National Weather Service contracts $120K for standby genset maintenance in Texas

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $120,689 ($120.7K)

Contractor: Bamajack, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2024-07-15

End Date: 2027-07-14

Contract Duration: 1,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $110/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE - SOUTHERN REGION STANDBY GENSETS PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Place of Performance

Location: FORT WORTH, TARRANT County, TEXAS, 76102

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $120,688.5 to BAMAJACK, LLC for work described as: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE - SOUTHERN REGION STANDBY GENSETS PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the 3-year duration and firm fixed price. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially competitive bidding process under SAP. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed price contract and clear scope. 4. Performance context is essential for ensuring reliable weather service operations. 5. Sector positioning is within critical infrastructure support for the National Weather Service.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $120,688 over three years for preventative maintenance of standby generators is within a reasonable range for specialized industrial equipment upkeep. Benchmarking against similar contracts for generator maintenance across federal agencies suggests this pricing is competitive, especially considering the firm fixed-price nature which transfers some risk to the contractor. The scope appears well-defined, contributing to a fair assessment of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a competitive process was utilized for this award value. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP is designed to encourage broad participation and price discovery for procurements below certain thresholds. This approach generally leads to better pricing for the government compared to sole-source awards.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of a competitive process under SAP for this contract helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering price competition among qualified vendors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the National Weather Service facilities in the Southern Region, ensuring operational continuity. Services delivered include preventative maintenance for standby generators, crucial for maintaining power during outages. Geographic impact is focused on Texas, where these critical weather monitoring and communication facilities are located. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily involving specialized technicians from the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract type mitigates cost overrun risk.
Competitive bidding process under SAP suggests potential for good value.
Clear scope of work for preventative maintenance reduces ambiguity.
Contract duration of 3 years allows for consistent service delivery.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repair and Maintenance sector. The market for such services is robust, with numerous providers capable of servicing critical infrastructure like generators. Federal spending in this area is consistent, supporting the operational readiness of various agencies. The National Weather Service's reliance on reliable power makes this a necessary expenditure within the broader federal infrastructure maintenance landscape.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if this contract included specific small business set-aside provisions or subcontracting goals. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation in this procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the contracting officer and program managers within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Performance monitoring and adherence to the firm fixed-price terms are key accountability measures. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases, though specific performance metrics are not publicly detailed.

Related Government Programs

National Weather Service Operations
NOAA Facility Maintenance
Federal Generator Maintenance Contracts
Critical Infrastructure Support Services

Risk Flags

Potential for contractor underperformance impacting critical infrastructure.
Risk of equipment failure during severe weather events if maintenance is inadequate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $120,688.5 to BAMAJACK, LLC. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE - SOUTHERN REGION STANDBY GENSETS PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BAMAJACK, 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 $120,688.5.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-07-15. End: 2027-07-14.

What is the track record of BAMAJACK, LLC in performing similar federal contracts?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that BAMAJACK, LLC has been awarded multiple contracts, primarily in the areas of maintenance and repair services for industrial equipment. While specific details on past performance quality for similar generator maintenance contracts would require deeper investigation into contract performance reports and any associated award fees or penalties, the company's consistent presence in federal contracting suggests a level of established capability. Further due diligence would involve examining past performance evaluations and any debriefing information available from previous solicitations to fully assess their track record.

How does the annual cost of this contract compare to similar generator maintenance contracts for federal facilities?

The annual cost for this contract is approximately $40,229 ($120,688.50 / 3 years). Benchmarking this against similar federal contracts for preventative maintenance of standby generators of comparable size and complexity reveals that this figure is generally within the expected range. Factors influencing cost include the number and type of generators, geographic location (affecting labor rates and travel), and the specific scope of preventative services required. Without detailed specifications of the equipment being maintained, a precise comparison is difficult, but the cost appears competitive for specialized industrial maintenance.

What are the primary risks associated with this generator maintenance contract?

The primary risks associated with this generator maintenance contract are relatively low due to its firm fixed-price nature and defined scope. Potential risks include contractor underperformance, leading to inadequate maintenance and potential equipment failure during critical weather events. Another risk is unforeseen escalation in parts or labor costs beyond what the fixed price accounts for, though this is largely borne by the contractor. Ensuring the contractor possesses the necessary technical expertise and adheres to stringent maintenance schedules are key mitigation strategies managed through contract oversight.

How effective is preventative maintenance in ensuring the reliability of National Weather Service standby generators?

Preventative maintenance is highly effective and absolutely critical for ensuring the reliability of National Weather Service standby generators. These generators are essential backup power sources that must function flawlessly during power outages, which can occur during severe weather events that the NWS itself is monitoring. A robust preventative maintenance program, including regular inspections, testing, fluid changes, and component replacements as per manufacturer recommendations, significantly reduces the likelihood of unexpected failures. This proactive approach minimizes downtime and ensures continuous operation of vital weather monitoring and communication systems.

What has been the historical federal spending trend for standby generator maintenance services?

Historical federal spending on standby generator maintenance services has shown a consistent and significant trend, reflecting the critical need for reliable backup power across numerous government agencies. Agencies such as the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and civilian agencies like NOAA consistently allocate substantial budgets to ensure the operational readiness of their facilities. Spending in this category typically fluctuates based on infrastructure upgrades, aging equipment requiring more frequent servicing, and the overall emphasis on resilience and continuity of operations. While specific aggregate figures require detailed analysis of federal procurement data over time, it is a perennial and substantial expenditure.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance › Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance

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: 1305M324Q0155

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8481 W WATERGATE RD, LAKE CITY, MI, 49651

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $238,239

Exercised Options: $135,492

Current Obligation: $120,689

Actual Outlays: $40,444

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline