Forest Service awards $278K for air curtain burners to Air Burners, Inc. under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $278,605 ($278.6K)

Contractor: AIR Burners, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-07-15

Contract Duration: 98 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: 10 - CON - LT RD AIR CURTAIN BURNER. SIX RIVERS NF-LOWER TRINITY RANGER DISTRICT. ACQUISITION REQUEST FOR AIR CURTAIN BURNER, MODEL (S-330) AND (S-330) ASH RAKE AND MANUFACTURERS CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING. AAP# 724724. LOW EMISSIONS (S-330) AIR CURT

Place of Performance

Location: PALM CITY, MARTIN County, FLORIDA, 34990

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $278,604.6 to AIR BURNERS, INC. for work described as: 10 - CON - LT RD AIR CURTAIN BURNER. SIX RIVERS NF-LOWER TRINITY RANGER DISTRICT. ACQUISITION REQUEST FOR AIR CURTAIN BURNER, MODEL (S-330) AND (S-330) ASH RAKE AND MANUFACTURERS CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING. AAP# 724724. LOW EMISSIONS (S-330) AIR CURT Key points: 1. The contract focuses on specialized equipment for emission control, indicating a need for advanced environmental solutions. 2. Competition was robust, suggesting a healthy market for this type of equipment and potentially favorable pricing. 3. The fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 4. The delivery order structure implies a specific, immediate need for the equipment. 5. The equipment is intended for use in the Lower Trinity Ranger District, highlighting a localized application of federal resources. 6. The contract includes manufacturer certification and training, ensuring proper operational use and maintenance.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The awarded amount of $278,604.60 for an air curtain burner, model S-330, along with accessories and training, appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for emission control devices or specialized construction machinery suggests this price falls within an expected range. The inclusion of manufacturer certification and training adds value by ensuring proper deployment and operational efficiency, which can prevent future costs associated with misuse or malfunction.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and had the opportunity to bid. The presence of a single award suggests that Air Burners, Inc. provided the most advantageous offer based on the evaluation criteria. The level of competition, while not explicitly detailed by the number of bidders, is generally positive for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation among suppliers, leading to better value for public funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Forest Service, specifically the Lower Trinity Ranger District, who will receive specialized equipment for environmental management. The services delivered include the provision of air curtain burners, ash rakes, manufacturer certification, and training. The geographic impact is localized to the Six Rivers National Forest in California, addressing specific operational needs in that region. The contract may indirectly impact local environmental quality by enabling more efficient and lower-emission burning practices.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited long-term operational support if only manufacturer certification is provided.
Dependence on a single manufacturer for specialized parts and maintenance could pose future supply chain risks.

Positive Signals

The use of low-emission technology aligns with environmental stewardship goals.
Manufacturer certification and training ensure proper and safe operation of the equipment.
The fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Construction Machinery Manufacturing sector (NAICS 333120). This sector includes establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing construction machinery, such as excavating, grading, and materials handling equipment. Air curtain burners are specialized pieces of equipment used for controlled burning, often in environmental management or land clearing operations, which can be a niche within this broader manufacturing category. Comparable spending benchmarks for specialized environmental equipment can vary widely, but this award appears to be for a specific, high-value unit rather than a large-scale procurement.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award went to Air Burners, Inc., a company that likely operates within the larger business segment of construction machinery manufacturing. The lack of small business set-aside or subcontracting provisions means there is no direct positive impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the U.S. Forest Service contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver the specified goods and services at the agreed-upon price. Transparency is facilitated by the public availability of contract data. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Forest Service Equipment Procurement
Environmental Management Equipment
Wildfire Prevention and Management Technology
Construction Machinery Manufacturing Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition if only one vendor can supply the specific technology.
Dependence on a single manufacturer for specialized parts and maintenance.
Need for robust training to ensure effective and safe operation of specialized equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $278,604.6 to AIR BURNERS, INC.. 10 - CON - LT RD AIR CURTAIN BURNER. SIX RIVERS NF-LOWER TRINITY RANGER DISTRICT. ACQUISITION REQUEST FOR AIR CURTAIN BURNER, MODEL (S-330) AND (S-330) ASH RAKE AND MANUFACTURERS CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING. AAP# 724724. LOW EMISSIONS (S-330) AIR CURT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AIR BURNERS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $278,604.6.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-07-15.

What is the track record of Air Burners, Inc. in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for similar equipment?

Information regarding Air Burners, Inc.'s specific track record with federal contracts, especially for air curtain burners, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive review would require searching federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes. Understanding their history with the Forest Service or other agencies for similar equipment would provide insight into their reliability, quality of products, and ability to meet delivery schedules and specifications. Without this historical data, assessing their track record relies on the assumption that the current award was made based on a competitive process that included consideration of past performance.

How does the price of the S-330 air curtain burner compare to market rates for similar equipment?

The provided data indicates a total award of $278,604.60 for the S-330 model, including an ash rake and training. To benchmark this price against market rates, one would need to research current pricing for comparable air curtain burner systems from other manufacturers. This would involve looking at commercial price lists, consulting industry reports, and potentially examining other government contracts for similar items. Factors such as specific features, capacity, emissions standards, and included accessories (like the ash rake and training) significantly influence price. A preliminary assessment suggests that specialized environmental equipment can command high prices, but a detailed market analysis is necessary to confirm if this specific award represents good value for money.

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

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential delivery delays, equipment malfunction, or inadequate training leading to improper use. Mitigation strategies are embedded within the contract terms. The firm fixed-price structure helps mitigate financial risks for the government by establishing a set cost. The inclusion of manufacturer certification and training aims to mitigate risks related to operational effectiveness and safety. However, risks related to long-term maintenance and parts availability for specialized equipment may persist. Further mitigation could involve performance bonds or detailed warranty clauses, which are not explicitly mentioned in the summary data.

What is the expected effectiveness of the S-330 air curtain burner in achieving the Forest Service's environmental goals in the Lower Trinity Ranger District?

The S-330 air curtain burner is designed for low-emissions burning, which is crucial for environmental management in sensitive areas like national forests. Its effectiveness in the Lower Trinity Ranger District will depend on its suitability for the specific types of vegetation and burning conditions present, as well as the skill of the operators. Air curtain burners generally improve combustion efficiency and reduce the release of particulate matter and other pollutants compared to open burning. The Forest Service likely selected this model based on its specifications meeting their operational and environmental requirements for tasks such as land clearing or prescribed burns, contributing to healthier forest ecosystems and reduced air pollution.

How does this contract's value compare to historical Forest Service spending on similar environmental control equipment?

The provided data does not include historical spending patterns for the Forest Service on similar environmental control equipment. To make such a comparison, one would need to access historical contract databases and filter for procurements of air curtain burners, emission control devices, or related land management machinery over previous fiscal years. Analyzing the volume, frequency, and value of past awards would reveal trends in spending, identify periods of increased or decreased investment in such technologies, and provide context for the current $278,604.60 award. Without this historical data, it's difficult to determine if this contract represents a significant increase, decrease, or typical level of spending for this type of equipment.

What are the implications of awarding this contract to a single vendor, even under full and open competition?

While awarded under full and open competition, the fact that only one vendor, Air Burners, Inc., received the award suggests several possibilities. It could indicate that Air Burners, Inc. was the sole capable provider of this specific model or technology, or that their offer was significantly more advantageous than any other bids received. This situation, while not necessarily problematic if the competition was genuinely open and the best value was achieved, can sometimes lead to reduced leverage for the government in future negotiations or renewals. It highlights the importance of ensuring a robust competitive landscape for specialized equipment to maintain price competitiveness and encourage innovation over time.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Agriculture, Construction, and Mining Machinery Manufacturing › Construction Machinery Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: PLUMBING, HEATING, WASTE DISPOSAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4390 SW CARGO WAY, PALM CITY, FL, 34990

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $278,605

Exercised Options: $278,605

Current Obligation: $278,605

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QMCA20D004T

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline