DOT awards $19.7K for UPS battery equipment and installation in Hutchinson, KS

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,745 ($19.7K)

Contractor: Barry Williams Electric Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2024-03-19

End Date: 2024-09-11

Contract Duration: 176 days

Daily Burn Rate: $112/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: UPS BATTERY EQUIPMENT PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION. JCN:19002997, LOC:HTI ARSR, HUTCHINSON KS.

Place of Performance

Location: HUTCHINSON, RENO County, KANSAS, 67501

State: Kansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $19,745.29 to BARRY WILLIAMS ELECTRIC INC for work described as: UPS BATTERY EQUIPMENT PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION. JCN:19002997, LOC:HTI ARSR, HUTCHINSON KS. Key points: 1. Contract value is relatively small, suggesting a localized need or a component of a larger project. 2. Competition dynamics for this award are not detailed, but the contract type is 'COMPETED UNDER SAP'. 3. Risk indicators are low given the contract's modest value and short duration. 4. Performance context is limited to the purchase and installation of UPS battery equipment. 5. Sector positioning is within the Federal Aviation Administration's operational support infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $19,745.29 for UPS battery equipment and installation appears reasonable for the scope. Without specific benchmarks for this exact equipment and installation in Hutchinson, KS, it's difficult to provide a precise comparison. However, the award amount is modest, suggesting it is likely within market norms for such services. The fixed-price nature of the contract helps control costs for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves fewer bidders than full and open competition. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, SAP is designed for smaller purchases where full competition might be inefficient. This suggests a streamlined process, but potentially less aggressive price discovery compared to larger, more broadly competed contracts.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, using SAP for smaller purchases like this can lead to administrative efficiencies and faster delivery of needed equipment. However, it's important to ensure that even within SAP, adequate competition is sought to secure the best value.

Public Impact

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) benefits from the acquisition of essential UPS battery equipment. This equipment ensures the reliable operation of critical systems at the HTI ARSR facility in Hutchinson, Kansas. The installation supports the continuity of air traffic control services in the region. The contract supports local economic activity through the contractor, Barry Williams Electric Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may not yield the absolute lowest price.
Scope of work is narrowly defined, potentially missing opportunities for broader infrastructure upgrades.

Positive Signals

Modest contract value suggests efficient use of funds for a specific need.
Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Short performance period indicates timely project completion.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader IT and infrastructure support sector, specifically related to maintaining operational technology for the Federal Aviation Administration. The market for UPS battery equipment and installation services is competitive, with numerous providers. The FAA's spending in this area is critical for ensuring the reliability of its air traffic control systems nationwide, with similar procurements likely occurring at various facilities.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements. Barry Williams Electric Inc. is likely a small business itself, but the award does not reflect a specific small business initiative or set-aside program.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the contracting officer and program managers within the Federal Aviation Administration. As a small, competed award under SAP, it likely undergoes standard administrative review. Transparency is provided through federal procurement databases, but detailed performance reviews are not publicly available.

Related Government Programs

FAA Air Traffic Control Modernization
Federal Aviation Administration Infrastructure Maintenance
UPS and Power Backup Systems Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for limited price competition due to SAP.
Need for verification of equipment specifications against FAA standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $19,745.29 to BARRY WILLIAMS ELECTRIC INC. UPS BATTERY EQUIPMENT PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION. JCN:19002997, LOC:HTI ARSR, HUTCHINSON KS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BARRY WILLIAMS ELECTRIC INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19,745.29.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-19. End: 2024-09-11.

What is the track record of Barry Williams Electric Inc. with federal contracts?

Barry Williams Electric Inc. has been awarded this specific contract for UPS battery equipment and installation. Further analysis of their federal contracting history would require accessing broader federal procurement databases to identify past awards, contract types, agencies served, and performance history. Without this broader data, it's difficult to assess their overall track record. However, being awarded a contract, even under SAP, indicates they met the basic requirements for consideration.

How does the price compare to similar UPS battery equipment and installation contracts?

Direct price comparison is challenging without knowing the exact specifications of the UPS battery equipment and the complexity of the installation at the HTI ARSR facility. However, the total award of $19,745.29 for a delivery order with a 176-day duration suggests a moderate investment. For context, larger UPS systems for data centers can cost hundreds of thousands or millions. This award is likely for a smaller, localized system critical for a specific piece of FAA equipment, making it appear reasonable within that niche.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract are relatively low due to its modest value and short duration. Potential risks include delays in delivery or installation, equipment malfunction upon arrival, or the installation not meeting FAA specifications. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract mitigates financial risk for the government. The contractor's responsibility for delivery and installation, coupled with the FAA's oversight, should ensure the successful completion of the task.

How effective is this contract in ensuring the reliability of FAA systems?

This contract is effective in ensuring the reliability of specific FAA systems by providing essential UPS battery backup. Uninterruptible Power Supplies are critical for maintaining continuous operation of sensitive electronic equipment, such as air traffic control systems, during power fluctuations or outages. By securing this equipment and its installation, the FAA is taking a necessary step to prevent disruptions and maintain safety standards at the Hutchinson, KS facility.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar UPS battery equipment at FAA facilities?

Historical spending patterns for similar UPS battery equipment at FAA facilities can vary significantly based on the size and criticality of the facility, as well as the specific technology requirements. Smaller facilities like the HTI ARSR might see awards in the tens of thousands, as seen here. Larger air traffic control centers or airport facilities could involve procurements in the hundreds of thousands or millions for more robust and scalable UPS solutions. Analyzing past FAA contracts would reveal trends in equipment types, vendors, and average costs per installation.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing › Battery Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: ELECTRIC WIRE, POWER DISTRIB EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: HUTCHINSON, KS (HTI) ARSR

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 208 OTIS DR, WACO, TX, 76712

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,745

Exercised Options: $19,745

Current Obligation: $19,745

Actual Outlays: $19,745

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 6973GH24D00021

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline