DOJ's $1.13M water treatment chemical contract awarded to Garratt-Callahan Company for Federal Prison System

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,340 ($11.3K)

Contractor: Garratt-Callahan Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: P1 MONTHLY CHEMICAL FOR WATER TREATMENT FY 26 OCTOBER 1, 2025 THRU SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

Place of Performance

Location: BURLINGAME, SAN MATEO County, CALIFORNIA, 94010

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $11,340 to GARRATT-CALLAHAN COMPANY for work described as: P1 MONTHLY CHEMICAL FOR WATER TREATMENT FY 26 OCTOBER 1, 2025 THRU SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential water treatment chemicals, indicating a need for ongoing operational support. 2. The contract duration of one year aligns with typical operational needs for chemical supplies. 3. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on efficiency for smaller dollar amounts. 4. The fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government. 5. The contract is for a single year, with potential for renewal, allowing flexibility. 6. The supplier, Garratt-Callahan Company, has secured this award, indicating a competitive bid process.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.13 million for a one-year supply of water treatment chemicals appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar contracts for municipal or federal water treatment facilities suggests that pricing for specialized chemicals can vary significantly based on volume, type, and delivery terms. Without specific details on the chemicals and quantities, a precise per-unit cost comparison is difficult, but the overall award value seems aligned with industry standards for such services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a broader solicitation for smaller dollar value procurements. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, the 'full-and-open' competition designation implies that multiple vendors had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is designed to ensure fair pricing and access to a range of qualified suppliers.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award under SAP suggests that taxpayers are likely benefiting from a fair market price, as multiple vendors were encouraged to bid, driving down costs.

Public Impact

The Federal Prison System benefits from a reliable supply of essential chemicals for water treatment, ensuring safe and compliant operations. This contract supports the maintenance of water quality within federal correctional facilities, impacting the health and safety of inmates and staff. The services delivered are critical for the day-to-day functioning of the Bureau of Prisons. The geographic impact is primarily within federal correctional facilities located in California, where the contract is managed.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases in future contract renewals if competition diminishes.
Dependence on a single supplier for a critical operational need could pose a risk if supply chain issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process, indicating potential for good value.
Firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
Contract duration allows for stable operational planning.

Sector Analysis

The water treatment chemical sector is a vital component of public infrastructure and industrial operations, ensuring compliance with environmental and health regulations. This contract falls within the broader chemical manufacturing and distribution industry, which is characterized by specialized products and services. Federal spending in this area supports the operational needs of various government agencies, including correctional facilities, military bases, and public health services. Benchmarks for similar contracts can vary widely based on the specific chemicals, volumes, and service requirements.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on small businesses would be through potential subcontracting opportunities, which are not detailed here. The award to Garratt-Callahan Company does not appear to be directly aimed at fostering small business growth through this specific procurement action.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the Department of Justice's procurement and financial management divisions. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract structure, requiring the contractor to deliver specified chemicals at the agreed-upon price. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases where such awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Operations
Bureau of Prisons Facilities Management
Water and Wastewater Treatment Services
Chemical Procurement for Government Agencies

Risk Flags

Potential supply chain vulnerability
Contractor performance risk
Price escalation risk in future renewals

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $11,340 to GARRATT-CALLAHAN COMPANY. P1 MONTHLY CHEMICAL FOR WATER TREATMENT FY 26 OCTOBER 1, 2025 THRU SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GARRATT-CALLAHAN COMPANY.

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 $11,340.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of Garratt-Callahan Company with federal contracts, particularly for water treatment chemicals?

Garratt-Callahan Company has a history of providing water treatment solutions and chemicals to various entities, including government agencies. While specific details of their federal contract history require deeper database analysis, their ability to win this award suggests they meet the necessary qualifications and competitive requirements. A review of past performance evaluations and contract awards would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and past success in fulfilling similar federal obligations. Their presence in the market indicates established experience in serving institutional clients with their chemical needs.

How does the $1.13 million contract value compare to historical spending for water treatment chemicals by the Federal Prison System?

To accurately compare the $1.13 million contract value to historical spending, a detailed analysis of past Bureau of Prisons (BOP) contracts for water treatment chemicals over several fiscal years would be necessary. This would involve identifying similar contract types, durations, and quantities of chemicals procured. Without this historical data, it's challenging to definitively state whether this award represents an increase, decrease, or stable spending trend. However, the value appears consistent with a one-year supply for a significant correctional system, suggesting it aligns with operational requirements.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Primary risks include potential supply chain disruptions affecting the timely delivery of chemicals, price volatility for raw materials impacting future renewals, and contractor performance issues. Mitigation strategies often involve clear contract terms and conditions, performance monitoring, and maintaining relationships with alternative suppliers. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. The BOP likely has contingency plans for critical supply needs, though specific details are not provided in the award notice.

How effective is the current water treatment chemical supply strategy in ensuring operational continuity for federal prisons?

The effectiveness of the current strategy is demonstrated by the continued operation of federal prisons, which rely on consistent water treatment. Awarding contracts for these essential chemicals ensures that facilities have the necessary supplies to maintain water quality, comply with regulations, and support the health and safety of inmates and staff. The competitive bidding process aims to secure reliable suppliers, contributing to operational continuity. However, long-term effectiveness would also depend on the contractor's performance and the adaptability of the strategy to changing needs or unforeseen circumstances.

What is the typical duration and value range for federal contracts providing water treatment chemicals to correctional facilities?

Federal contracts for water treatment chemicals to correctional facilities can vary significantly in duration and value, depending on the size of the facility, the specific chemicals required, and the scope of services (e.g., delivery only vs. full-service treatment). Typical durations often range from one to five years, sometimes with option periods. Values can range from tens of thousands to several million dollars annually. This $1.13 million contract for a one-year period appears to be within a moderate range for supplying chemicals to a system of federal prisons, especially considering the scale of operations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Public Administration › Administration of Environmental Quality Programs › Administration of Air and Water Resource and Solid Waste Management Programs

Product/Service Code: WATER PURIFICATION/SEWAGE TREATMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 50 INGOLD RD, BURLINGAME, CA, 94010

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,340

Exercised Options: $11,340

Current Obligation: $11,340

Actual Outlays: $3,780

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline