DOT awards $850K for solar screens across multiple airports, with delivery expected by late 2026

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $85,070 ($85.1K)

Contractor: Solar Screen CO Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 174 days

Daily Burn Rate: $489/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: REPLACE CAB SHADE FOR GYR (AZ), ABQ (NM), DTN (LA), TXK (AR), SAT (TX), SDL (AZ), MFE (TX), HOU (TX)

Place of Performance

Location: GOODYEAR, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85338

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $85,070 to SOLAR SCREEN CO INC for work described as: REPLACE CAB SHADE FOR GYR (AZ), ABQ (NM), DTN (LA), TXK (AR), SAT (TX), SDL (AZ), MFE (TX), HOU (TX) Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the scope of work across multiple locations. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. No immediate risk indicators are apparent from the contract details provided. 4. Performance period is relatively short, focusing on a specific delivery window. 5. This contract falls within the broader category of facility maintenance and supplies. 6. The award was made to a single contractor, Solar Screen Co Inc.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $850,700 for solar screens across multiple airport locations seems within a reasonable range for such specialized installations. Benchmarking against similar contracts for airport facility upgrades or window treatments would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, given the number of locations (AZ, NM, LA, AR, TX), the price per location appears to be a moderate investment for enhancing airport environments and energy efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This specific designation suggests that while the competition was intended to be open, certain sources may have been excluded for reasons not detailed in the provided data. The number of bidders is not specified, making it difficult to fully assess the level of competition and its impact on price discovery. Further information on the exclusion criteria would be necessary for a complete analysis.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition aspect, even if initially open, could potentially lead to less aggressive pricing than a truly unrestricted full and open competition. Taxpayers may not have benefited from the absolute lowest possible price if viable bidders were excluded.

Public Impact

Travelers and airport staff at various airports in Arizona, New Mexico, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas will benefit from improved glare reduction and temperature control. The services delivered include the installation of solar screens, contributing to the aesthetic and functional upgrades of airport facilities. The geographic impact is significant, covering multiple states and numerous airport locations. The contract supports jobs in the blind and shade manufacturing industry, potentially including installation and project management roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of clarity on the 'Exclusion of Sources' could indicate potential limitations in competition.
The specific performance metrics and quality control measures are not detailed, posing a potential risk to service delivery.
Dependence on a single contractor for this scope of work could present challenges if issues arise.

Positive Signals

The use of 'Full and Open Competition' signals an intent to solicit a broad range of offers.
The contract is firm fixed price, which provides cost certainty for the government.
The award is for a defined period, suggesting a focused and manageable project scope.

Sector Analysis

The contract for solar screens falls within the broader aerospace and defense support services sector, specifically related to airport infrastructure and facility management. The market for airport improvements and maintenance is substantial, driven by the need for operational efficiency, passenger comfort, and energy conservation. This contract represents a small but specific investment in enhancing the passenger experience and operational environment at multiple airfields, aligning with trends in sustainable airport development and facility modernization.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is minimal. However, the prime contractor, Solar Screen Co Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors for materials or installation services, which would contribute to the small business ecosystem. Further investigation into subcontracting plans would clarify the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a branch of the Department of Transportation. Accountability measures are typically embedded in the contract terms, including delivery schedules, quality standards, and payment milestones. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, where such awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected during the contract's lifecycle.

Related Government Programs

Airport Improvement Program (AIP)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Operations
General Services Administration (GSA) Facility Management Contracts
Department of Defense (DoD) Base Operations Support

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in award data.
Geographic dispersion may complicate logistics and oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $85,070 to SOLAR SCREEN CO INC. REPLACE CAB SHADE FOR GYR (AZ), ABQ (NM), DTN (LA), TXK (AR), SAT (TX), SDL (AZ), MFE (TX), HOU (TX)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SOLAR SCREEN CO INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $85,070.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the track record of Solar Screen Co Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the FAA?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess Solar Screen Co Inc.'s track record. This would involve examining past awards, contract performance history, and any reported issues or disputes. For this specific contract, the award is a Delivery Order under a larger contract vehicle, suggesting prior vetting or a pre-existing relationship. Understanding the company's history with similar projects, especially for government facilities or airports, would provide insight into their capability and reliability. Without access to detailed performance reviews or a comprehensive contract history, it's difficult to definitively gauge their past performance.

How does the pricing of this solar screen contract compare to similar federal or commercial procurements?

Benchmarking the pricing of this $850,700 contract requires comparing it against similar procurements for solar screen installations at other federal facilities or large commercial airports. Factors such as the total square footage of screens, the complexity of installation (e.g., high-rise windows, specialized mounting), and the specific type of solar film used would influence cost. Given the award is for multiple locations across several states, a per-location or per-square-foot cost analysis would be most effective. If comparable data indicates significantly higher or lower costs, it would suggest potential overpricing or exceptional value, respectively. The 'limited' competition aspect also plays a role, as less competition can sometimes lead to higher prices.

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

Key risks for this contract include potential delays in delivery and installation due to logistical challenges across multiple sites, quality control issues with the solar screens or their application, and contractor performance problems. Mitigation strategies likely involve the firm fixed-price structure, which incentivizes the contractor to complete the work within budget. The defined delivery period (ending September 30, 2026) provides a clear timeline. The FAA's oversight mechanisms, including inspection and acceptance protocols, are crucial for ensuring quality and timely completion. However, the lack of specific detail on performance metrics or contingency plans in the provided data makes a thorough risk assessment challenging.

How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' approach in ensuring value for taxpayers?

The effectiveness of 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' in ensuring value for taxpayers is nuanced. While it aims for broad participation, the exclusion of certain sources, even if justified, inherently limits the competitive landscape. If the excluded sources were capable and competitive, taxpayers might not benefit from the lowest possible price. The value derived depends heavily on the justification for exclusion and the competitiveness among the remaining bidders. A robust competition among the included sources is essential. If only a few bidders remained, or if the excluded sources were critical players, the value proposition could be diminished compared to a truly unrestricted competition.

What is the historical spending pattern for solar screens or similar window treatments by the FAA?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for solar screens or similar window treatments by the FAA would provide context for the current $850,700 award. This involves reviewing past contract awards for related goods and services, noting the frequency, value, and types of procurements. Significant increases or decreases in spending could indicate shifts in policy, budget priorities, or market conditions. Understanding if this is a recurring need or a one-time project helps assess its significance. Consistent spending on such items might suggest an ongoing commitment to energy efficiency or facility upgrades across the network of airports managed by the FAA.

What are the implications of the short performance period (174 days) for contract management and execution?

The relatively short performance period of 174 days (approximately 5.8 months) for this contract implies a focused and time-sensitive project. This necessitates efficient planning, procurement, and installation by the contractor. For contract management, it means closer monitoring of progress to ensure timely completion and adherence to the firm fixed-price terms. Potential risks include rushed work leading to quality issues or unforeseen delays that could jeopardize the completion date. The FAA will need to be agile in its oversight and communication to support the contractor while ensuring all requirements are met within the specified timeframe.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Furniture Related Product Manufacturing › Blind and Shade Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: HOUSEHOLD/COMMERC FURNISH/APPLIANCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5311 105TH ST, CORONA, NY, 11368

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $85,070

Exercised Options: $85,070

Current Obligation: $85,070

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 697DCK24D00001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline