Yosemite National Park awards $18,195 contract for isolation valve installation to Tap Master Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,195 ($18.2K)
Contractor: TAP Master Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2026-04-07
End Date: 2026-04-30
Contract Duration: 23 days
Daily Burn Rate: $791/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: INSTALLATION OF ISOLATION VALVE IN EL PORTAL HOUSING AREA - YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK - MARIPOSA COUNTY, CA
Place of Performance
Location: EL PORTAL, MARIPOSA County, CALIFORNIA, 95318
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $18,195 to TAP MASTER INC for work described as: INSTALLATION OF ISOLATION VALVE IN EL PORTAL HOUSING AREA - YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK - MARIPOSA COUNTY, CA Key points: 1. The contract value is relatively small, suggesting a localized need. 2. Tap Master Inc. is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks. 4. This expenditure falls within the general scope of facilities maintenance for national parks.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $18,195 is modest. Without specific benchmarks for similar valve installation projects in national parks, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing. However, the small scale suggests it may be within a reasonable range for specialized plumbing work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs than if multiple vendors had submitted bids. The rationale for not competing is not provided.
Taxpayer Impact: The direct taxpayer impact is minimal due to the small contract value, but the lack of competition represents a missed opportunity for potential cost savings.
Public Impact
Ensures essential infrastructure maintenance within Yosemite National Park. Supports the operational integrity of facilities in the El Portal housing area. The project's success is crucial for resident safety and comfort.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for inflated pricing due to sole-source award
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed-price contract
- Clear scope of work for essential maintenance
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under general facilities maintenance and repair within the government sector, specifically for national park infrastructure. Spending benchmarks for such specific plumbing tasks are highly variable and depend on location and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, Tap Master Inc., is not specified as a small business. The contract's small value might typically be suitable for small businesses, but the sole-source nature prevented competitive opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Interior, through the National Park Service, is responsible for oversight. The lack of a competitive process warrants scrutiny to ensure the price paid was fair and reasonable.
Related Government Programs
- Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- National Park Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks transparency
- Potential for overpayment due to lack of competition
- Limited information on awardee's qualifications
- No clear justification for non-competitive award
Tags
plumbing-heating-and-air-conditioning-co, department-of-the-interior, ca, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $18,195 to TAP MASTER INC. INSTALLATION OF ISOLATION VALVE IN EL PORTAL HOUSING AREA - YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK - MARIPOSA COUNTY, CA
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TAP MASTER INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (National Park Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $18,195.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-04-30.
What was the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis instead of seeking competitive bids?
The justification for a sole-source award is critical for understanding the procurement process. Without a competitive bidding process, it's challenging to ascertain if the government secured the best possible price and value. Further investigation into the agency's justification is needed to ensure taxpayer funds were used efficiently and effectively.
How does the cost of this installation compare to similar projects in other national parks or government facilities?
Benchmarking this contract against similar projects is difficult without more data. The $18,195 price tag for an isolation valve installation could be reasonable or excessive depending on the specific valve type, complexity of the site, labor rates in Mariposa County, and the duration of the installation. A comparative analysis would require access to more detailed project specifications and pricing data from comparable contracts.
What is the long-term impact of this specific valve installation on the El Portal housing area's infrastructure resilience?
The installation of an isolation valve is a critical component for maintaining water system integrity and enabling efficient repairs or upgrades in the future. Its long-term impact on infrastructure resilience lies in its ability to prevent widespread water shutoffs during maintenance or emergencies, thereby ensuring continuous service to residents and minimizing disruption.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Building Equipment Contractors › Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors
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
Parent Company: TAP Master, Inc.
Address: 5060 FORNI DR, CONCORD, CA, 94520
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,195
Exercised Options: $18,195
Current Obligation: $18,195
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-07
Current End Date: 2026-04-30
Potential End Date: 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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