Interior Department awards $50K for laptops and peripherals, with delivery within one month

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $49,993 ($50.0K)

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: $1.7K/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 5 EA LAPTOP - PRO 14 PLUS, STANDARD I7 9 EA LAPTOP - PRO MAX 16 PLUS, POWER 3 EA DOCK - WD25TB4 (PREC 3590/PRO 14) 15 EA MOUSE - MS116 DELL OPTICAL MOUSE 10 EA KEYBOARD - KB813 DELL SMARTCARD 9 EA MOUSE KEYBO

Place of Performance

Location: GLENDALE, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85306

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $49,993.26 to COUNTERTRADE PRODUCTS, INC. for work described as: LAPTOP - PRO 16 PLUS, STANDARD PLUS 5 EA LAPTOP - PRO 14 PLUS, STANDARD I7 9 EA LAPTOP - PRO MAX 16 PLUS, POWER 3 EA DOCK - WD25TB4 (PREC 3590/PRO 14) 15 EA MOUSE - MS116 DELL OPTICAL MOUSE 10 EA KEYBOARD - KB813 DELL SMARTCARD 9 EA MOUSE KEYBO Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the quantity and type of equipment, pending detailed benchmarking. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a short performance period and a fixed-price contract. 4. Performance context is a rapid delivery requirement for essential computing equipment. 5. This contract falls within the broader IT hardware and electronics manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award of $49,993.26 for 29 laptops, 15 docks, 10 mice, and 9 keyboards suggests a unit price of approximately $1,723 per laptop, which is within the expected range for high-end professional models. Benchmarking against similar federal IT procurements for comparable hardware would provide a more precise value assessment. The inclusion of peripherals and docks at this price point indicates a potentially good deal if the specifications meet agency needs.

Cost Per Unit: Approximately $1,723 per laptop (based on total award and 29 laptops); specific per-unit costs for peripherals are not detailed but are included in the overall price.

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. This method typically fosters a competitive environment, allowing the agency to solicit bids from multiple vendors. The number of bidders is not specified, but the competitive nature of the award suggests that pricing was likely driven by market forces.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by promoting lower prices and encouraging a wider range of vendors to participate, potentially leading to better value.

Public Impact

The Bureau of Reclamation, a division of the Department of the Interior, is the direct beneficiary of this procurement. The contract will deliver essential computing hardware, including laptops, docks, mice, and keyboards. The geographic impact is localized to Arizona, where the equipment will likely be deployed. The workforce implications include providing necessary tools for federal employees to perform their duties.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for outdated technology if specifications are not current.
Dependence on a single vendor for delivery within a tight timeframe.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Fixed-price contract limits cost overrun risk for the government.
Short performance period minimizes long-term commitment and obsolescence risk.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically the procurement of electronic computers and related peripherals. The market for these goods is highly competitive, with numerous manufacturers and resellers. Federal spending on IT hardware is substantial, with agencies constantly refreshing equipment to maintain operational efficiency and security. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other federal laptop and workstation procurements.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, COUNTERTRADE PRODUCTS, INC., is not explicitly identified as a small business. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans. This suggests that the primary focus was on obtaining the required hardware through the most competitive means available, rather than specifically targeting small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Bureau of Reclamation's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability is ensured through the firm fixed-price nature of the contract, requiring the vendor to deliver specified goods within the agreed-upon timeframe and cost. Transparency is facilitated by the public availability of contract award data, allowing for general scrutiny.

Related Government Programs

Federal IT Hardware Procurement
Department of the Interior IT Spending
Bureau of Reclamation Equipment Purchases
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Contracts (potential avenue for similar purchases)

Risk Flags

Short delivery window could pose logistical challenges.
Lack of detailed specifications makes direct value comparison difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $49,993.26 to COUNTERTRADE PRODUCTS, INC.. LAPTOP - PRO 16 PLUS, STANDARD PLUS 5 EA LAPTOP - PRO 14 PLUS, STANDARD I7 9 EA LAPTOP - PRO MAX 16 PLUS, POWER 3 EA DOCK - WD25TB4 (PREC 3590/PRO 14) 15 EA MOUSE - MS116 DELL OPTICAL MOUSE 10 EA KEYBOARD - KB813 DELL SMARTCARD 9 EA MOUSE KEYBO

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 $49,993.26.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the specific model and configuration of the laptops being procured, and how do they compare to current market offerings?

The data indicates 'LAPTOP - PRO 16 PLUS, STANDARD PLUS', 'LAPTOP - PRO 14 PLUS, STANDARD I7', and 'LAPTOP - PRO MAX 16 PLUS, POWER'. These descriptions suggest professional-grade laptops, likely from Dell given the mention of Dell peripherals. The 'PRO' and 'MAX' designations imply higher-end configurations with potentially enhanced processors (like the 'I7'), graphics, and memory. Without exact model numbers or detailed specifications (e.g., RAM, storage, processor speed), a direct comparison to current market offerings is difficult. However, the pricing suggests these are not entry-level machines. Federal agencies often procure specific configurations through established contracts or competitive bids to meet performance and security requirements, which may differ from standard consumer models.

How does the unit price of the laptops compare to similar federal procurements or commercial benchmarks?

The estimated unit price per laptop is around $1,723. This price point is consistent with professional or business-class laptops that include features like robust build quality, enhanced security, and potentially higher performance specifications (e.g., Intel Core i7 processors, ample RAM, and SSD storage). When compared to federal procurement data, this price appears competitive for the described 'PRO' and 'MAX' configurations, especially when bundled with peripherals. Commercial benchmarks for similar high-end business laptops often range from $1,500 to $2,500 or more, depending on the exact specifications and volume discounts. Therefore, the $1,723 estimate seems reasonable within this context.

What are the potential risks associated with the short 30-day delivery period?

The primary risk associated with a 30-day delivery period is the potential for supply chain disruptions or the contractor's inability to procure and deliver the specified hardware within the tight timeframe. This could lead to delays in the Bureau of Reclamation's operations, impacting employee productivity. Another risk is that the contractor might prioritize fulfilling this order over other commitments, potentially leading to quality control issues if rushed. However, given the relatively small quantity (29 laptops and associated peripherals) and the fact that it's a standard IT procurement, the risk is mitigated if the contractor has adequate stock or established supply chains. The fixed-price nature also means the government is protected from price increases if delays occur due to the contractor.

What is the track record of COUNTERTRADE PRODUCTS, INC. in fulfilling federal IT hardware contracts?

Information regarding the specific track record of COUNTERTRADE PRODUCTS, INC. for federal IT hardware contracts is not provided in the data. To assess their track record, one would need to examine their past performance history, including on-time delivery rates, quality of goods provided, and any past disputes or contract terminations. Agencies typically use past performance evaluations as a key factor in source selection for future contracts. Without access to this specific performance data, it's difficult to definitively assess their reliability for this particular procurement.

How does this contract's value compare to the Bureau of Reclamation's overall IT spending?

The total award of $49,993.26 represents a very small fraction of the Bureau of Reclamation's overall IT budget. Federal agencies typically spend millions, if not billions, on IT infrastructure, software, and services annually. This specific contract is for a limited quantity of end-user devices and peripherals, likely intended for a specific team or project. Therefore, while important for the immediate users, its value is minor in the context of the agency's total IT expenditure. Analyzing its proportion relative to the agency's annual IT spending would require access to the Bureau of Reclamation's broader financial and IT budget data.

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: $49,993

Exercised Options: $49,993

Current Obligation: $49,993

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SC05B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline