FAA awards $191K for critical power system upgrades at Denver facility, enhancing operational reliability

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $191,374 ($191.4K)

Contractor: Wells Global, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2025-12-18

End Date: 2026-04-24

Contract Duration: 127 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROVIDE THE PROGRAM MANAGER WITH THE REQUIRED PERSONNEL, MATERIALS, INSTALLATION, AND SERVICES FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF TWENTY-NINE (29) EXISTING CRITICAL POWER SYSTEM 150A ASCO ATSS WITH TWENTY-NINE (29) NEW 150 AMP L3 RCSTSS AT THE DENVER, CO (ZDV) A

Place of Performance

Location: LONGMONT, BOULDER County, COLORADO, 80501

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $191,374 to WELLS GLOBAL, LLC for work described as: PROVIDE THE PROGRAM MANAGER WITH THE REQUIRED PERSONNEL, MATERIALS, INSTALLATION, AND SERVICES FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF TWENTY-NINE (29) EXISTING CRITICAL POWER SYSTEM 150A ASCO ATSS WITH TWENTY-NINE (29) NEW 150 AMP L3 RCSTSS AT THE DENVER, CO (ZDV) A Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of critical power system replacements. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process, likely leading to fair pricing. 3. The contract involves essential infrastructure upgrades, indicating a low risk of operational disruption. 4. Performance context is tied to maintaining critical systems for the Denver Air Traffic Control Tower. 5. Sector positioning is within the essential infrastructure maintenance and upgrade services for government facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $191,374 for 29 critical power system replacements is within a reasonable range for specialized electrical infrastructure work. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for ATSS replacements suggests this pricing is competitive, especially considering the firm-fixed-price structure which transfers risk to the contractor. The scope includes materials, installation, and services, providing a comprehensive solution.

Cost Per Unit: Approximately $6,599 per unit (ATSS replacement), which is competitive for specialized electrical infrastructure components and installation.

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely solicited and evaluated. The presence of open competition generally fosters price discovery and encourages contractors to offer competitive pricing to secure the award. The Federal Aviation Administration's adherence to this procurement method suggests a commitment to obtaining the best value for taxpayer dollars.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the most cost-effective solution for essential infrastructure upgrades, preventing potential overpayment.

Public Impact

Benefits the Federal Aviation Administration by ensuring the continued reliable operation of the Denver Air Traffic Control Tower. Delivers essential services including the replacement of twenty-nine critical power system Automatic Transfer Switches (ATSS). Geographic impact is localized to the Denver, Colorado (ZDV) facility. Workforce implications include skilled electricians and technicians for installation and testing of specialized equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting delivery timelines for specialized ATSS units.
Ensuring contractor's adherence to stringent FAA safety and installation standards during execution.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract structure limits cost overruns for the government.
Award to a single contractor for all 29 units streamlines project management and ensures consistency.
Clear delivery order structure with defined end dates provides project certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader electrical contractors and wiring installation services sector, a critical component of maintaining government infrastructure. The market for specialized power systems, particularly for mission-critical facilities like air traffic control towers, is robust but requires specific expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar infrastructure upgrades in federal facilities often range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars per unit, depending on complexity and system integration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While Wells Global, LLC is listed as the awardee, further analysis would be needed to determine if they are a small business. There is no explicit subcontracting plan detailed in the provided data, but given the contract's size and nature, subcontracting opportunities for specialized electrical components or labor may exist.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Federal Aviation Administration, likely through contract officers and technical representatives who will monitor progress, quality, and adherence to specifications. Accountability is ensured through the firm-fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver the specified services and equipment within the agreed-upon budget. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award being made under full and open competition, with details typically available through federal procurement databases.

Related Government Programs

FAA Air Traffic Control Modernization Programs
Federal Building Infrastructure Maintenance
Critical Power Systems Procurement
Electrical Infrastructure Upgrades

Risk Flags

Potential supply chain delays for critical components.
Ensuring contractor's technical expertise for specialized installation.
Verification of system compatibility and performance post-installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $191,374 to WELLS GLOBAL, LLC. PROVIDE THE PROGRAM MANAGER WITH THE REQUIRED PERSONNEL, MATERIALS, INSTALLATION, AND SERVICES FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF TWENTY-NINE (29) EXISTING CRITICAL POWER SYSTEM 150A ASCO ATSS WITH TWENTY-NINE (29) NEW 150 AMP L3 RCSTSS AT THE DENVER, CO (ZDV) A

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WELLS GLOBAL, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $191,374.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-18. End: 2026-04-24.

What is the track record of Wells Global, LLC in performing similar critical power system upgrades for federal agencies?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that Wells Global, LLC has been awarded contracts for electrical services and infrastructure upgrades. However, specific details regarding their past performance on critical power system replacements of this scale (29 units) for agencies like the FAA would require a deeper dive into contract performance reports and past performance questionnaires. Assessing their experience with ASCO or L3 RCSTSS specifically would be crucial to gauge their suitability and minimize performance risk for this particular project.

How does the per-unit cost of $6,599 compare to industry benchmarks for similar ATSS replacements?

The per-unit cost of approximately $6,599 for replacing a 150A ATSS with a new 150 AMP L3 RCSTSS appears competitive within the specialized electrical infrastructure market. Industry benchmarks for similar critical power system component replacements, including the unit itself and professional installation, can range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the complexity, brand, and required integration. Factors such as the specific model of the L3 RCSTSS, any necessary modifications to existing infrastructure, and the labor rates in Denver, CO, would influence the final cost. Given the firm-fixed-price nature, this figure represents the total cost to the government.

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 the delivery of the 29 new L3 RCSTSS units due to supply chain issues, and the risk of installation errors or system integration problems. Mitigation strategies are embedded within the contract structure. The firm-fixed-price (FFP) nature shifts financial risk to the contractor, incentivizing timely and correct completion. The FAA's oversight, through contract specialists and technical representatives, will monitor progress and ensure adherence to specifications. The selection of a single contractor for all units aims to streamline coordination and reduce the risk of compatibility issues between different components or installers.

What is the expected impact of these upgrades on the operational effectiveness of the Denver Air Traffic Control Tower (ZDV)?

The replacement of twenty-nine aging critical power system Automatic Transfer Switches (ATSS) with new L3 RCSTSS is expected to significantly enhance the operational effectiveness and reliability of the Denver Air Traffic Control Tower (ZDV). These systems are crucial for ensuring uninterrupted power supply to essential air traffic control equipment, even during power outages or fluctuations. By upgrading to newer, potentially more efficient and reliable technology, the FAA reduces the risk of system failures, minimizes downtime, and ensures the continuous operation of vital air traffic management services, thereby contributing to aviation safety and efficiency.

How does the current contract spending compare to historical spending on similar power system upgrades at FAA facilities?

The current contract's total value of $191,374 for 29 units represents a focused investment in a specific facility's critical power infrastructure. To compare this to historical spending, one would need to analyze aggregate FAA spending on ATSS and related power system replacements across various facilities over several fiscal years. This would involve identifying similar contract vehicles, examining the number of units procured, the scope of work (e.g., including installation vs. equipment only), and the prevailing market prices at the time of award. Without access to that broader historical data, a direct comparison is difficult, but the $6,599 per-unit cost provides a basis for future benchmarking.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Building Equipment Contractors › Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors

Product/Service Code: INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT › INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4540 PRESLYN DR, RALEIGH, NC, 27616

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $191,374

Exercised Options: $191,374

Current Obligation: $191,374

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 6973GH25D00065

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline