GSA awards $250K for chiller replacement at Fort Pierce courthouse, highlighting facilities support services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $249,812 ($249.8K)

Contractor: Claxton/Lts JV, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-03-31

End Date: 2026-10-30

Contract Duration: 213 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TITLE: REPLACE AIR COOLED CHILLER. LOCATION: ALTO LEE ADAMS US COURTHOUSE 101 US HWY 1 NORTH FORT PIERCE, FL 34950

Place of Performance

Location: FORT PIERCE, SAINT LUCIE County, FLORIDA, 34950

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $249,811.65 to CLAXTON/LTS JV, LLC for work described as: TITLE: REPLACE AIR COOLED CHILLER. LOCATION: ALTO LEE ADAMS US COURTHOUSE 101 US HWY 1 NORTH FORT PIERCE, FL 34950 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a specialized facility upgrade. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risks include project delays or unforeseen infrastructure issues. 4. Performance context is within facilities maintenance and upgrade services. 5. This contract falls under the broader category of facilities support services. 6. The award was a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $250,000 for a chiller replacement is within a typical range for such specialized building infrastructure work. Benchmarking against similar projects for federal courthouses or public buildings of comparable size and complexity would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, given the nature of the work (HVAC system replacement), the price appears to be a fair reflection of the required materials, labor, and specialized expertise.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that the solicitation was broadly advertised, and all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, this method generally fosters robust price discovery and encourages competitive pricing by allowing a wide range of qualified contractors to participate.

Taxpayer Impact: This competitive approach is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of securing the best possible price for the required services, preventing potential overpayment and ensuring efficient use of federal funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the occupants and users of the Alto Lee Adams US Courthouse in Fort Pierce, Florida, who will experience improved climate control. The service delivered is the replacement of a critical air-cooled chiller system, essential for the building's HVAC operations. The geographic impact is localized to the Fort Pierce, Florida area where the courthouse is situated. Workforce implications include employment for skilled tradespeople involved in HVAC installation and maintenance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting project timeline and cost.
Reliance on a single delivery order may not reflect the full scope of potential future facility needs.
Ensuring long-term operational efficiency and maintenance of the new chiller system.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
Clear definition of scope for chiller replacement aims to mitigate ambiguity.
Fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

The facilities support services sector encompasses a wide range of activities critical to the operation and maintenance of government buildings. This contract, specifically for HVAC system replacement, falls within the specialized segment of building systems maintenance and upgrade. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous providers capable of undertaking complex infrastructure projects. Comparable spending benchmarks for federal building upgrades often vary significantly based on building size, age, and system complexity, but this award appears to be a standard procurement for essential facility upkeep.

Small Business Impact

The contract details do not indicate a specific small business set-aside. As it was awarded under full and open competition, small businesses were eligible to compete. However, without further information on the number of bidders or the prime contractor's subcontracting plan, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem remains unclear. Larger prime contractors often utilize small businesses for specialized subcontracting roles, which could be a potential avenue for small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Public Buildings Service, which is responsible for federal building management. Accountability measures are typically embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Maintenance Contracts
HVAC System Upgrades
Public Buildings Service Procurements
Facilities Support Services
General Services Administration Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for project delays
Unforeseen site conditions
Supply chain disruptions for specialized equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $249,811.65 to CLAXTON/LTS JV, LLC. TITLE: REPLACE AIR COOLED CHILLER. LOCATION: ALTO LEE ADAMS US COURTHOUSE 101 US HWY 1 NORTH FORT PIERCE, FL 34950

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CLAXTON/LTS JV, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Public Buildings Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $249,811.65.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-31. End: 2026-10-30.

What is the track record of CLAXTON/LTS JV, LLC with the GSA and similar federal agencies?

Information regarding the specific track record of CLAXTON/LTS JV, LLC with the General Services Administration (GSA) or other federal agencies 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 federal projects. Understanding their experience with similar HVAC replacement projects, particularly in government facilities, would be crucial for evaluating their capability and reliability for this specific contract. Further research into federal contract databases and past performance information systems would be necessary to fully ascertain their track record.

How does the awarded price compare to similar chiller replacement projects in federal courthouses?

The provided data does not include specific cost benchmarks for comparable chiller replacement projects in federal courthouses. The awarded amount of approximately $250,000 represents a single delivery order for a specific location. To assess value for money, this figure would need to be compared against the costs of similar projects, considering factors such as the size and age of the building, the capacity and type of chiller replaced, and the complexity of the installation. Without access to a database of such comparable projects, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, though the price appears reasonable for specialized facility infrastructure work.

What are the primary risks associated with replacing an air-cooled chiller in a federal courthouse?

Key risks associated with replacing an air-cooled chiller in a federal courthouse include potential disruptions to building operations, especially if cooling is critical. Unforeseen site conditions, such as discovering outdated or incompatible existing infrastructure (electrical, plumbing, structural supports), can lead to scope creep and cost overruns. There's also the risk of delays due to supply chain issues for specialized equipment or parts. Furthermore, ensuring the new system meets all federal energy efficiency standards and long-term maintenance requirements presents an ongoing risk if not properly managed. The security requirements of a federal courthouse could also add complexity to the installation process.

How effective are 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' solicitations in achieving competitive pricing for facilities services?

Solicitations under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' are generally effective in achieving competitive pricing for facilities services. This method ensures that the solicitation is widely publicized, allowing all responsible and capable contractors to submit bids. By maximizing the pool of potential bidders, the government increases the likelihood of receiving multiple competitive offers, which drives down prices. While this specific award doesn't detail the number of bids received, the process itself is designed to foster price discovery and ensure that the government obtains services at a fair and reasonable cost, preventing monopolies or limited competition scenarios that could inflate prices.

What is the historical spending pattern for facilities support services by the GSA's Public Buildings Service?

Historical spending patterns for facilities support services by the GSA's Public Buildings Service are substantial, reflecting the vast portfolio of federal buildings they manage. The GSA consistently allocates significant funds towards maintenance, repair, and upgrade projects, including HVAC systems, roofing, plumbing, and general building operations. Spending in this category is driven by the need to maintain secure, functional, and energy-efficient workspaces for federal agencies. While specific annual figures fluctuate based on infrastructure needs and budget allocations, facilities support services represent a core and ongoing expenditure for the PBS, essential for preserving federal real property assets.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: EQPMAE-26-0049

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 400 CORPORATE DR STE 201, STAFFORD, VA, 22554

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, SBA Certified 8 a Joint Venture, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $249,812

Exercised Options: $249,812

Current Obligation: $249,812

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47PE0721D0006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline