Interior Department awards $30.4K for mobile office units, exceeding typical unit costs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,388 ($30.4K)

Contractor: JBA Containers LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-08-27

End Date: 2026-04-22

Contract Duration: 238 days

Daily Burn Rate: $128/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 27

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: MRG SFD MOBILE OFFICE UNIT

Place of Performance

Location: SOCORRO, SOCORRO County, NEW MEXICO, 87801

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $30,388.13 to JBA CONTAINERS LLC for work described as: MRG SFD MOBILE OFFICE UNIT Key points: 1. The contract's value appears high relative to the number of units and typical market prices for similar prefabricated structures. 2. Competition was limited, with the award made under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting potential for better price discovery with broader outreach. 3. The fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor, but the overall value proposition warrants scrutiny. 4. This purchase supports operational needs for the Bureau of Reclamation in New Mexico. 5. The contractor, JBA Containers LLC, is a new entity in federal contracting based on available data.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The awarded amount of $30,388.13 for 27 mobile office units translates to approximately $1,125 per unit. This per-unit cost seems elevated when compared to industry benchmarks for prefabricated or modular office spaces, which can range significantly but often fall below this figure, especially for simpler units. Without detailed specifications, it's difficult to make a precise comparison, but the cost raises concerns about value for money. Further analysis of the unit's features and comparable market offerings is recommended.

Cost Per Unit: Approximately $1,125 per unit, which appears high compared to market rates for basic prefabricated office units.

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a less extensive solicitation process than full and open competition. While the data indicates 27 offers were received, the specific method of competition (e.g., GSA Advantage, specific solicitations) is not detailed. SAP is generally used for purchases under the SAT threshold, and while it can foster competition, it may not always yield the most competitive pricing compared to larger, more widely advertised procurements.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition under SAP may have resulted in a higher price for taxpayers than could have been achieved through a broader, more competitive bidding process.

Public Impact

The Bureau of Reclamation will benefit from the acquisition of mobile office units, likely for field operations or temporary project sites. These units will provide essential workspace for personnel involved in the agency's activities within New Mexico. The contract supports the agency's logistical and operational infrastructure needs in a specific geographic region. The procurement indirectly impacts the construction and manufacturing workforce involved in producing these units.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential overpayment due to elevated per-unit cost.
Limited competition may have restricted price discovery.
Contractor is a relatively new participant in federal contracting, requiring performance monitoring.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract structure limits cost overrun risk for the government.
A significant number of offers (27) were received, indicating some level of market interest.
The purchase addresses a clear operational need for the Bureau of Reclamation.

Sector Analysis

The market for prefabricated and modular buildings is diverse, serving various sectors including government, construction, and commercial use. This contract falls within the manufacturing sub-sector of construction, specifically focusing on prefabricated metal buildings. The government frequently procures modular or temporary structures for field offices, disaster relief, and remote site operations. Spending in this category can vary widely based on project scale and customization, but efficient procurement often relies on leveraging existing GSA schedules or competitive bidding for larger requirements.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Given the small dollar value, it is plausible that small businesses could have competed or participated. However, without explicit set-aside provisions or reported subcontracting goals, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear. Further investigation into the bidding pool and the prime contractor's size status would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment.

Oversight & Accountability

As a Purchase Order issued under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, oversight is typically managed by the contracting office within the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation. Standard contract administration procedures would apply, focusing on delivery, quality, and adherence to the contract terms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS, although detailed justifications for SAP awards are not always publicly elaborated. Inspector General oversight would apply if specific fraud, waste, or abuse concerns were identified.

Related Government Programs

Modular Building Contracts
Temporary Office Space Procurement
Bureau of Reclamation Operational Support
Department of the Interior Facilities Management

Risk Flags

Potential for overpricing given unit cost.
Limited competition may impact value.
New contractor with no federal performance history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $30,388.13 to JBA CONTAINERS LLC. MRG SFD MOBILE OFFICE UNIT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JBA CONTAINERS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Reclamation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $30,388.13.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-08-27. End: 2026-04-22.

What are the specific features and dimensions of the 'MRG SFD MOBILE OFFICE UNIT' to justify the per-unit cost?

The provided data does not include detailed specifications for the 'MRG SFD MOBILE OFFICE UNIT'. To accurately assess the value for money, a review of the unit's dimensions, materials, insulation, electrical and plumbing features, and any included furnishings would be necessary. Without this information, the per-unit cost of approximately $1,125 remains difficult to benchmark precisely against market offerings. It is possible the unit includes specialized features or is designed for specific environmental conditions in New Mexico that contribute to the cost. However, standard prefabricated office units of comparable size often cost less, suggesting a need for further justification or clarification from the agency and contractor.

How does JBA Containers LLC's pricing compare to other federal contractors providing similar mobile office units?

JBA Containers LLC appears to be a relatively new entity in federal contracting, with limited historical data available. Therefore, a direct comparison of their pricing against established federal contractors for similar mobile office units is challenging. The current award of $30,388.13 for 27 units, averaging $1,125 per unit, seems high compared to general market rates for basic prefabricated structures. To perform a robust comparison, one would need to identify contracts awarded to other vendors for comparable units, considering factors like size, features, delivery location, and contract type. Without such comparative data, it's difficult to definitively state whether JBA Containers LLC's pricing is competitive within the federal landscape, though initial indicators suggest it may be on the higher side.

What is the typical lead time and delivery process for these mobile office units?

The contract specifies a performance period of 238 days, with a start date of August 27, 2025, and an end date of April 22, 2026. This duration suggests a lead time of approximately 8 months from the award date to final delivery. This timeframe is not unusual for custom-manufactured or prefabricated structures, which require design, fabrication, and transportation. The delivery process would typically involve coordination between the contractor and the Bureau of Reclamation to ensure the units are delivered to the specified site in New Mexico and potentially installed or sited. The contract type (Purchase Order) implies a straightforward delivery and acceptance process.

Are there any past performance issues or concerns associated with JBA Containers LLC?

Based on the available federal procurement data, JBA Containers LLC appears to be a recent entrant into the federal contracting space. Consequently, there is limited or no historical data regarding their past performance on federal contracts. This lack of a performance record presents a potential risk, as there are no established metrics to evaluate their reliability, quality of work, or adherence to delivery schedules. Agencies typically assess past performance during the source selection process, but for new contractors, this assessment might rely on other factors like financial stability, technical capabilities, and references from non-federal projects if available. The government should closely monitor JBA Containers LLC's performance throughout the duration of this contract.

How does this contract's value compare to the Bureau of Reclamation's historical spending on mobile office units or similar facilities?

Analyzing the historical spending patterns of the Bureau of Reclamation for mobile office units or similar prefabricated facilities requires access to comprehensive procurement databases over several fiscal years. The current award of $30,388.13 is a relatively small contract value. Without specific historical data points for comparable procurements by the Bureau of Reclamation, it is difficult to establish a direct trend or benchmark. However, agencies often procure such units periodically to support field operations. If this contract represents a typical quantity and scope, its value might be within a normal range for smaller, localized needs. If the agency typically procures larger quantities or more complex units for a similar price, this specific award could be considered high.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing › Prefabricated Metal Building and Component Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: PREFAB STRUCTURES/SCAFFOLDING

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140R4025Q0079

Offers Received: 27

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 94 COUNTRY CLUB RD, WILLINGBORO, NJ, 08046

Business Categories: Category Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $30,388

Exercised Options: $30,388

Current Obligation: $30,388

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline