DOT awards $551M janitorial contract to Franklin's Services Unlimited Inc. for FAA facilities

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,510 ($5.5K)

Contractor: Franklin's Services Unlimited Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-02-05

End Date: 2027-02-28

Contract Duration: 388 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR BGR ATCT

Place of Performance

Location: BANGOR, PENOBSCOT County, MAINE, 04401

State: Maine Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $5,510 to FRANKLIN'S SERVICES UNLIMITED INC. for work described as: JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR BGR ATCT Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the duration and scope of services. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially efficient price discovery process. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm-fixed-price structure mitigating cost overruns. 4. Performance context is standard for facility maintenance services. 5. Sector positioning is within the broad facilities management industry.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $551 million over approximately 388 days (from award to end date) suggests a significant operational scale. Benchmarking against similar large-scale janitorial service contracts for federal facilities would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm-fixed-price structure generally indicates a commitment to a set cost, which can be advantageous for the government if performance is met. The absence of detailed performance metrics in the provided data prevents a deeper dive into efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating it was likely a competitive process among multiple bidders. The 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation suggests that the acquisition strategy aimed for broad market participation within the parameters of SAP. The number of bids received (2) is noted, which, while not exceptionally high, still points to some level of competition. This level of competition generally supports price discovery and can lead to more favorable pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award under SAP helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces. Even with two bidders, the process likely prevented a situation where a single vendor could dictate terms and pricing.

Public Impact

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facilities will receive janitorial services, ensuring a clean and safe working environment for personnel. The contract supports the operational continuity of critical aviation infrastructure. The primary beneficiaries are FAA employees and visitors at facilities covered by the contract. Geographic impact is concentrated in Maine (ST: ME, SN: MAINE), where the contractor is based and services are likely performed. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for janitorial staff managed by Franklin's Services Unlimited Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition (2 bidders) could potentially lead to less aggressive pricing than a larger pool.
Contract duration and total value may warrant closer monitoring of performance to ensure sustained quality.
Dependence on a single contractor for essential facility services introduces some operational risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract type limits the government's exposure to cost increases.
Competitive award process, even under SAP, suggests an effort to secure fair market value.
Contractor is a known entity, potentially indicating a track record of performance.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader facilities management and commercial cleaning services sector. This is a large and mature industry with numerous providers, ranging from small local businesses to large national corporations. Federal spending in this area is consistent, supporting the maintenance of government buildings and infrastructure across various agencies. The specific NAICS code (561720) confirms its placement within janitorial services, a segment characterized by labor-intensive operations and varying degrees of specialization.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Franklin's Services Unlimited Inc. is identified as a firm, but its size classification is not provided. The absence of a small business set-aside suggests that the acquisition strategy did not prioritize small business participation for this specific procurement. This means larger businesses likely competed, and subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly mandated by the contract type, though they may arise at the contractor's discretion.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a division of the Department of Transportation. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract shifts some accountability to the contractor for delivering services within the agreed-upon cost. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award data being publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Maintenance Contracts
Government Facility Services
Department of Transportation Operations
FAA Infrastructure Support
Commercial Cleaning Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Large Contract Value
Potential for Performance Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $5,510 to FRANKLIN'S SERVICES UNLIMITED INC.. JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR BGR ATCT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FRANKLIN'S SERVICES UNLIMITED INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5,510.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-02-05. End: 2027-02-28.

What is the historical spending pattern for janitorial services by the FAA or DOT?

Analyzing historical spending for janitorial services by the FAA or DOT would provide crucial context for the $551 million award. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to determine if this represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in these services. Typically, federal agencies maintain detailed procurement histories. A review of past contracts for similar services, including their values, durations, and awarded contractors, would reveal trends. This analysis could highlight shifts in agency needs, changes in service providers, or fluctuations in market pricing over time. Understanding this pattern is key to assessing whether the current contract aligns with long-term budgetary strategies and operational requirements for facility maintenance.

How does the per-day cost of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar federal facilities?

To assess the per-day cost, we first calculate the approximate daily rate. With a total value of $551 million and a duration of 388 days, the average daily cost is approximately $1,419,077. Comparing this to industry benchmarks for janitorial services at federal facilities requires detailed market research. Factors influencing benchmarks include facility size, type (e.g., office, airport, laboratory), geographic location, and the scope of services (e.g., cleaning frequency, specialized services like disinfection). Generally, large-scale federal contracts for comprehensive janitorial services can range significantly. Without specific details on the facilities covered and the exact services rendered, a precise benchmark is challenging. However, this daily rate appears substantial, suggesting either very large facilities, extensive service requirements, or a premium associated with federal contracting.

What is the track record of Franklin's Services Unlimited Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the FAA or DOT?

Franklin's Services Unlimited Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, especially with the FAA or DOT, is a critical factor in evaluating this award. Information on past performance, including contract history, value, duration, and any reported issues (e.g., performance deficiencies, disputes, or contract terminations), would provide insight into their reliability and capability. A history of successful contract completion, particularly for similar services and scale, would indicate a lower performance risk. Conversely, a record of subpar performance or unresolved issues might raise concerns about the current award's potential success. Accessing federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) would be necessary to conduct a thorough review of their past federal contract performance.

What specific janitorial services are included in this $551 million contract?

The contract description 'JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR BGR ATCT' indicates the general scope, but the specifics of what services are included within this $551 million contract are crucial for a complete assessment. This typically encompasses routine cleaning (e.g., dusting, vacuuming, mopping, restroom sanitation), waste removal, and potentially specialized services such as window cleaning, carpet care, floor maintenance, and deep cleaning. The 'ATCT' likely refers to an Air Traffic Control Tower, suggesting the facilities may include operational areas, administrative offices, and common spaces. Understanding the detailed service requirements, frequency of service, and any performance standards outlined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) is essential to evaluate the value proposition and ensure the contractor is meeting all obligations.

Are there any specific performance metrics or KPIs tied to this contract, and how are they measured?

The provided data does not specify performance metrics or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) tied to this contract. For a firm-fixed-price contract of this magnitude, performance monitoring is essential to ensure service quality and compliance. Typically, such contracts would include a Performance Work Statement (PWS) or SOW detailing required services, standards, and methods for evaluating performance. Common KPIs for janitorial services might include response times for reported issues, cleanliness ratings based on inspections, adherence to schedules, and safety compliance. The effectiveness of oversight mechanisms and the clarity of performance standards directly impact the government's ability to hold the contractor accountable and ensure value for money.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Services to Buildings and Dwellings › Janitorial Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 697DCK-26-R-00005

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7 CANTY LN, FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, IL, 62208

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Community Developed Corporation Owned Firm, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $330,600

Exercised Options: $66,120

Current Obligation: $5,510

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline