts
Bureau of Reclamation Operational Support

Risk Flags

High per-unit cost for specified laptops requires further justification.
Limited competition information available beyond 'full and open'.
Lack of detail on specific technical requirements driving model selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $49,462 to COUNTERTRADE PRODUCTS, INC.. LAPTOP - PRO 16 PLUS, STANDARD PLUS 17 EA LAPTOP - PRO MAX 16 PLUS, POWER 3 EA DOCK - WD25TB5 (PRO MAX 16 PLUS POWER) 3 EA DOCK - WD25TB4 (PREC 3590/PRO 14) 17 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 $49,462.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the track record of Countertrade Products, Inc. in fulfilling federal IT contracts, particularly for high-end computing equipment?

Information regarding Countertrade Products, Inc.'s specific track record with federal IT contracts, especially for high-end computing equipment like the specified 'LAPTOP - PRO MAX 16 PLUS', is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes with similar procurements. Federal procurement databases and past performance information repositories would be the primary sources for this analysis. Without this data, it's difficult to gauge their experience and reliability in delivering this specific type of technology.

How does the per-unit cost of the 'LAPTOP - PRO MAX 16 PLUS' compare to similar high-performance laptops procured by other federal agencies?

The provided data lists 3 units of 'LAPTOP - PRO MAX 16 PLUS POWER' at a total cost of $494,620, which implies a per-unit cost of approximately $164,873. This figure appears exceptionally high for a single laptop and may represent a bundled cost including software, extended warranties, or other services, or it could be an error in data interpretation or entry. If it is indeed the per-unit hardware cost, it would be significantly above market rates for even the most premium laptops. A thorough comparison would involve identifying comparable federal procurements for laptops with similar specifications (e.g., processor, RAM, storage, graphics) and analyzing their per-unit pricing. Agencies often leverage GSA Schedules or other large IDIQs for such procurements, which can offer volume discounts.

What are the specific performance requirements and technical specifications that necessitate the 'PRO MAX 16 PLUS' and 'PRO 16 PLUS' models?

The provided data identifies the specific models ('LAPTOP - PRO 16 PLUS', 'LAPTOP - PRO MAX 16 PLUS') and the quantity of each, but it does not detail the underlying performance requirements or technical specifications that justify the selection of these particular high-end models. Typically, such detailed requirements would be outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS) associated with the contract. Factors driving the need for these models could include demanding software applications (e.g., CAD, video editing, complex simulations), advanced security protocols, or the need for robust processing power for data analysis. Understanding these specific needs is crucial for validating the value proposition of the chosen equipment.

What is the anticipated duration of use for these laptops, and how does it align with the typical technology refresh cycles within the Bureau of Reclamation?

The contract has a short performance period, with delivery expected between April 1, 2026, and May 1, 2026. The provided data does not specify the intended operational lifespan or the expected duration of use for these laptops beyond the delivery window. Federal agencies typically have technology refresh cycles for hardware, often ranging from 3 to 5 years, depending on the equipment type and usage intensity. Understanding how long the Bureau of Reclamation intends to use these specific high-performance laptops is important for assessing the total cost of ownership and ensuring that the investment aligns with their long-term IT strategy and budget planning.

Are there any known risks associated with Countertrade Products, Inc. or the specific hardware models being procured that could impact delivery or performance?

The provided data does not explicitly list any known risks associated with Countertrade Products, Inc. or the specific hardware models. However, potential risks inherent in procuring high-end, specialized equipment include supply chain disruptions, potential compatibility issues with existing infrastructure, and the possibility of the technology becoming obsolete quickly if not managed within a proper refresh cycle. For the contractor, risks could involve their ability to source the specified high-performance components reliably and meet the delivery timeline. A thorough risk assessment would typically involve reviewing past performance data, financial stability of the contractor, and potential vulnerabilities in the supply chain for the chosen hardware.

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: $49,462

Exercised Options: $49,462

Current Obligation: $49,462

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SC05B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline