DOI Spends $3,441 on Urgent Potable Water Pump Repair at Cibola NWR

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,442 ($3.4K)

Contractor: Azca Drilling & Pump Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 58 days

Daily Burn Rate: $59/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: AZ - CIBOLA NWR - URGENT - POTABLE WATER PUMP REPAIR

Place of Performance

Location: CIBOLA, LA PAZ County, ARIZONA, 85328

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $3,441.85 to AZCA DRILLING & PUMP INC for work described as: AZ - CIBOLA NWR - URGENT - POTABLE WATER PUMP REPAIR Key points: 1. The repair addresses an urgent need for potable water at Cibola NWR. 2. The contract was awarded to AZCA DRILLING & PUMP INC. 3. The procurement method was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP', raising potential competition concerns. 4. The sector is related to Water Supply and Irrigation Systems.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The price of $3,441.85 for a potable water pump repair appears reasonable for an urgent, single-item purchase. However, without specific details on the pump type and extent of damage, a direct comparison to similar contracts is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a limited competition approach. This method may not have yielded the best possible price due to the lack of broader market engagement.

Taxpayer Impact: The direct taxpayer impact is minimal given the small contract value, but the principle of limited competition could lead to higher costs on larger procurements.

Public Impact

Ensures continued access to potable water for wildlife and potentially staff at Cibola NWR. Addresses an urgent operational need, preventing potential disruptions to conservation efforts. Highlights the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure in federal wildlife refuges.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 59 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Urgent need may have restricted options

Positive Signals

Addresses critical infrastructure need
Small contract value

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Water Supply and Irrigation Systems sector, which is crucial for maintaining environmental conditions in wildlife refuges. Spending in this area is generally focused on infrastructure maintenance and operational support.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether the awarded contractor, AZCA DRILLING & PUMP INC, is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation suggests a potential lack of robust oversight in exploring competitive options. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service should ensure justification for limited competition is well-documented.

Related Government Programs

Water Supply and Irrigation Systems
Department of the Interior Contracting
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for higher costs due to limited competition.
Lack of transparency in the procurement process.
Urgency may have masked underlying issues or prevented thorough vetting.
No clear indication of small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $3,441.85 to AZCA DRILLING & PUMP INC. AZ - CIBOLA NWR - URGENT - POTABLE WATER PUMP REPAIR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AZCA DRILLING & PUMP 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 $3,441.85.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-05-31.

What was the specific nature of the pump failure and the repair required to justify the 'urgent' designation and limited competition?

The 'urgent' designation implies a critical failure impacting essential services, such as potable water availability for wildlife or facility operations. This urgency likely necessitated a rapid repair, potentially limiting the time available for a full competitive bidding process. Understanding the exact nature of the failure (e.g., catastrophic breakdown vs. routine maintenance) would clarify the justification for bypassing standard competitive procedures.

What is the typical cost range for similar potable water pump repairs in this region or for comparable facilities?

Without specific details on the pump's make, model, capacity, and the exact nature of the repair (e.g., part replacement, seal issue, motor repair), establishing a precise cost benchmark is challenging. However, for routine repairs on standard potable water pumps, costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The $3,441.85 price point suggests a potentially significant repair or the use of specialized parts/labor, warranting further investigation if it deviates from historical data for similar assets.

How does the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ensure fair pricing and accountability when using limited competition for urgent repairs?

Agencies typically rely on pre-negotiated contract vehicles, historical pricing data, or informal quotes from a limited number of known vendors when using limited competition. For urgent repairs, the focus is on rapid resolution while still seeking reasonable pricing. Accountability is maintained through detailed documentation of the justification for limited competition, thorough inspection of completed work, and adherence to contract terms. Regular review of such procurements can identify trends and ensure fair practices.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Utilities › Water, Sewage and Other Systems › Water Supply and Irrigation Systems

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140FS226P0113

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 49161 EHRENBERG RD, EHRENBERG, AZ, 85334

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,442

Exercised Options: $3,442

Current Obligation: $3,442

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline