DOI Awards $24.5K for HVAC Replacement at Merritt Island NWR to Britt's Air Conditioning

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,500 ($24.5K)

Contractor: Britt's AIR Conditioning, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-04-27

Contract Duration: 26 days

Daily Burn Rate: $942/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: THE REMOVAL AND REPLACE OF TWO (2) EXISTING HVAC REPLACEMENT AT BIOLOGY BUILDING AT MERRITT ISLAND NWR

Place of Performance

Location: TITUSVILLE, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32796

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $24,500 to BRITT'S AIR CONDITIONING, INC for work described as: THE REMOVAL AND REPLACE OF TWO (2) EXISTING HVAC REPLACEMENT AT BIOLOGY BUILDING AT MERRITT ISLAND NWR Key points: 1. The contract value of $24.5K is relatively small, suggesting a focused scope for HVAC replacement. 2. Competition under SAP indicates a streamlined process, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. The short duration of 26 days points to a time-sensitive project. 4. This expenditure falls within the broader category of facilities maintenance and upgrades.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The $24.5K award for two HVAC units seems reasonable for specialized contracting services. Benchmarking against similar small-scale HVAC replacements in federal facilities would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a limited competition approach for smaller dollar values. While efficient, this method may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential facility maintenance, ensuring operational continuity at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Public Impact

Ensures operational readiness of the Biology Building at Merritt Island NWR. Supports the infrastructure necessary for wildlife research and management activities. Contributes to the overall upkeep and modernization of federal facilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP
Short performance period
Lack of detailed cost breakdown

Positive Signals

Essential facility maintenance
Clear awardee
Defined scope

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under facilities maintenance and repair, specifically HVAC services. Spending in this sector is driven by the need to maintain aging federal infrastructure and ensure energy efficiency.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, Britt's Air Conditioning, Inc., is a small business. This contract supports the government's goal of awarding a fair share of contracts to small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a Purchase Order, a common method for smaller procurements. Oversight would typically involve ensuring timely completion and adherence to contract specifications by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Related Government Programs

Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors
Department of the Interior Contracting
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for higher cost due to limited competition
Short performance window may increase risk of delays
Lack of detailed technical specifications
No mention of energy efficiency improvements

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $24,500 to BRITT'S AIR CONDITIONING, INC. THE REMOVAL AND REPLACE OF TWO (2) EXISTING HVAC REPLACEMENT AT BIOLOGY BUILDING AT MERRITT ISLAND NWR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BRITT'S AIR CONDITIONING, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $24,500.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-04-27.

What is the expected lifespan of the new HVAC units, and how does this impact the long-term value of this investment?

The provided data does not specify the expected lifespan of the new HVAC units. A longer lifespan would increase the long-term value of the $24.5K investment by reducing the frequency of future replacements and associated costs. Understanding the warranty and expected service life is crucial for a comprehensive value assessment.

Were there any potential risks associated with the limited competition under SAP, such as inflated pricing or a lack of innovative solutions?

Limited competition under SAP can pose risks of higher pricing due to reduced market pressure and potentially limit the exploration of innovative solutions that might be offered in a broader competition. However, for a small value contract like this, the efficiency gains from SAP might outweigh these risks, provided the agency performed adequate price analysis.

How effectively does this HVAC replacement contribute to the primary mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Merritt Island NWR?

Reliable HVAC systems are crucial for maintaining stable environments within research and administrative buildings, directly supporting the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This replacement ensures that critical research, data collection, and operational activities at the Biology Building are not hindered by environmental control failures, thus contributing to effective conservation and management efforts.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Building Equipment Contractors › Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 655 CHILDRE AVE, TITUSVILLE, FL, 32796

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,500

Exercised Options: $24,500

Current Obligation: $24,500

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline