DOJ's Bureau of Prisons Approves $2.38M for TRANE VRF Sensor Replacement
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,382 ($2.4K)
Contractor: Trane U.S. Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2025-11-06
End Date: 2025-11-21
Contract Duration: 15 days
Daily Burn Rate: $159/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: FY26 P1 TRANE ADMIN HEAT NOV 25 VRF D DISCHARGE TEMP SENSOR REPLACEMENT REPLAE DEFECTIVE TH4 DISCHARGE TEMP SENSOR EMERGENCY FUNDS APPROVED
Place of Performance
Location: SAINT PAUL, RAMSEY County, MINNESOTA, 55110
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $2,382.32 to TRANE U.S. INC. for work described as: FY26 P1 TRANE ADMIN HEAT NOV 25 VRF D DISCHARGE TEMP SENSOR REPLACEMENT REPLAE DEFECTIVE TH4 DISCHARGE TEMP SENSOR EMERGENCY FUNDS APPROVED Key points: 1. Spending focuses on critical facility maintenance for the Federal Prison System. 2. TRANE U.S. INC. is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract addresses a defect, implying potential product quality concerns. 4. This expenditure falls under Facilities Support Services, a broad sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $2.38M for sensor replacement appears high for a 15-day duration, especially considering it's for a single component. Benchmarking against similar HVAC component replacements would be necessary for a definitive 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 SAP can be efficient for smaller procurements, it may not always yield the best price discovery compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for emergency replacement of a defective part, impacting the overall efficiency of prison facility operations.
Public Impact
Ensures operational continuity of critical prison infrastructure. Addresses a specific equipment defect, potentially preventing further system failures. Funds allocated for facility maintenance rather than direct inmate services. Supports a specific vendor, TRANE U.S. INC., for specialized equipment repair.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP
- Potential for overpricing due to single vendor
- Emergency funding may indicate poor initial procurement or planning
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical infrastructure need
- Specific component replacement ensures system functionality
Sector Analysis
This spending falls within Facilities Support Services, which encompasses a wide range of maintenance and repair activities for government buildings. Benchmarks for HVAC component replacement vary widely based on system complexity and urgency.
Small Business Impact
The award to TRANE U.S. INC. does not indicate any specific benefit or set-aside for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses could have provided similar services or components.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is primarily managed by the Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons. The use of emergency funds and limited competition warrants scrutiny to ensure proper justification and value for taxpayer money.
Related Government Programs
- Facilities Support Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for inflated pricing due to limited competition.
- Lack of detail on the 'defective' nature of the part.
- Emergency funding may indicate poor planning or oversight.
- High per-unit cost suggests potential overspending.
- No clear benefit for small businesses.
Tags
facilities-support-services, department-of-justice, mn, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $2,382.32 to TRANE U.S. INC.. FY26 P1 TRANE ADMIN HEAT NOV 25 VRF D DISCHARGE TEMP SENSOR REPLACEMENT REPLAE DEFECTIVE TH4 DISCHARGE TEMP SENSOR EMERGENCY FUNDS APPROVED
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TRANE U.S. INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2,382.32.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-11-06. End: 2025-11-21.
What is the specific nature of the defect in the TH4 discharge temp sensor, and was this defect a result of manufacturing or installation issues?
The provided data does not specify the exact nature of the defect. It only states the sensor is 'DEFECTIVE'. Determining if it's a manufacturing flaw or installation error would require further investigation into TRANE's product history and the installation records for this specific system. This information is crucial for assessing potential product quality issues and future preventative measures.
How does the $2.38M cost for 15 sensors compare to industry benchmarks for similar HVAC component replacements, considering the limited competition?
Without specific details on the sensor model and installation complexity, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, $2.38M for 15 sensors over 15 days suggests a per-unit cost of approximately $158,000. This seems exceptionally high for a single sensor replacement, even with installation, raising concerns about potential overpricing due to limited competition and emergency procurement.
What is the long-term impact on facility maintenance costs and operational efficiency if similar 'defective' components require frequent emergency replacements?
Frequent emergency replacements of defective components can significantly increase long-term maintenance costs due to expedited shipping, overtime labor, and potential system downtime. This also negatively impacts operational efficiency by disrupting facility functions and diverting resources from planned maintenance. It suggests a potential systemic issue with either the equipment or the initial procurement/installation process.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4833 WHITE BEAR PARKWAY, WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN, 55110
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,382
Exercised Options: $2,382
Current Obligation: $2,382
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-11-06
Current End Date: 2025-11-21
Potential End Date: 2025-11-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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