DOT awards $10.9M for battery equipment, highlighting infrastructure modernization needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,977 ($11.0K)

Contractor: Barry Williams Electric Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2025-07-24

End Date: 2026-03-01

Contract Duration: 220 days

Daily Burn Rate: $50/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Energy

Official Description: IIJA DC SYSTEMS BATTERY EQUIPMENT PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION. JCN:23001331, LOC:MDD RTR, MIDLAND TX. FUNDING BWC FOR BATTERY REPLACEMENT PROJECT AT MDD RTR.

Place of Performance

Location: WOODWAY, MCLENNAN County, TEXAS, 76712

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $10,976.77 to BARRY WILLIAMS ELECTRIC INC for work described as: IIJA DC SYSTEMS BATTERY EQUIPMENT PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION. JCN:23001331, LOC:MDD RTR, MIDLAND TX. FUNDING BWC FOR BATTERY REPLACEMENT PROJECT AT MDD RTR. Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized battery equipment and installation. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially efficient price discovery process. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm-fixed-price contract and clear delivery timeline. 4. Performance context points to critical infrastructure upgrades at a key transportation facility. 5. Sector positioning aligns with broader federal investments in energy resilience and modernization.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $10.9 million for battery equipment and installation seems aligned with the scope of work for a critical infrastructure project. Benchmarking against similar large-scale battery system procurements would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor assumes the primary cost risk, which is generally favorable for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a competitive process for procurements below a certain threshold. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP generally encourages broad participation. This level of competition is expected to yield fair market pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award under SAP helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

The Department of Transportation benefits from enhanced operational resilience at the Midland International Air & Space Port (MDD RTR). Services delivered include the purchase and installation of essential battery equipment. Geographic impact is localized to Midland, Texas, supporting critical regional infrastructure. Workforce implications may include specialized technical roles for installation and maintenance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if installation complexity is underestimated.
Dependence on contractor expertise for long-term system reliability.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract mitigates cost escalation risk.
Clear delivery and performance period reduces schedule uncertainty.
Award to an established electrical contractor suggests technical capability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader energy and infrastructure sector, specifically focusing on battery storage solutions. The market for such systems is growing rapidly, driven by grid modernization efforts, renewable energy integration, and the need for backup power. Federal spending in this area is increasing, particularly under initiatives like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which aims to upgrade critical infrastructure across the nation.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to BARRY WILLIAMS ELECTRIC INC, and there is no indication of a small business set-aside. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within this project.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, it likely adheres to established reporting and accountability measures. The firm-fixed-price nature provides a degree of financial accountability. Further transparency would be enhanced by publicizing the specific performance metrics and any post-award reviews.

Related Government Programs

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funded projects
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) infrastructure modernization
Energy resilience and storage initiatives

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays if installation is complex.
Long-term reliability of battery technology requires monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $10,976.77 to BARRY WILLIAMS ELECTRIC INC. IIJA DC SYSTEMS BATTERY EQUIPMENT PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION. JCN:23001331, LOC:MDD RTR, MIDLAND TX. FUNDING BWC FOR BATTERY REPLACEMENT PROJECT AT MDD RTR.

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 $10,976.77.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-07-24. End: 2026-03-01.

What is the track record of BARRY WILLIAMS ELECTRIC INC in performing similar federal contracts?

Information regarding BARRY WILLIAMS ELECTRIC INC's specific track record with federal contracts, particularly those involving large-scale battery equipment purchase and installation, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), contract history with federal agencies, and any reported issues or successes on similar projects. Understanding their experience with firm-fixed-price contracts and projects of comparable value and complexity is crucial for evaluating their capability to successfully execute this delivery order.

How does the $10.9 million contract value compare to similar battery equipment procurements for transportation infrastructure?

The $10.9 million contract value for battery equipment and installation at the Midland International Air & Space Port (MDD RTR) needs to be benchmarked against comparable federal or large-scale private sector projects. Factors influencing cost include the specific battery technology (e.g., lithium-ion, flow batteries), capacity (kWh/MWh), power output (kW/MW), integration complexity with existing systems, and installation requirements. Without specific technical details of the equipment and installation scope, a direct comparison is challenging. However, for critical infrastructure upgrades requiring significant battery capacity and integration, this value appears within a plausible range, assuming it covers advanced technology and comprehensive installation services.

What are the primary risks associated with this battery equipment purchase and installation contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential technical challenges during installation and integration, leading to schedule delays or cost overruns, although the firm-fixed-price contract aims to mitigate the latter. There's also a risk related to the long-term performance and reliability of the battery systems, which depends on the quality of the equipment and the contractor's installation expertise. Cybersecurity risks associated with connected battery management systems could also be a concern. Furthermore, ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure and future upgrades presents an integration risk. The government's risk is somewhat reduced by the firm-fixed-price nature and the defined performance period.

How effective is the firm-fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money for this project?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective in ensuring value for money when the scope of work is well-defined and the risks are understood. For this battery equipment purchase and installation, an FFP contract places the primary cost risk on the contractor, BARRY WILLIAMS ELECTRIC INC. This incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently and complete the work within the agreed-upon price. It provides budget certainty for the government and limits the potential for cost overruns. However, to ensure true value, the initial price must be competitive, and the government must have robust oversight to ensure the contractor meets all performance and quality specifications.

What is the historical spending pattern for battery equipment and installation by the Federal Aviation Administration?

Historical spending patterns for battery equipment and installation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would need to be analyzed through federal procurement databases (e.g., FPDS, SAM.gov). This specific contract, valued at $10.9 million, appears to be a significant investment. Examining past FAA contracts for similar infrastructure upgrades, particularly at airports or air traffic control facilities, would reveal trends in spending, typical contract values, and the prevalence of such procurements. Understanding this history can provide context for the current award, indicating whether this is a novel investment or part of a sustained modernization effort.

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

Offers Received: 3

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: $10,977

Exercised Options: $10,977

Current Obligation: $10,977

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 6973GH24D00021

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline