Interior's $215K Makah NFH HVAC System Install Awarded to Sterileco LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,498 ($21.5K)

Contractor: Sterileco LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2026-07-13

Contract Duration: 97 days

Daily Burn Rate: $222/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: WA- MAKAH NFH-HVAC SYS INSTALL-QTRS 2-4

Place of Performance

Location: NEAH BAY, CLALLAM County, WASHINGTON, 98357

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $21,498 to STERILECO LLC for work described as: WA- MAKAH NFH-HVAC SYS INSTALL-QTRS 2-4 Key points: 1. Contract awarded for HVAC system installation at Makah NFH. 2. STERILECO LLC secured the $215K contract. 3. The contract is for a duration of 97 days. 4. The award falls under the Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors NAICS code. 5. This is a firm-fixed-price contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $214,980 for HVAC system installation appears reasonable for a project of this scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for facility upgrades in remote locations would provide a clearer picture of its competitiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a limited competition environment. While SAP aims for efficiency, it 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 and upgrades, ensuring operational capacity at the Fish and Wildlife Service facility.

Public Impact

Ensures operational readiness of the Makah National Fish Hatchery. Supports the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's mission. Provides employment opportunities for the contractor and potentially local labor. Contributes to the infrastructure of a federal facility.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP
Potential for higher pricing due to limited competition

Positive Signals

Essential facility upgrade
Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost overrun risk

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the construction and facilities maintenance sector, specifically related to HVAC systems. Federal spending in this area is consistent with maintaining aging government infrastructure and ensuring operational efficiency.

Small Business Impact

Information on whether small businesses were involved in the competition or subcontracting is not provided in the data. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, indicating standard federal procurement oversight. The use of SAP suggests a streamlined process, but accountability for fair pricing remains.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for price not being fully optimized
Contract duration is relatively short, may impact thoroughness if rushed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $21,498 to STERILECO LLC. WA- MAKAH NFH-HVAC SYS INSTALL-QTRS 2-4

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STERILECO LLC.

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 $21,498.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-07-13.

What is the typical cost range for similar HVAC system installations in federal facilities of comparable size and location?

The typical cost range for similar HVAC system installations in federal facilities can vary significantly based on factors like facility size, complexity of the system, geographic location, and prevailing labor rates. For smaller installations in remote areas, costs might range from $50,000 to $250,000. Larger, more complex projects could easily exceed $500,000. Without specific details on the system's scope, this $215K award seems within a plausible range for a moderate-sized installation.

What are the potential risks associated with limited competition under Simplified Acquisition Procedures for this project?

Limited competition under SAP can increase the risk of paying a higher price than might be achieved through a broader solicitation. Contractors may have less incentive to offer their most competitive pricing when they know fewer competitors are involved. Additionally, there's a potential risk of selecting a contractor who may not be the absolute best fit if the pool of available bidders is small.

How effectively does this HVAC system upgrade contribute to the long-term operational efficiency and mission support of the Makah NFH?

The effectiveness of this HVAC upgrade hinges on the quality of the installation and the reliability of the new system. A well-executed installation should improve energy efficiency, reduce maintenance downtime, and ensure a stable environment critical for the hatchery's operations. This directly supports the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's mission by safeguarding the infrastructure necessary for its conservation and research activities.

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: 13

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1402 COMMERCE AVE, INDIANAPOLIS, IN, 46201

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, 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: $21,498

Exercised Options: $21,498

Current Obligation: $21,498

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline