DOJ awards $1.8M for prison electrical work; competition signals potential value

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,020 ($18.0K)

Contractor: Mid-Atlantic Controls Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-01-27

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 246 days

Daily Burn Rate: $73/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: FY26 P1 MID-ATLANTIC INV #40790 JAN/BRIGGS JAN 26

Place of Performance

Location: HENRICO, HENRICO County, VIRGINIA, 23228

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $18,020 to MID-ATLANTIC CONTROLS CORPORATION for work described as: FY26 P1 MID-ATLANTIC INV #40790 JAN/BRIGGS JAN 26 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to MID-ATLANTIC CONTROLS CORPORATION for electrical installation services. 2. The contract duration is 246 days, indicating a focused scope of work. 3. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a streamlined process for smaller procurements. 4. The fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 5. The agency is the Department of Justice, specifically the Federal Prison System. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 238210 for Electrical Contractors.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.8 million for approximately 8 months of service appears reasonable for specialized electrical installation within a federal prison setting. While specific benchmarks for this exact service within correctional facilities are not readily available, the price seems aligned with typical construction and maintenance costs for government infrastructure. The fixed-price nature of the award provides cost predictability, which is a positive indicator for value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which allows for a broader range of competition for procurements under the federal micro-purchase threshold. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, the use of SAP generally encourages competition among qualified vendors. The fact that it was competed suggests that multiple firms were likely aware of and capable of bidding on this requirement, contributing to price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Competitive bidding under SAP helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down prices through market forces, even for smaller contract values.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Federal Prison System and the Department of Justice, ensuring operational continuity and safety within correctional facilities. Services delivered include electrical installation and wiring, crucial for maintaining and upgrading prison infrastructure. The geographic impact is localized to the facility or facilities managed by the Bureau of Prisons in Virginia. The contract supports the workforce of MID-ATLANTIC CONTROLS CORPORATION and potentially its subcontractors in the electrical contracting sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial electrical assessments are incomplete.
Reliance on a single awardee for critical infrastructure maintenance could pose risks if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract limits cost overruns for the government.
Competitive bidding process suggests a fair market price was likely achieved.
Award to an established entity (MID-ATLANTIC CONTROLS CORPORATION) implies a degree of reliability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the construction and electrical services sector, specifically for government facilities. The market for electrical contractors is robust, with numerous firms capable of undertaking such work. Federal spending in this area is consistent, driven by the need to maintain and upgrade aging infrastructure across various agencies, including correctional facilities. Benchmarks for similar electrical installation contracts within the federal government would typically consider factors like project complexity, location, and specific technical requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While the award was made under SAP, which can be utilized by small businesses, there is no explicit indication of a small business set-aside. This means larger businesses could compete, and subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would depend on the prime contractor's strategy, rather than a mandatory requirement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons contracting officers and program managers. Standard procurement regulations and contract clauses govern accountability. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases like FPDS. The Inspector General for the Department of Justice may conduct audits or investigations if performance or financial irregularities are suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Infrastructure Modernization
Bureau of Prisons Maintenance and Repair Contracts
Department of Justice Facilities Management
Electrical Installation Services for Government Buildings

Risk Flags

Potential for delays due to security protocols in correctional facilities.
Risk of unforeseen infrastructure issues requiring scope adjustments.
Need for specialized personnel with appropriate security clearances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $18,020 to MID-ATLANTIC CONTROLS CORPORATION. FY26 P1 MID-ATLANTIC INV #40790 JAN/BRIGGS JAN 26

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MID-ATLANTIC CONTROLS CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18,020.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-27. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of MID-ATLANTIC CONTROLS CORPORATION with the federal government?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess MID-ATLANTIC CONTROLS CORPORATION's track record. This would involve examining past contract awards, performance evaluations (if available), and any history of disputes or contract terminations. Understanding their experience with similar projects, particularly within correctional facilities or other secure government environments, would provide crucial context for evaluating their capability and reliability on this current award. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to definitively gauge their past performance.

How does the $1.8 million value compare to similar electrical installation contracts for federal prisons?

Benchmarking this $1.8 million contract requires comparing it to similar electrical installation projects within federal correctional facilities. Factors such as the scope of work (e.g., new installations vs. upgrades, specific systems involved like security lighting or power distribution), the size and complexity of the facility, and the geographic location significantly influence pricing. While $1.8 million is a substantial amount, it could represent a moderate-sized project for a prison, especially if it involves significant infrastructure upgrades or new construction elements. A detailed comparison would necessitate analyzing contract data for projects with comparable scope, duration, and agency.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of electrical installation contract in a federal prison?

Key risks include security protocols that might impede work progress or require specialized access procedures, potentially increasing costs and timelines. The sensitive nature of a prison environment necessitates stringent background checks for personnel, which can cause delays. Furthermore, unforeseen conditions within aging prison infrastructure could lead to scope changes and cost overruns, even with a fixed-price contract. Ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing prison operations is also a critical risk factor that requires careful planning and execution by the contractor.

How effective are Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) in ensuring competitive pricing for electrical contractors?

Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are designed to streamline the procurement process for purchases below the federal micro-purchase threshold, aiming to increase efficiency and reduce administrative burden. For electrical contractors, SAP can facilitate quicker awards and potentially broaden participation by reducing the complexity of the bidding process. While SAP encourages competition, the level of price discovery may be less robust compared to full and open competition for larger contracts, as the pool of potential bidders might be smaller or less incentivized to offer the deepest discounts. However, for procurements of this size, SAP is generally considered an effective mechanism for achieving fair and reasonable pricing.

What is the typical duration for electrical installation projects of this value in federal facilities?

The duration of electrical installation projects can vary widely based on scope, complexity, and facility type. For a $1.8 million contract with a duration of 246 days (approximately 8 months), this suggests a project of moderate scope. This timeframe might cover significant upgrades to existing systems, installation of new electrical infrastructure for a specific building or wing, or integration of specialized electrical components. Shorter durations might be typical for minor repairs or specific component replacements, while longer durations would be expected for large-scale new construction or comprehensive system overhauls.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Building Equipment Contractors › Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors

Product/Service Code: MAINT/REPAIR SHOP EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8511 OAKVIEW AVE, HENRICO, VA, 23228

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,020

Exercised Options: $18,020

Current Obligation: $18,020

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: PRODUCTS OR SERVICES PURSUANT TO FAR 12.102(F)

Timeline