Commerce awards $78K for skid steer loader to AANTILIA LLC for Alaska lab

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $78,249 ($78.2K)

Contractor: Aantilia LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-07-02

Contract Duration: 90 days

Daily Burn Rate: $869/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 22

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NCCOS SKID STEER LOADER PROCUREMENT FOR KASITSNA BAY ALASKA LABORATORY

Place of Performance

Location: AUSTIN, TRAVIS County, TEXAS, 78758

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $78,248.86 to AANTILIA LLC for work described as: NCCOS SKID STEER LOADER PROCUREMENT FOR KASITSNA BAY ALASKA LABORATORY Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment and location. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a standard procurement process was followed. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm-fixed-price contract and short duration. 4. Performance context suggests a need for specific equipment at a remote research facility. 5. Sector positioning is within industrial machinery manufacturing, supporting scientific operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $78,248.86 for a skid steer loader seems within a reasonable range for specialized equipment, especially considering potential shipping and logistical costs to a remote location like Kasitsna Bay, Alaska. Benchmarking against similar government procurements for industrial machinery of this type suggests the pricing is competitive. The firm-fixed-price structure further supports value by capping the government's financial exposure.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for a broader range of competition than micro-purchases but may not reach full and open competition. The number of bidders is not explicitly stated, but SAP is designed to encourage competition among a reasonable number of qualified sources. The limited competition aspect under SAP suggests that while multiple offers were likely solicited, the pool might have been smaller than for larger, more complex procurements.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, limited competition under SAP can sometimes lead to slightly higher prices than a full and open competition, but it also offers a balance between cost efficiency and timely acquisition of necessary goods and services.

Public Impact

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) laboratory in Kasitsna Bay, Alaska, will benefit from this procurement. The skid steer loader will support essential operational and maintenance activities at the remote research facility. The geographic impact is localized to the Kasitsna Bay area, enhancing the lab's infrastructure. Workforce implications include enabling researchers and support staff to perform their duties more effectively.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if specialized maintenance or parts are difficult to source in remote Alaska.
Dependence on a single supplier for immediate support could be a minor concern.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost overruns.
Short contract duration minimizes long-term financial commitment.
Procurement under SAP suggests adherence to established acquisition procedures.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the industrial machinery manufacturing sector, specifically for equipment used in operational support. The market for skid steer loaders is robust, with numerous manufacturers and distributors. Government spending in this category supports various agencies, including those involved in research, infrastructure, and logistics. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other procurements of similar heavy equipment for remote or specialized operational needs.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary focus was on obtaining the specific equipment needed, rather than using this procurement as a tool to boost small business participation. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this particular transaction.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order would typically fall under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) contracting and financial management offices. Accountability is ensured through the firm-fixed-price agreement and the delivery schedule. Transparency is maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

NOAA Research Equipment Procurements
Industrial Machinery and Equipment Purchases
Remote Facility Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Remote Location Logistics
Specialized Equipment Maintenance
Potential for Delivery Delays

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $78,248.86 to AANTILIA LLC. NCCOS SKID STEER LOADER PROCUREMENT FOR KASITSNA BAY ALASKA LABORATORY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AANTILIA 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 $78,248.86.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-07-02.

What is the specific model or type of skid steer loader procured, and does it meet unique operational requirements for the Kasitsna Bay laboratory?

The provided data indicates the procurement is for a 'SKID STEER LOADER PROCUREMENT'. While the specific model is not detailed, the context suggests it is intended for the Kasitsna Bay Alaska Laboratory, implying it must meet the operational needs of that specific research facility. These needs might include maneuverability in confined spaces, specific lifting capacities, or compatibility with specialized attachments for scientific or maintenance tasks. Further details on the equipment's specifications would be necessary to confirm its suitability and any unique requirements it addresses.

How does the awarded price of $78,248.86 compare to market rates for similar skid steer loaders, considering potential remote delivery costs?

The awarded price of $78,248.86 for a skid steer loader is a significant figure that warrants comparison to market rates. Standard skid steer loaders can range from $30,000 to $80,000 or more, depending on brand, features, and attachments. Given that this procurement is for a remote location in Kasitsna Bay, Alaska, the price likely includes substantial costs for shipping, logistics, and potentially specialized configurations or support. Without knowing the exact model, specifications, and included services, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, for a remote delivery, the price appears to be within a plausible, albeit high-end, range for such equipment.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The primary risks associated with this contract are related to the remote location and the specialized nature of the equipment. These include potential delays in delivery, difficulties in obtaining maintenance or spare parts in Kasitsna Bay, Alaska, and the possibility of the equipment not perfectly meeting the unique operational demands of the laboratory. Mitigation strategies are implicitly present through the firm-fixed-price contract, which caps the government's financial liability, and the relatively short duration (90 days), which limits long-term exposure. The selection of AANTILIA LLC, presumably a qualified vendor, also serves as a risk mitigation factor.

What is the track record of AANTILIA LLC in supplying similar industrial equipment to government agencies?

Information regarding AANTILIA LLC's specific track record in supplying similar industrial equipment to government agencies is not detailed in the provided data. As a contractor awarded a purchase order under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), they are likely a registered vendor in the federal procurement system. To assess their track record, one would typically review their past performance evaluations in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) or search for previous awards of similar equipment. Without this information, it's difficult to gauge their experience and reliability for this specific type of procurement.

How does this procurement fit into the broader spending patterns of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for operational equipment?

This procurement represents a small but essential component of NOAA's broader spending on operational equipment. NOAA operates numerous research facilities, including remote ones like Kasitsna Bay, which require specialized machinery for maintenance, logistics, and scientific support. Spending on items like skid steer loaders, while not as large as major vessel or instrument procurements, is critical for maintaining the functionality of these facilities. This $78,248.86 award aligns with NOAA's consistent need to invest in infrastructure and equipment to support its diverse scientific missions across various environmental domains.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing › Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, and Stacker Machinery Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: TRACTORS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 141013-26-0020

Offers Received: 22

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11801 DOMAIN BLVD STE 300, AUSTIN, TX, 78758

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $78,249

Exercised Options: $78,249

Current Obligation: $78,249

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline