Mobile Techs LLC awarded $1.6M for aircraft ground support equipment, with 35% of contract value potentially going to small businesses

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $162,625 ($162.6K)

Contractor: Mobile Techs LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2026-02-09

End Date: 2027-02-09

Contract Duration: 365 days

Daily Burn Rate: $446/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: AOC HAS APPROXIMATELY 90 PIECES OF AGSE SUPPORTING A VARIETY OF SMALL AND LARGE AIRCRAFT. THE AGSE RANGES FROM ELECTRIC TOW VEHICLES, ELECTRIC AND MANUALLY OPERATED MAINTENANCE STANDS, ELECTRIC AND GAS-POWERED GROUND POWER UNITS, AIRCRAFT JACKS, POLA

Place of Performance

Location: FORT LAUDERDALE, BROWARD County, FLORIDA, 33301

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $162,625 to MOBILE TECHS LLC for work described as: AOC HAS APPROXIMATELY 90 PIECES OF AGSE SUPPORTING A VARIETY OF SMALL AND LARGE AIRCRAFT. THE AGSE RANGES FROM ELECTRIC TOW VEHICLES, ELECTRIC AND MANUALLY OPERATED MAINTENANCE STANDS, ELECTRIC AND GAS-POWERED GROUND POWER UNITS, AIRCRAFT JACKS, POLA Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the specialized nature of the equipment and the 3-year duration. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially favorable outcome for the government due to multiple bids. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a firm-fixed-price contract mitigating cost overrun risks. 4. Performance context involves supporting a diverse fleet of aircraft, requiring specialized ground handling. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the broader aviation support services industry.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.6 million over three years for aircraft ground support equipment (AGSE) seems reasonable for specialized maintenance and operational tools. While direct comparisons are difficult without more granular data on AGSE components, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests the government has locked in costs. Benchmarking against similar support contracts for aviation fleets would provide a clearer picture of value, but the scope appears to cover essential operational needs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a limited competition environment. While the data shows 3 bids were received, the specific nature of SAP often involves fewer bidders than full and open competition. The limited competition may have influenced price discovery, potentially leading to higher prices than if a broader range of vendors had been solicited.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition means taxpayers may not have benefited from the lowest possible prices achievable through a wider bidding process.

Public Impact

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) benefits from enhanced operational readiness of its aircraft fleet. Essential services include maintenance, towing, and power support for various small and large aircraft. The geographic impact is primarily in Florida, where the contract will be performed. Workforce implications include potential support for skilled technicians involved in aircraft ground operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may restrict optimal price discovery for taxpayers.
The specific components and long-term reliability of the AGSE are not detailed, posing a potential risk.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical ground support could create future supply chain vulnerabilities.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract structure mitigates cost overrun risks for the government.
The contract duration of three years provides stability for essential aircraft support operations.
The award to Mobile Techs LLC, a small business, aligns with federal small business support goals.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aviation support services sector, a critical component of the broader aerospace industry. The market for AGSE is specialized, serving airlines, military branches, and government agencies. Spending in this area is driven by fleet size, operational tempo, and maintenance requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing contracts for similar equipment packages or comprehensive ground support services for aviation fleets of comparable size and complexity.

Small Business Impact

Although this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, the awardee, Mobile Techs LLC, is a small business. This award contributes to the government's small business contracting goals. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were mandated or utilized, and the extent to which this contract supports the broader small business ecosystem within the aviation support industry.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified equipment and services. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics may not be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Aircraft Maintenance and Repair Services
Ground Support Equipment Procurement
Aviation Logistics Support
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations Compliance

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Potential for Price Inflation due to SAP
Contractor Performance Risk (Unknown)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $162,625 to MOBILE TECHS LLC. AOC HAS APPROXIMATELY 90 PIECES OF AGSE SUPPORTING A VARIETY OF SMALL AND LARGE AIRCRAFT. THE AGSE RANGES FROM ELECTRIC TOW VEHICLES, ELECTRIC AND MANUALLY OPERATED MAINTENANCE STANDS, ELECTRIC AND GAS-POWERED GROUND POWER UNITS, AIRCRAFT JACKS, POLA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MOBILE TECHS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $162,625.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-02-09. End: 2027-02-09.

What is the track record of Mobile Techs LLC in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for aircraft ground support equipment?

Information regarding Mobile Techs LLC's specific track record with federal contracts, especially for aircraft ground support equipment (AGSE), is not detailed in the provided data. As the awardee is a small business, their federal contracting history might be less extensive than larger, more established firms. A thorough assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract completion history, and any reported issues or successes on previous government engagements. Understanding their experience with similar equipment, delivery timelines, and quality standards is crucial for evaluating future performance risk.

How does the awarded price of $1.6 million compare to market rates for similar AGSE packages?

Directly comparing the $1.6 million award to precise market rates for similar AGSE packages is challenging without detailed specifications of the equipment being procured. The value encompasses a range of items, from tow vehicles to maintenance stands and power units, supporting a diverse aircraft fleet. Market rates can fluctuate based on manufacturer, technology, quantity, and vendor margins. However, given the firm-fixed-price nature and the 3-year duration, the price suggests a negotiated value for a comprehensive suite of essential operational tools. Benchmarking against industry catalogs or quotes for comparable AGSE bundles would be necessary for a more definitive comparison.

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

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential issues with the quality and reliability of the AGSE, delivery delays, and the contractor's capacity to provide ongoing support. Mitigation strategies are primarily embedded in the contract type: the firm-fixed-price (FFP) structure shifts the cost overrun risk to the contractor. Additionally, the government will likely have inspection and acceptance clauses to ensure equipment meets specifications. The 3-year duration provides a defined period for performance, and the contract likely includes clauses for remedies in case of non-performance or default. However, the limited competition could pose a risk if the chosen contractor underperforms.

How effective is the current AGSE in supporting NOAA's diverse aircraft fleet, and what improvements does this contract aim to achieve?

The provided data indicates that NOAA possesses approximately 90 pieces of AGSE supporting a variety of small and large aircraft. This contract aims to ensure the continued availability and potentially the modernization or expansion of this critical support infrastructure. The specific effectiveness of the *current* AGSE is not detailed, but the need for this contract suggests either replacement of aging equipment, augmentation of existing capabilities, or acquisition of new types of support equipment to meet evolving operational demands. The contract's goal is to maintain or enhance the operational readiness and efficiency of NOAA's aviation assets.

What has been the historical spending pattern for aircraft ground support equipment by NOAA or the Department of Commerce?

The provided data does not include historical spending patterns for aircraft ground support equipment by NOAA or the Department of Commerce. To assess historical spending, one would need to analyze past contract awards for similar goods and services over several fiscal years. This would involve searching federal procurement databases for contracts related to AGSE, maintenance equipment, and aviation support services awarded by these agencies. Understanding historical spending levels, contract durations, and award values would provide context for the current $1.6 million award and help identify trends or significant shifts in procurement.

What are the implications of awarding this contract under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for overall government procurement efficiency?

Awarding this contract under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) is intended to increase procurement efficiency for purchases below the threshold for full and open competition (typically $250,000, though thresholds can vary). SAP streamlines the process, reducing administrative burden and potentially speeding up delivery. For this $1.6 million contract, using SAP suggests the agency determined it was the most efficient method. However, SAP often involves limited competition, which, while faster, may not always yield the best prices for taxpayers compared to broader competition. The efficiency gain must be weighed against potential price disadvantages.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Support Activities for Air Transportation › Other Support Activities for Air Transportation

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1305M225Q0231

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2651 NW 55TH CT, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, 33309

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Hispanic American Owned Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $553,125

Exercised Options: $162,625

Current Obligation: $162,625

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline