DOT awards $6.4M for electrical supplies, with 2 bids received under simplified acquisition procedures

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $64,111 ($64.1K)

Contractor: Allied Wire and Cable LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2025-12-11

End Date: 2026-03-20

Contract Duration: 99 days

Daily Burn Rate: $648/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ASSETS IN SUPPORT OF THE NAS

Place of Performance

Location: COLLEGEVILLE, MONTGOMERY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19426

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $64,110.66 to ALLIED WIRE AND CABLE LLC for work described as: ASSETS IN SUPPORT OF THE NAS Key points: 1. Value appears reasonable given the scope of electrical supplies needed for NASA assets. 2. Competition was limited, with only two bids submitted, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the nature of the supplies and fixed-price contract. 4. Performance context suggests a routine procurement for essential operational equipment. 5. Sector positioning is within the broader federal procurement of industrial supplies and equipment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.41 million for electrical supplies seems aligned with market rates for bulk procurement of such items. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for electrical apparatus and wiring supplies indicates a competitive price range. The firm-fixed-price structure further mitigates cost overrun risks for the government, suggesting good value for the anticipated goods.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders. With two bids received, the competition level is moderate for this type of procurement. While not a full and open competition, SAP is designed for efficiency in acquiring goods and services below certain thresholds, and the presence of two bidders suggests some level of market engagement.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition under SAP means taxpayers may not have benefited from the lowest possible price that could have been achieved through broader solicitation. However, the efficiency gains of SAP can also represent a cost saving in administrative overhead.

Public Impact

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will benefit from the reliable supply of essential electrical components. Services delivered include the provision of electrical apparatus, equipment, and wiring supplies. The geographic impact is national, supporting NASA's diverse operational needs across its facilities. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily affecting the supply chain and logistics personnel involved in delivery and installation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition could lead to higher prices than a fully competed contract.
Reliance on a single vendor for specific critical components could pose a supply chain risk if not managed proactively.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Procurement under SAP suggests adherence to efficient acquisition processes.
The award to Allied Wire and Cable LLC indicates a known entity within the supply chain.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader industrial supplies and equipment sector, specifically focusing on electrical components. The federal government is a significant purchaser of such goods, with spending often driven by infrastructure maintenance, operational needs, and research and development projects. Comparable spending benchmarks for electrical supplies can vary widely based on quantity, specifications, and the specific agency's requirements, but this $6.41 million award represents a substantial, though not exceptionally large, procurement.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. The award went to Allied Wire and Cable LLC, which is not explicitly identified as a small business in this context. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific procurement is likely minimal, unless the prime contractor engages small businesses in their supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order will likely be managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contracting officers and program managers responsible for supporting NASA assets. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified goods by the deadline. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where such awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

NASA Procurement
Federal Aviation Administration Contracts
Electrical Supplies Procurement
Simplified Acquisition Procedures
Industrial Equipment Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Potential Supply Chain Vulnerability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $64,110.66 to ALLIED WIRE AND CABLE LLC. ASSETS IN SUPPORT OF THE NAS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALLIED WIRE AND CABLE LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $64,110.66.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-11. End: 2026-03-20.

What is the track record of Allied Wire and Cable LLC in fulfilling federal contracts?

Allied Wire and Cable LLC has a history of receiving federal contracts, primarily for electrical supplies and related equipment. While the provided data indicates this specific contract is valued at $6.41 million, a deeper analysis of their federal procurement history would reveal the volume, types, and performance ratings of their past awards. Examining contract close-out data and any reported disputes or terminations would provide a more comprehensive view of their reliability and performance as a federal contractor. Understanding their past performance is crucial for assessing the risk associated with this current award and for future procurement decisions.

How does the price per unit for key items compare to market rates?

The provided data does not include specific line items or quantities, making a direct per-unit cost comparison impossible. To assess value for money, a detailed breakdown of the awarded items (e.g., specific types of wire, connectors, conduits) and their quantities would be necessary. This information would then need to be benchmarked against current commercial catalog prices, distributor price lists, and other government contract pricing (e.g., GSA schedules or other agency contracts for similar items). Without this granular data, it's challenging to definitively state if the per-unit costs are optimal, though the overall contract value suggests a bulk purchase.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract are potential supply chain disruptions and the possibility of receiving non-compliant or substandard materials, despite the firm-fixed-price nature. Mitigation strategies include the contractor's established business operations and the government's quality assurance provisions, which typically involve inspection and acceptance testing upon delivery. The limited competition also presents a risk of suboptimal pricing. However, the relatively short performance period (less than a year) and the nature of the goods (standard electrical supplies) generally keep the overall risk profile moderate.

How does this contract's value compare to historical spending on similar electrical supplies by the FAA or NASA?

The $6.41 million award is a significant but not unprecedented sum for electrical supplies. To provide a comparative analysis, historical spending data from the FAA and NASA on similar National Stock Number (NSN) categories or Product Service Codes (PSCs) would be required. Analyzing spending trends over the past 3-5 fiscal years would reveal if this award is in line with typical procurement volumes and values, or if it represents an increase or decrease. Factors such as inflation, changes in operational tempo, or new project requirements could influence historical spending patterns and thus the context for this current award.

What is the potential impact of the limited competition on the government's ability to secure future favorable pricing?

The limited competition, with only two bidders under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), could have a moderate impact on the government's ability to secure the most favorable pricing in the future. While SAP is designed for efficiency, a broader solicitation might have attracted more bidders, potentially driving prices down further through increased competition. If Allied Wire and Cable LLC was the sole or primary supplier capable of meeting the specific requirements within the SAP framework, this could create a perception of limited alternatives for future similar procurements. However, the government can still leverage this contract's performance data and market research to encourage broader competition in subsequent solicitations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Wholesale Trade › Household Appliances and Electrical and Electronic Goods Merchant Wholesalers › Electrical Apparatus and Equipment, Wiring Supplies, and Related Equipment Merchant Wholesalers

Product/Service Code: ELECTRIC WIRE, POWER DISTRIB EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 101 KESTREL DR, COLLEGEVILLE, PA, 19426

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $64,111

Exercised Options: $64,111

Current Obligation: $64,111

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline