Justice Department awards $31.9K for temporary heating rentals, highlighting localized facility needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,869 ($31.9K)

Contractor: Aeras MEP Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-01-22

End Date: 2026-04-04

Contract Duration: 72 days

Daily Burn Rate: $443/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY26 PZ AERAS MEP INC - B&F 25Z3AF5 CAMP PROJECT 4 INDIRECT FIRE HEATER RENTALS

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, FULTON County, GEORGIA, 30315

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $31,869.19 to AERAS MEP INC for work described as: FY26 PZ AERAS MEP INC - B&F 25Z3AF5 CAMP PROJECT 4 INDIRECT FIRE HEATER RENTALS Key points: 1. Contract value is modest, suggesting a focus on short-term, specific operational needs. 2. Competition was conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a streamlined process for smaller procurements. 3. The contract is a Firm Fixed Price purchase order, providing cost certainty for the government. 4. The duration of the rental is relatively short (72 days), aligning with temporary heating requirements. 5. The awardee, AERAS MEP INC, is a contractor specializing in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services. 6. The service is categorized under Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors, reflecting the nature of the equipment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $31,869.19 for temporary heating rentals appears reasonable given the short duration and the nature of the service. Without specific benchmarks for similar short-term rental contracts for correctional facilities, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that the pricing was determined upfront and is intended to be cost-effective for the period of use. The award to a specialized contractor also implies a level of expertise that could contribute to value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for a broader range of competition than sole-source or limited sources, especially for procurements under the federal micro-purchase threshold. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, SAP generally encourages competition among qualified vendors. The use of SAP for this procurement suggests that the agency sought competitive pricing within a streamlined process suitable for the contract's value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of competitive procedures, even under SAP, is beneficial for taxpayers as it helps ensure that the government obtains goods and services at the best possible price. This process aims to prevent overspending and maximize the value of federal funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the facilities managed by the Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons, ensuring adequate heating during a specific period. The service delivered is the rental of indirect fire heaters, crucial for maintaining operational conditions in correctional facilities. The geographic impact is localized to Georgia (st: GA, sn: GEORGIA), where the facility requiring the heaters is located. There are no significant workforce implications directly tied to this specific rental contract, as it involves equipment provision rather than labor-intensive services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if unforeseen issues arise requiring extended rental periods beyond the initial 72 days.
Dependence on a single vendor for a critical, albeit temporary, facility need could pose a risk if the vendor experiences operational disruptions.

Positive Signals

The contract is a firm fixed price, providing cost certainty and mitigating budget overruns for the specified rental period.
The procurement was competed, suggesting an effort to secure competitive pricing and value for the government.
The awardee is a specialized contractor (MEP), indicating relevant expertise for providing heating equipment.

Sector Analysis

The federal contracting landscape for facility maintenance and operational support services is extensive. This contract falls within the broader category of facility support services, specifically addressing temporary heating needs. The market for HVAC and related services is competitive, with numerous small and large businesses capable of providing such solutions. The value of this specific contract is relatively small compared to larger, long-term facility management contracts, indicating a targeted need for short-term equipment rental.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have significant subcontracting implications for small businesses based on its nature and value. The awardee, AERAS MEP INC, is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data. The focus is on a direct procurement of rental equipment, rather than a service contract that might typically involve a larger small business subcontracting plan.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the contracting officers and program managers within the Department of Justice's Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons. The firm fixed-price nature of the purchase order provides a degree of accountability by locking in costs. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where such awards are recorded. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Facility Maintenance
Bureau of Prisons Operational Support
Department of Justice Equipment Rentals
Temporary Facility Heating Solutions
Correctional Facility Infrastructure Support

Risk Flags

Short-term rental duration may indicate underlying issues with permanent infrastructure.
Reliance on temporary solutions could mask long-term facility maintenance needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $31,869.19 to AERAS MEP INC. FY26 PZ AERAS MEP INC - B&F 25Z3AF5 CAMP PROJECT 4 INDIRECT FIRE HEATER RENTALS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AERAS MEP INC.

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 $31,869.19.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-22. End: 2026-04-04.

What is the track record of AERAS MEP INC with the Department of Justice or similar federal agencies?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess AERAS MEP INC's track record. However, the award of this contract suggests they have met the basic qualifications and bidding requirements set forth by the Department of Justice for this specific procurement. Further analysis would involve examining past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on previous federal contracts to understand their reliability, quality of service, and adherence to terms. Without this detailed history, it's difficult to provide a comprehensive assessment of their track record beyond their ability to win this particular bid.

How does the cost of this rental compare to market rates for similar temporary heating equipment in Georgia?

Benchmarking the cost of this $31,869.19 contract against market rates for temporary indirect fire heater rentals in Georgia requires access to specific rental market data for the period of performance (January-April 2026). Factors influencing market rates include the type and capacity of heaters, rental duration, delivery and setup costs, and local market competition. Given that this was competed under SAP, it implies an effort to achieve competitive pricing. However, a definitive comparison would necessitate obtaining quotes from commercial rental companies for comparable equipment and service packages in the relevant geographic area to ascertain if the federal price represents good value for money.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on temporary heating solutions for correctional facilities?

Relying on temporary heating solutions like indirect fire heaters for correctional facilities carries several risks. Foremost is the potential for equipment malfunction or failure, which could lead to severe disruptions in maintaining a safe and habitable environment, particularly during colder months. There's also a risk of extended rental periods if permanent solutions are delayed, increasing costs beyond initial projections. Furthermore, the installation and operation of temporary heating units must adhere to strict safety protocols to prevent fire hazards or other accidents within a secure environment. Ensuring the reliability and timely delivery of these units by the contractor is critical to mitigating these risks.

What is the historical spending pattern for temporary heating rentals by the Federal Prison System?

To determine historical spending patterns for temporary heating rentals by the Federal Prison System, a comprehensive analysis of past federal procurement data would be required. This would involve querying databases for similar contract actions (e.g., by PSC code, keywords like 'heating rental,' 'temporary heat') awarded to the Bureau of Prisons or its facilities over several fiscal years. Such an analysis would reveal the frequency of such procurements, the typical contract values, the duration of rentals, and the primary contractors involved. Understanding these patterns can help identify seasonal needs, recurring issues with permanent infrastructure, or shifts in procurement strategies for facility support.

What is the significance of the contract type being 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' for this procurement?

The designation 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) signifies that this procurement was conducted using a streamlined process designed for purchases below the federal acquisition threshold (currently $250,000). SAP allows for more flexible competition requirements compared to full and open competition, often involving fewer documentation burdens and potentially faster award timelines. For this $31,869.19 contract, it indicates that the Department of Justice sought competitive bids but utilized a process appropriate for the relatively low dollar value, aiming for efficiency while still obtaining multiple offers to ensure fair pricing and value.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Building Equipment Contractors › Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors

Product/Service Code: LEASE/RENT EQUIPMENT › LEASE OR RENTAL OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 217 FULTON CT, PEACHTREE CITY, GA, 30269

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,869

Exercised Options: $31,869

Current Obligation: $31,869

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline