DOT awards $3.1M for San Antonio Airfield Modernization, focusing on electrical upgrades

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,065 ($31.1K)

Contractor: Wells Global, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 177 days

Daily Burn Rate: $176/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: F&E (F11) FUNDED DESIGN AIRFIELD MODERNIZATION PROJECT, SITE SPECIFIC: (SAT) ELD, SAN ANTONIO, TX, INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT JCN:25980077 SAT SAN ANTONIO, TX. REIMBURSABLE PROJECT

Place of Performance

Location: SAN ANTONIO, BEXAR County, TEXAS, 78217

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $31,065 to WELLS GLOBAL, LLC for work described as: F&E (F11) FUNDED DESIGN AIRFIELD MODERNIZATION PROJECT, SITE SPECIFIC: (SAT) ELD, SAN ANTONIO, TX, INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT JCN:25980077 SAT SAN ANTONIO, TX. REIMBURSABLE PROJECT Key points: 1. Contract value of $3.1 million for airfield modernization, primarily electrical work. 2. Project duration of 177 days indicates a focused, short-term scope. 3. Awarded to Wells Global, LLC, a single contractor for this delivery order. 4. Full and open competition suggests a broad search for qualified bidders. 5. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 6. Project located in San Antonio, Texas, impacting local infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.1 million for airfield modernization, specifically electrical upgrades, appears reasonable for a project of this scope and duration. While direct comparisons are difficult without more detailed project specifications, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests an effort to establish a clear cost baseline. Benchmarking against similar airfield electrical modernization projects would provide further insight into value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that the Federal Aviation Administration sought bids from all responsible sources. This approach generally promotes a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to submit proposals. The number of bidders is not specified, but the method suggests a robust process for price discovery and selection of the most advantageous offer.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider pool of qualified contractors, potentially reducing overall project costs.

Public Impact

Benefits the San Antonio International Airport by modernizing critical electrical infrastructure. Enhances the safety and operational efficiency of airfield operations. Supports the local economy in San Antonio, Texas, through project execution. Impacts airport personnel and potentially airline operations through improved facilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Full and open competition utilized, suggesting a fair and broad solicitation process.
Firm fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government.
Project is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger, potentially pre-vetted framework.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the construction and infrastructure sector, specifically focusing on airfield modernization. The market for airport infrastructure development and electrical contracting is substantial, driven by ongoing needs for upgrades, safety enhancements, and capacity expansion. This project represents a specific investment in electrical systems, a critical component of modern airport operations, aligning with broader trends in aviation infrastructure spending.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. While Wells Global, LLC is the prime contractor, there is no information provided on subcontracting plans or specific targets for small business participation. Further investigation into subcontracting opportunities would be needed to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Federal Aviation Administration's program management and contracting offices. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, existing oversight mechanisms for that vehicle would likely apply. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific project-level oversight details are not provided.

Related Government Programs

Airport Improvement Program (AIP)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Contracts
Airfield Infrastructure Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays due to short project duration and operational airport environment.
Performance risk associated with a single contractor for this delivery order.
Need for verification of contractor's specific experience in airfield electrical systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $31,065 to WELLS GLOBAL, LLC. F&E (F11) FUNDED DESIGN AIRFIELD MODERNIZATION PROJECT, SITE SPECIFIC: (SAT) ELD, SAN ANTONIO, TX, INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT JCN:25980077 SAT SAN ANTONIO, TX. REIMBURSABLE PROJECT

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 $31,065.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of Wells Global, LLC in performing similar airfield electrical modernization projects?

Information regarding Wells Global, LLC's specific track record in airfield electrical modernization projects is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their capability, a review of past performance on similar federal or commercial contracts would be necessary. This would involve examining project scope, complexity, timeliness of completion, and client satisfaction. Without this specific performance history, it is difficult to definitively gauge their expertise in this specialized area. Further due diligence would be required to understand their experience with FAA standards and airfield electrical systems.

How does the $3.1 million contract value compare to similar airfield electrical modernization projects?

Benchmarking the $3.1 million contract value against similar airfield electrical modernization projects requires access to a database of comparable contracts. Factors such as project scope (e.g., runway lighting, navigation systems, power distribution), airport size, and geographic location significantly influence costs. Given the 177-day duration, this appears to be a focused upgrade. A preliminary assessment suggests the value is within a plausible range for specialized electrical work at an international airport, but a detailed comparison with projects of identical scope and complexity is needed for a definitive value-for-money assessment.

What are the primary risks associated with this airfield modernization project?

Key risks for this airfield modernization project include potential delays due to unforeseen site conditions, weather disruptions impacting the short 177-day schedule, and coordination challenges with ongoing airport operations. Technical risks related to integrating new electrical systems with existing infrastructure are also present. Furthermore, the reliance on a single contractor, Wells Global, LLC, for this delivery order introduces performance risk if the contractor encounters financial or operational difficulties. Ensuring adherence to FAA safety and electrical standards is paramount to mitigate risks related to non-compliance.

How effective is the full and open competition process in ensuring optimal pricing for this type of project?

The full and open competition process is generally considered effective in promoting optimal pricing for projects like this by maximizing the number of potential bidders and encouraging competitive bids. This method allows the government to solicit proposals from a wide range of qualified contractors, fostering price discovery and potentially leading to lower costs for taxpayers. However, the effectiveness is contingent on the clarity of the solicitation, the responsiveness of the market, and the evaluation criteria used. Without knowing the number of bids received, it's challenging to definitively state how competitive this specific instance was, but the process itself is designed to yield competitive outcomes.

What is the historical spending pattern for airfield modernization projects by the FAA?

Historical spending patterns for airfield modernization projects by the FAA are substantial and ongoing, reflecting the continuous need to maintain and upgrade national airport infrastructure. The FAA's Airport Improvement Program (AIP) is a primary funding source, allocating significant annual budgets towards safety, capacity, and environmental projects. Spending varies year-to-year based on congressional appropriations and specific project needs across the country. While this $3.1 million contract is a specific instance, it represents a small fraction of the overall federal investment in aviation infrastructure, which collectively amounts to billions of dollars annually.

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

Solicitation ID: 6973GH-22-D-00017

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, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,065

Exercised Options: $31,065

Current Obligation: $31,065

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 6973GH22D00017

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline