Interior Department Awards $46.6K for Bison Cafe Equipment Repair, Lacking Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $46,600 ($46.6K)
Contractor: RJH AIR Conditioning and Refrigeration Service L.L.C.
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2026-03-10
End Date: 2026-04-30
Contract Duration: 51 days
Daily Burn Rate: $914/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: UDALL BISON CAFE LOGICAL FOLLOW ON
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20240
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $46,599.83 to RJH AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION SERVICE L.L.C. for work described as: UDALL BISON CAFE LOGICAL FOLLOW ON Key points: 1. Spending focuses on machinery repair for commercial and industrial equipment. 2. The contract was not competed, raising questions about price discovery. 3. Risk is moderate due to the small contract value and specific service need. 4. The sector is essential for maintaining operational facilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $46.6K for a 51-day duration appears reasonable for specialized repair services. However, without competitive bidding, it's difficult to benchmark against similar contracts to ensure optimal pricing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not competed, indicating a limited competition approach. This likely means the agency identified a specific vendor or circumstances prevented a broader solicitation, potentially impacting price competitiveness.
Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal given the small contract value, but the lack of competition represents a missed opportunity for potential cost savings.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation of essential facilities like the Udall Bison Cafe. Supports specialized repair services for commercial and industrial equipment. Highlights potential for improved procurement practices through increased competition.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 40 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Limited duration may indicate urgent need or phased approach
Positive Signals
- Specific service requirement addressed
- Clear end date for service delivery
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the commercial and industrial machinery repair sector. Spending in this area is generally consistent, driven by the need to maintain operational equipment across various government facilities.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if the awardee is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made via a purchase order, which is a standard procurement instrument. Oversight would focus on ensuring the service was performed satisfactorily and within the agreed-upon terms.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- Departmental Offices Programs
Risk Flags
- Non-competitive award
- Short performance period
- No indication of small business status
Tags
commercial-and-industrial-machinery-and-, department-of-the-interior, dc, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $46,599.83 to RJH AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION SERVICE L.L.C.. UDALL BISON CAFE LOGICAL FOLLOW ON
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RJH AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION SERVICE L.L.C..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $46,599.83.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-03-10. End: 2026-04-30.
What was the justification for not competing this contract, and were alternative procurement methods considered?
The justification for not competing this contract is not detailed in the provided data. Agencies typically use limited competition when only one source can meet the requirement, or in urgent situations. Exploring alternative methods like simplified acquisitions or GSA schedules could have potentially yielded better pricing or broader vendor engagement.
What is the potential risk associated with the lack of competition on this specific repair service?
The primary risk associated with the lack of competition is the potential for overpayment. Without competing bids, the agency may not be securing the most cost-effective solution. Additionally, it limits the opportunity to discover new or more efficient service providers in the market.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Udall Bison Cafe's operations?
This contract is crucial for the operational effectiveness of the Udall Bison Cafe by ensuring essential equipment, likely related to food service or climate control, is properly maintained and functional. Timely and effective repairs prevent service disruptions and maintain a positive customer experience.
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: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12232 DISTRIBUTION PL, BELTSVILLE, MD, 20705
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $46,600
Exercised Options: $46,600
Current Obligation: $46,600
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-03-10
Current End Date: 2026-04-30
Potential End Date: 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
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