DHS FEMA Awards $11.6K for 12-Month Storage Unit Rental to United Rentals

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,573 ($11.6K)

Contractor: United Rentals, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2023-01-17

End Date: 2024-01-16

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $32/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: (6/EA), 20' CONNEX STORAGE UNITS FOR SET-UP, DELIVERY, AND PICK-UP OF UNITS FOR A PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS IAW ATTACHED STATEMENT OF WORK.

Place of Performance

Location: LAKE MARY, SEMINOLE County, FLORIDA, 32746

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $11,572.65 to UNITED RENTALS, INC. for work described as: (6/EA), 20' CONNEX STORAGE UNITS FOR SET-UP, DELIVERY, AND PICK-UP OF UNITS FOR A PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS IAW ATTACHED STATEMENT OF WORK. Key points: 1. The contract is for portable storage units, a common need for disaster relief operations. 2. Competition was limited, raising questions about price discovery and potential cost savings. 3. The risk appears low given the short duration and standard nature of the service. 4. The sector is primarily logistics and facilities support within government operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The price of $11,572.65 for 12 months of storage unit rental appears reasonable for the service provided, especially considering setup, delivery, and pickup. However, without specific details on the number of units or their size, a precise benchmark is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting limited competition. While SAP aims for efficiency, it may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is relatively small for this specific contract, but the limited competition could represent a missed opportunity for greater cost savings on a larger scale.

Public Impact

Ensures operational readiness for FEMA by providing necessary storage solutions. Supports disaster response efforts by facilitating the temporary storage of equipment and supplies. The use of rental units offers flexibility for short-term needs without long-term asset commitment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may lead to higher prices.
Lack of detailed unit specifications hinders precise cost analysis.

Positive Signals

Provides essential logistical support for agency operations.
Flexible rental agreement avoids long-term capital investment.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the facilities and logistics support sector, specifically related to temporary storage solutions. Government spending in this area often fluctuates with emergency response needs, with benchmarks varying widely based on unit size, duration, and location.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to United Rentals, Inc., a large corporation, and there is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific procurement. Opportunities for small business participation in similar future procurements should be explored.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a purchase order, which is a standard procurement instrument. Oversight would typically involve ensuring the vendor meets the terms of the Statement of Work and that the units are delivered and maintained as agreed.

Related Government Programs

Lessors of Miniwarehouses and Self-Storage Units
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Lack of detailed unit specifications
Potential for higher costs due to SAP
No small business participation noted

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $11,572.65 to UNITED RENTALS, INC.. (6/EA), 20' CONNEX STORAGE UNITS FOR SET-UP, DELIVERY, AND PICK-UP OF UNITS FOR A PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS IAW ATTACHED STATEMENT OF WORK.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNITED RENTALS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11,572.65.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-01-17. End: 2024-01-16.

What is the typical cost per unit for similar storage rentals in Florida?

The average cost for portable storage unit rentals in Florida can vary significantly based on size, duration, and delivery fees. For a 12-month rental, prices might range from $100 to $300 per month per unit, depending on these factors. Without knowing the exact number and size of units rented by FEMA, it's challenging to provide a precise benchmark against the $11,572.65 total.

Could limited competition under SAP have resulted in inflated pricing for these storage units?

Yes, limited competition under SAP can potentially lead to higher prices than if the contract were fully competed. While SAP is designed for efficiency in acquiring goods and services below certain thresholds, it may not always drive the most aggressive pricing. The agency should periodically review pricing for such services to ensure cost-effectiveness.

How effectively does this contract support FEMA's mission during critical events?

This contract provides essential, flexible storage capacity crucial for FEMA's logistical operations, particularly during disaster response. The ability to quickly deploy and retrieve units supports the dynamic needs of emergency management, ensuring that equipment and supplies are accessible when and where needed, thereby enhancing operational effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Real Estate and Rental and Leasing › Lessors of Real Estate › Lessors of Miniwarehouses and Self-Storage Units

Product/Service Code: LEASE/RENT EQUIPMENT › LEASE OR RENTAL OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 70FBR423Q00000075

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 100 1ST STAMFORD PL STE 700, STAMFORD, CT, 06902

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,573

Exercised Options: $11,573

Current Obligation: $11,573

Actual Outlays: $7,690

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline