NOAA awards $225,000 for battery repair and replacement, highlighting a need for specialized equipment maintenance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,500 ($22.5K)

Contractor: Puget Sound Inflatables, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2025-06-12

End Date: 2026-08-12

Contract Duration: 426 days

Daily Burn Rate: $53/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PLB BATTERY REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT SERVICES FOR THE ALASKA FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER FMA DIVISION APPROVED BY NOAA, OR-25-01074

Place of Performance

Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98108

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $22,500 to PUGET SOUND INFLATABLES, INC. for work described as: PLB BATTERY REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT SERVICES FOR THE ALASKA FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER FMA DIVISION APPROVED BY NOAA, OR-25-01074 Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable for specialized repair services, but a direct comparison to similar NOAA contracts is needed for a definitive value-for-money assessment. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are unclear, as it was competed under SAP, which may limit broad market participation. 3. Risk indicators are low, given the firm fixed-price structure and the relatively short duration of the contract. 4. Performance context suggests a focus on maintaining critical operational equipment for the Alaska Fisheries Science Center. 5. The contract falls within the broader sector of electronic and precision equipment repair and maintenance.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $225,000 for battery repair and replacement over approximately 14 months seems within a reasonable range for specialized technical services. However, without specific details on the type and quantity of batteries, or the complexity of the repair work, a precise benchmark is difficult. Comparing this to similar NOAA or other federal agency contracts for similar equipment maintenance would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The firm fixed-price nature helps control costs, but the unit cost cannot be assessed without more granular data.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders, often those already known to the agency or within a specific geographic area. While SAP aims for efficiency in smaller procurements, it may not always yield the most competitive pricing compared to full and open competition. The exact number of bidders is not specified, but the use of SAP suggests a less extensive outreach than a full solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP for this procurement may mean taxpayers did not benefit from the widest possible price competition, potentially leading to a slightly higher cost than if it had been broadly advertised.

Public Impact

The Alaska Fisheries Science Center's Fisheries Management and Analysis Division will benefit from the continued operational readiness of its equipment. Essential services include the repair and replacement of batteries, crucial for the functioning of scientific instruments and operational systems. The geographic impact is primarily focused on NOAA facilities in Washington state, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving specialized technicians from the awarded contractor, Puget Sound Inflatables, Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to SAP could result in less favorable pricing.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the quality of past work.
The specific types of batteries and repair complexity are not detailed, hindering a full understanding of the scope.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Contract duration is relatively short, limiting long-term financial exposure.
Award to a specific company suggests a potential existing relationship or specialized capability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance industry (NAICS 811210). This sector is vital for government operations, ensuring the longevity and functionality of sensitive scientific, communication, and operational equipment. Federal spending in this area is consistent, driven by the need to maintain aging infrastructure and advanced technological assets across various agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for similar repair services across different scientific and operational equipment categories within NOAA and other agencies like the National Science Foundation or the Department of the Interior.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Puget Sound Inflatables, Inc. is likely a small business itself, given the contract value and SAP competition, but its status as a prime contractor does not automatically imply benefits for other small businesses in the ecosystem unless subcontracting is mandated or voluntarily pursued.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though detailed performance data may not be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

NOAA Fisheries Science Center Operations
Federal Scientific Equipment Maintenance
Electronic Repair Services Contracts
Purchase Orders for Maintenance

Risk Flags

Limited competition due to SAP
Lack of detailed scope of work for repair complexity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $22,500 to PUGET SOUND INFLATABLES, INC.. PLB BATTERY REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT SERVICES FOR THE ALASKA FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER FMA DIVISION APPROVED BY NOAA, OR-25-01074

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PUGET SOUND INFLATABLES, INC..

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 $22,500.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-06-12. End: 2026-08-12.

What is the track record of Puget Sound Inflatables, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with NOAA?

Information on Puget Sound Inflatables, Inc.'s specific track record with federal contracts, especially with NOAA, is not detailed in the provided data. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS would be necessary to ascertain their past performance, contract values, types of services rendered, and any performance ratings. Understanding their history with similar repair and maintenance services, particularly for specialized equipment like batteries for scientific centers, would provide crucial context for assessing their capability and reliability in fulfilling this current contract.

How does the $225,000 contract value compare to similar battery repair and replacement services for scientific equipment within NOAA or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking the $225,000 contract value requires comparing it against similar procurements for battery repair and replacement services for scientific equipment. Without specific details on the types and quantities of batteries, the complexity of the repair, and the specific equipment they support, a precise comparison is challenging. However, for a contract spanning approximately 14 months, this value suggests either a significant number of units, highly specialized batteries (e.g., for sensitive scientific instruments or marine equipment), or complex repair procedures. A review of historical NOAA or other agency contracts for similar services, noting the scope and value, would be essential to determine if this represents good value for money or if it appears inflated.

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

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential underperformance by the contractor, leading to delays in equipment repair and impacting scientific operations, and the risk of cost overruns if the scope is underestimated (though mitigated by the firm fixed-price structure). Another risk is the availability of specialized parts or expertise for specific battery types. Mitigation strategies likely include clear contract deliverables, performance monitoring by NOAA, and the firm fixed-price nature of the award, which places the financial risk of cost overruns on the contractor. The short duration also limits long-term exposure to performance issues.

How effective is the Simplified Acquisition Procedure (SAP) in ensuring competitive pricing for specialized repair services like this?

The effectiveness of SAP in ensuring competitive pricing for specialized repair services like this is often limited compared to full and open competition. SAP is designed for efficiency and speed in procuring goods and services below certain dollar thresholds (currently $250,000 for most agencies). While it requires seeking quotes from multiple sources, the outreach is typically less extensive than a formal solicitation. For specialized services, the pool of qualified contractors may already be small, and SAP might primarily reach those already known to the agency. This can lead to less aggressive bidding and potentially higher prices than if the requirement were broadly advertised to the entire market.

What is the historical spending pattern for battery repair and replacement services at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center or NOAA?

Historical spending patterns for battery repair and replacement services at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center or NOAA are not provided in the current data. To analyze this, one would need to examine past contract awards for similar services over several fiscal years. This would involve searching federal procurement databases for contracts issued to the Alaska Fisheries Science Center or NOAA for 'battery repair,' 'battery replacement,' 'equipment maintenance,' and related terms. Understanding the frequency, value, and duration of these past contracts would reveal trends, identify potential sole-source awards, and highlight any significant changes in spending or contractor relationships.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance › Electronic and Precision Equipment 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

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 309 S CLOVERDALE ST STE A7, SEATTLE, WA, 98108

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,500

Exercised Options: $22,500

Current Obligation: $22,500

Actual Outlays: $5,625

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline