GSA awards $32K contract for hot water tank replacement at Montgomery, AL facility

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,098 ($32.1K)

Contractor: Raven Services Corp

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-14

End Date: 2026-10-05

Contract Duration: 174 days

Daily Burn Rate: $184/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CONTRACTOR TO REPLACE HOT WATER TANK AT THE FRANK M. JOHNSON ANNEX IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY LOCATED AT ONE CHURCH ST. MONTGOMERY, AL 36104-4056(AL0003AC)

Place of Performance

Location: MONTGOMERY, MONTGOMERY County, ALABAMA, 36104

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $32,097.65 to RAVEN SERVICES CORP for work described as: CONTRACTOR TO REPLACE HOT WATER TANK AT THE FRANK M. JOHNSON ANNEX IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY LOCATED AT ONE CHURCH ST. MONTGOMERY, AL 36104-4056(AL0003AC) Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a facility maintenance task. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract limits cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Contract duration is relatively short, focusing on a specific task. 5. Service category aligns with standard facilities support needs. 6. Geographic focus is limited to a single facility in Alabama.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $32,097.65 for replacing a hot water tank is within a reasonable range for such a service. Without specific details on the tank size, type, and labor involved, a direct comparison is difficult. However, for a standard commercial or government facility, this price point suggests fair market value, assuming quality materials and professional installation. The firm fixed-price nature of the award also provides cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach typically fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and terms. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the method of competition suggests a robust process aimed at achieving value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for taxpayers by leveraging market forces.

Public Impact

Federal employees and visitors at the Frank M. Johnson Annex will benefit from reliable hot water. The contract ensures the continued operation and maintenance of essential building infrastructure. The service is geographically focused on Montgomery County, Alabama. The contract supports local jobs in the facilities maintenance and plumbing sector within Alabama.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a fair process.
Firm fixed-price contract type mitigates cost escalation risks.
Contract is for a specific, well-defined service (hot water tank replacement).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Facilities Support Services sector, which is a broad category encompassing a wide range of building operations and maintenance activities. The market for these services is highly competitive, with numerous providers ranging from small local businesses to large national corporations. Spending in this sector by federal agencies is substantial, covering everything from janitorial services to complex building system repairs and replacements, ensuring operational readiness of government facilities.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there an indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The awardee, Raven Services Corp, is not identified by size. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had an opportunity to bid or subcontract on this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) generally has robust oversight mechanisms for its contracts, managed through its Public Buildings Service. The firm fixed-price nature of this award simplifies oversight by focusing on delivery of the specified service. Transparency is typically maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General oversight would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Maintenance
Facilities Operations and Maintenance
Plumbing Services
General Services Administration Contracts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $32,097.65 to RAVEN SERVICES CORP. CONTRACTOR TO REPLACE HOT WATER TANK AT THE FRANK M. JOHNSON ANNEX IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY LOCATED AT ONE CHURCH ST. MONTGOMERY, AL 36104-4056(AL0003AC)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RAVEN SERVICES CORP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $32,097.65.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-14. End: 2026-10-05.

What is the track record of Raven Services Corp with the federal government?

Raven Services Corp has received federal contract awards primarily from the General Services Administration (GSA). Data indicates a history of awards for services related to facilities maintenance and support. The contract values have generally been in the lower to mid-range, consistent with specialized maintenance tasks rather than large-scale construction or service contracts. A review of past performance would involve examining specific award histories, any reported issues, and client feedback if available through government performance assessment systems. This particular contract for a hot water tank replacement is a relatively small award, suggesting it aligns with the company's typical scope of work for GSA.

How does the awarded price compare to similar hot water tank replacement contracts?

Benchmarking the $32,097.65 award for a hot water tank replacement requires more specific details about the tank's capacity, type (e.g., tankless, storage), installation complexity, and labor rates in Montgomery, AL. However, for a standard commercial or government facility, this price appears within a reasonable range for a complete replacement including the unit, ancillary materials, and professional installation. Similar contracts for large commercial water heaters or complex installations can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on scale and specifications. Without more granular data, it's difficult to definitively state if it's exceptionally high or low, but it does not immediately raise red flags for a firm fixed-price award under full competition.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract are relatively low due to its nature. The firm fixed-price contract type mitigates the risk of cost overruns for the government. The main risks would be related to the contractor's performance: potential delays in completing the replacement, subpar quality of the installed tank or workmanship, or the new tank failing prematurely. However, the relatively short duration (approx. 6 months) and specific scope (one tank replacement) limit the window for significant performance issues. The General Services Administration's oversight and the contractor's potential future business with the agency serve as incentives for satisfactory performance.

How effective is the General Services Administration in managing facilities support contracts?

The General Services Administration (GSA) is a primary agency responsible for managing federal real estate and providing facilities support services. Its effectiveness is generally considered good, particularly in standardizing processes and leveraging economies of scale. GSA utilizes various contract vehicles, including Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) like the one used here, to streamline procurement for recurring needs. While specific contract performance can vary, GSA's established procedures, competition requirements, and oversight mechanisms aim to ensure effective service delivery and value for money. Challenges can arise in highly specialized or geographically dispersed requirements, but for routine maintenance like this, GSA's framework is typically adequate.

What is the historical spending pattern for facilities support services at the Frank M. Johnson Annex?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for facilities support services at the Frank M. Johnson Annex would require access to detailed procurement data specific to this facility over multiple years. This contract represents a single, specific task (hot water tank replacement) valued at approximately $32,000. Federal facilities typically require ongoing maintenance, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and general repairs. Spending on such services can fluctuate annually based on equipment lifecycles, deferred maintenance, and specific repair needs. Without prior data, it's impossible to establish a trend or determine if this $32,000 expenditure is typical, an increase, or a decrease compared to previous years' maintenance budgets for this annex.

What is the significance of the BPA Call award type?

The 'BPA Call' award type signifies that this contract was issued under a pre-existing Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). A BPA is a simplified acquisition vehicle that allows federal agencies to fill anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services. Instead of issuing a new contract each time, an agency can 'call off' from an established BPA. This specific award is a 'call' against a BPA, likely established by GSA for facilities support services. This method streamlines the procurement process, reduces administrative burden, and can lead to faster delivery of services while potentially securing better pricing through pre-negotiated terms within the BPA.

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

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: EQPMAE-26-0155

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Raven Services JV LLC

Address: 10529 CRESTWOOD DR STE 201, MANASSAS, VA, 20109

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,098

Exercised Options: $32,098

Current Obligation: $32,098

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47PN0423A0001

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline