Interior's $133K Head Gasket Repair Contract Awarded to Rush Truck Centers of Utah

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,328 ($13.3K)

Contractor: Rush Truck Centers of Utah Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-06-03

Contract Duration: 62 days

Daily Burn Rate: $215/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: I626167 HEAD GASKET INSPECTION & DAMAGE

Place of Performance

Location: FILLMORE, MILLARD County, UTAH, 84631

State: Utah Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $13,328 to RUSH TRUCK CENTERS OF UTAH INC for work described as: I626167 HEAD GASKET INSPECTION & DAMAGE Key points: 1. The contract is for head gasket inspection and damage repair. 2. The awardee is RUSH TRUCK CENTERS OF UTAH INC. 3. The contract is valued at $133,280. 4. The contract duration is 62 days. 5. The contract was not competed under SAP.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $133,280 for head gasket inspection and damage repair appears high for a 62-day service period. Benchmarking against similar automotive repair contracts is difficult without more specific details on the scope of work, but the price may exceed typical market rates for such services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a limited competition approach. This method may not have explored all available vendors, potentially impacting price discovery and leading to a less competitive outcome.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition approach may result in taxpayers paying a premium for the services rendered, as a broader competitive process could have driven down costs.

Public Impact

Essential vehicle maintenance for the Bureau of Land Management's operations in Utah. Potential for increased operational costs due to non-competitive award. Impact on agency's ability to perform land management duties if vehicles are not repaired efficiently.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Potentially high price
Short performance period for extensive repair

Positive Signals

Specific vendor identified for repair
Clear service description

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under General Automotive Repair services. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on the type of vehicles, complexity of repairs, and geographic location. The $133K award for a specific repair suggests a potentially significant issue or a high volume of work.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, RUSH TRUCK CENTERS OF UTAH INC, is not identified as a small business. There is no indication that small businesses were solicited or considered for this contract, which could represent a missed opportunity for supporting smaller enterprises.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded via Purchase Order, which is a common method for acquiring goods and services. Oversight would involve ensuring the work is completed to specification and within the awarded price. The lack of competition warrants closer scrutiny.

Related Government Programs

General Automotive Repair
Department of the Interior Contracting
Bureau of Land Management Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potentially high cost per unit
Lack of justification for non-competitive award
No small business consideration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $13,328 to RUSH TRUCK CENTERS OF UTAH INC. I626167 HEAD GASKET INSPECTION & DAMAGE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RUSH TRUCK CENTERS OF UTAH INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Land Management).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13,328.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-06-03.

What specific inspection and damage details justify the $133,280 cost for head gasket repair within a 62-day period?

The justification for the $133,280 cost is not provided in the data. A detailed breakdown of labor hours, parts, diagnostic time, and the extent of the head gasket damage would be necessary to assess the reasonableness of the price. Without this information, it's difficult to determine if the cost is aligned with industry standards for similar repairs.

What risks are associated with awarding this contract without full and open competition?

The primary risk of awarding this contract without full and open competition is the potential for overpayment. Limited competition can lead to higher prices than might be achieved in a broader market. Additionally, there's a risk that a less experienced or less qualified vendor might be selected, potentially impacting the quality and timeliness of the repair.

How effective is this contract likely to be in ensuring the Bureau of Land Management's vehicles are operational?

The effectiveness hinges on the quality of the repair performed by Rush Truck Centers. While the contract specifies the service, the limited competition raises concerns about achieving the best value. If the repair is successful and timely, it will be effective. However, if the price is inflated or the repair is subpar, its effectiveness will be diminished, potentially impacting BLM operations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Automotive Repair and Maintenance › General Automotive Repair

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: 140L5726P0020

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Rush Enterprises, Inc.

Address: 964 S 3800 W, SALT LAKE CITY, UT, 84104

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,328

Exercised Options: $13,328

Current Obligation: $13,328

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline