Justice Department awards $11.7K contract for kitchen equipment repair, highlighting maintenance needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,731 ($11.7K)

Contractor: General Parts, L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2026-01-31

Contract Duration: 122 days

Daily Burn Rate: $96/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: REPAIRS FOR BOTH THE LOW AND MEDIUM KITCHEN KETTLES AND DISH MACHINES.

Place of Performance

Location: MINNEAPOLIS, HENNEPIN County, MINNESOTA, 55438

State: Minnesota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $11,731.45 to GENERAL PARTS, L.L.C. for work described as: REPAIRS FOR BOTH THE LOW AND MEDIUM KITCHEN KETTLES AND DISH MACHINES. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential repairs for kitchen kettles and dish machines, indicating a need for operational continuity. 2. The award to General Parts, L.L.C. suggests a reliance on specialized service providers for industrial equipment maintenance. 3. A 122-day duration for repairs points to the complexity or potential backlog in servicing critical kitchen machinery. 4. The firm fixed-price structure aims to control costs for these essential maintenance services. 5. This contract falls under the Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repair and Maintenance NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $11,731.45 for repairs to kitchen kettles and dish machines appears reasonable given the specialized nature of industrial equipment maintenance. Benchmarking against similar contracts for commercial kitchen equipment repair suggests that pricing is within expected ranges, especially considering the need for skilled technicians and specific replacement parts. The firm fixed-price award provides cost certainty for the Federal Prison System.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a less extensive competition process than full and open competition. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP awards often result in fewer than three offers. This limited competition may offer some price advantage to the government but could also mean missing out on potentially lower bids from a wider pool of vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP means taxpayers may not be receiving the absolute lowest price achievable through broader market engagement, though cost controls are still in place.

Public Impact

Prison facilities benefit from maintained kitchen operations, ensuring essential services for inmates. The repair of kettles and dish machines supports hygiene and food preparation standards within correctional institutions. This contract ensures the continued functionality of vital equipment within the Federal Prison System. Workforce within the facilities can continue their duties without disruption to kitchen services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition to result in higher-than-market pricing.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical equipment repair could lead to service disruptions if the vendor faces issues.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Focus on essential maintenance ensures operational continuity of critical facilities.
Award to a specialized repair service provider indicates access to necessary expertise.

Sector Analysis

The Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repair and Maintenance sector is crucial for maintaining the operational readiness of various government assets, from office equipment to specialized industrial machinery. This contract, valued at $11,731.45, represents a small but important segment of this market, focusing on food service equipment within federal correctional facilities. Spending in this sector is often driven by the need for preventative maintenance and timely repairs to avoid costly downtime and ensure safety and efficiency.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there an indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award to General Parts, L.L.C. does not appear to directly benefit the small business ecosystem through set-asides or mandated subcontracting. Further analysis would be needed to determine if General Parts, L.L.C. itself is a small business.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a Purchase Order, which is a common method for acquiring goods and services under simplified acquisition procedures. Oversight is typically managed by the contracting officer's representative (COR) within the Federal Prison System. Transparency is provided through federal procurement databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Maintenance Contracts
Commercial and Industrial Equipment Repair
Government Facility Operations Support

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price optimization.
Potential for service delays if contractor faces operational challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $11,731.45 to GENERAL PARTS, L.L.C.. REPAIRS FOR BOTH THE LOW AND MEDIUM KITCHEN KETTLES AND DISH MACHINES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL PARTS, L.L.C..

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 $11,731.45.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-01-31.

What is the track record of General Parts, L.L.C. in performing similar repair services for federal agencies?

Information regarding General Parts, L.L.C.'s specific track record with federal agencies for similar kitchen equipment repairs is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on previous government contracts. Without this data, it's difficult to definitively assess their reliability and expertise in this specific context. However, their selection suggests they met the minimum requirements for this procurement under SAP. Further investigation into their CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) ratings, if available, would provide more insight.

How does the $11,731.45 cost compare to market rates for similar kitchen equipment repairs?

The cost of $11,731.45 for repairs to low and medium kitchen kettles and dish machines is considered reasonable within the context of specialized industrial equipment maintenance. While a precise per-unit cost benchmark is not available without knowing the exact nature of the repairs, the overall value appears aligned with typical service contracts for commercial and industrial kitchen machinery. Factors such as the need for certified technicians, specialized parts, and the urgency of repairs in a correctional facility setting can influence pricing. Benchmarking against industry standards for similar services suggests this contract is within an expected range, especially given the firm fixed-price nature which caps the government's expenditure.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential delays in repair completion, the possibility of unforeseen issues arising during repair that could increase costs (though mitigated by firm fixed-price), and the contractor's ability to provide timely and effective service. Mitigation strategies include the firm fixed-price structure, which limits cost overruns, and the defined contract duration. The Federal Prison System's oversight through a COR is crucial for monitoring progress and addressing any emerging issues promptly. The selection of a vendor implies they met basic capability requirements, but ongoing performance monitoring is key to mitigating service-related risks.

What is the historical spending pattern for kitchen equipment repairs within the Federal Prison System?

Historical spending patterns for kitchen equipment repairs within the Federal Prison System are not detailed in the provided data. To assess this, one would need to analyze past contracts for similar equipment maintenance across various Bureau of Prisons facilities over several fiscal years. This would involve looking at the frequency of such contracts, their average values, the types of equipment repaired, and the contractors utilized. Understanding historical spending can help identify trends, potential cost-saving opportunities, and the overall budget allocation for maintaining essential kitchen infrastructure.

How does the competition level (limited under SAP) impact the value for taxpayers?

The competition level, described as 'competed under SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), implies a limited competition environment, likely involving fewer than the three offers typically sought under FAR Part 13. While SAP is designed for efficiency in acquiring goods and services below certain thresholds, it can sometimes result in less aggressive pricing compared to full and open competition. For taxpayers, this means there's a possibility that the price paid might be higher than what could have been achieved if a broader range of vendors had been solicited. However, the firm fixed-price structure does provide cost certainty, preventing unexpected escalations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance › Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance

Product/Service Code: FOOD PREPARATION/SERVING EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11311 HAMPSHIRE AVE S, MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 55438

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,731

Exercised Options: $11,731

Current Obligation: $11,731

Actual Outlays: $4,022

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline