DOJ awards $289K for emergency fire system repairs, highlighting critical infrastructure needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $289,000 ($289.0K)

Contractor: Tesfaye LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-07-01

Contract Duration: 83 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.5K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: BFCS - SET - 25Z6AH2-EMERGENCY REPAIR FIRE DETECTION AND SUPPRESSION

Place of Performance

Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98104

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $289,000 to TESFAYE LLC for work described as: BFCS - SET - 25Z6AH2-EMERGENCY REPAIR FIRE DETECTION AND SUPPRESSION Key points: 1. Contract addresses urgent need for fire safety system maintenance. 2. Competition was limited, raising questions about optimal pricing. 3. Short performance period suggests a reactive, immediate need. 4. Contract value is relatively small, indicating a focused scope. 5. Focus on fire protection aligns with essential facility operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $289,000 for emergency fire detection and suppression system repairs appears reasonable for a critical, time-sensitive need. However, without specific details on the scope of work and the nature of the emergency, a direct comparison to similar contracts is difficult. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty, but the limited competition may have prevented achieving the best possible value. Benchmarking against industry standards for emergency repair services would be beneficial.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves limited competition. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP is designed for smaller procurements where full and open competition may not be practical or cost-effective. The limited competition suggests that the agency may have solicited from a pre-approved list or through expedited means, potentially impacting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP can sometimes lead to higher prices for taxpayers compared to fully competed contracts, as the pool of potential offerors is smaller.

Public Impact

Federal inmates and staff benefit from enhanced fire safety. Ensures operational continuity of a federal correctional facility. Geographic impact is localized to the facility in Washington. Supports the maintenance of essential safety infrastructure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may have resulted in a higher price than a fully competed contract.
The emergency nature of the repair could indicate underlying infrastructure issues requiring further attention.
Short contract duration might not allow for thorough vetting of contractor performance.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical safety need, protecting lives and property.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Contract awarded to a small business (TESFAYE LLC).

Sector Analysis

The fire protection services sector is crucial for maintaining the safety and operational integrity of government facilities. This contract falls within the broader facilities maintenance and repair market, which is substantial. Emergency repairs, while often smaller in individual value, represent a consistent need across federal agencies managing physical infrastructure. Benchmarking against other emergency repair contracts for similar facilities could provide further context on cost-effectiveness.

Small Business Impact

The award to TESFAYE LLC, a small business, is a positive signal for the small business ecosystem. While this specific contract was competed under SAP and not explicitly set aside for small businesses, the award demonstrates opportunities for small contractors in specialized service areas. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were made available to other small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons within the Department of Justice. Standard procurement regulations and contract administration processes are expected to be followed. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, though specific details of the emergency and repair scope may be less publicly accessible due to security or operational sensitivities.

Related Government Programs

Federal Buildings and Facilities Maintenance
Emergency Repair Services
Correctional Facility Operations
Fire Safety Systems

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Emergency Procurement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $289,000 to TESFAYE LLC. BFCS - SET - 25Z6AH2-EMERGENCY REPAIR FIRE DETECTION AND SUPPRESSION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TESFAYE LLC.

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 $289,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-07-01.

What specific fire detection and suppression systems were repaired, and what was the nature of the emergency?

The provided data does not specify the exact systems repaired or the nature of the emergency. However, 'Fire Protection' (NAICS 922160) suggests a broad range of services including installation, maintenance, and repair of fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, fire suppression equipment, and related infrastructure. An 'emergency repair' implies a sudden failure, malfunction, or damage that posed an immediate risk to safety or facility operations, necessitating rapid intervention. Further details would likely be found in the contract's statement of work or internal agency documentation.

How does the $289,000 contract value compare to typical emergency fire system repair costs for federal facilities?

Directly comparing the $289,000 value without knowing the specific scope of work and the extent of the emergency makes precise benchmarking difficult. Emergency repairs can vary significantly in cost based on the complexity of the system, the severity of the issue, and the required response time. Generally, firm-fixed-price contracts for emergency services aim to cover immediate needs. However, given the limited competition, it's plausible that this value might be higher than if the contract had been fully competed. A more robust comparison would require analyzing similar emergency repair contracts within the Bureau of Prisons or other federal agencies with comparable facility types.

What are the potential risks associated with a limited competition award for emergency repairs?

The primary risk associated with limited competition for emergency repairs is the potential for inflated pricing. When fewer vendors are involved, the incentive to offer the most competitive price is reduced. Additionally, limited competition might restrict the agency's ability to select the contractor with the most specialized expertise or the best track record for this specific type of emergency. There's also a risk that the urgency of the situation could lead to rushed decision-making, potentially overlooking alternative solutions or more cost-effective approaches. Ensuring proper justification for the limited competition is crucial.

What is the track record of TESFAYE LLC in performing fire protection services for the federal government?

Information regarding TESFAYE LLC's specific track record in performing fire protection services for the federal government is not detailed in the provided data. As a small business awarded this contract under SAP, their experience may vary. Federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov) would typically contain past performance information, including contract history, past performance evaluations, and any relevant certifications or specializations. Further investigation into the contractor's profile would be necessary to assess their capabilities and reliability for critical safety systems.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the operational readiness of the federal prison system?

This contract directly impacts the operational readiness of the specific federal prison facility where the repairs are conducted. By addressing emergency issues with fire detection and suppression systems, it ensures the safety of inmates and staff, prevents potential facility shutdowns due to safety violations, and maintains compliance with fire safety regulations. Failure to address such emergencies could lead to significant disruptions, safety hazards, and potential loss of life or property, thus hindering the facility's ability to function as intended.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Public Administration › Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities › Fire Protection

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › OTHER QUALITY, TEST, INSPECT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 201 YESLER WAY, SEATTLE, WA, 98104

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $289,000

Exercised Options: $289,000

Current Obligation: $289,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline