DOJ Awards $223.5K for Chiller Repair to Mesa Energy Systems, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,350 ($22.4K)

Contractor: Mesa Energy Systems, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 82 days

Daily Burn Rate: $273/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CHILLER #2 REPAIR

Place of Performance

Location: HERLONG, LASSEN County, CALIFORNIA, 96113

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $22,350 to MESA ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC for work described as: CHILLER #2 REPAIR Key points: 1. Spending on chiller repair is essential for maintaining operational facilities. 2. MESA ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. secured the contract without competition. 3. The contract value is relatively small, suggesting a localized repair need. 4. The sector is HVAC services, critical for government building infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $223,500 for a chiller repair appears reasonable for specialized equipment maintenance. Without specific details on the scope of work or the chiller's complexity, a direct comparison is difficult, but it falls within typical ranges for such services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed, indicating a potential limitation in the procurement process. This could be due to specific vendor qualifications, emergency needs, or a lack of market research, potentially impacting price discovery and overall value for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The $223,500 expenditure for this repair, while necessary, represents taxpayer funds. The lack of competition raises questions about whether the best possible price was achieved.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation of essential facilities for the Bureau of Prisons. Supports a specific contractor, MESA ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. Impacts the operational readiness of a federal prison. Funds are allocated for critical infrastructure maintenance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for higher costs due to sole-source award

Positive Signals

Essential service for facility operation
Clear contract duration and delivery dates

Sector Analysis

The HVAC services sector is crucial for maintaining government facilities. Spending benchmarks for repairs vary widely based on equipment type and severity of the issue. This $223,500 contract appears to be for a significant repair or component replacement.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this procurement, as the contract was awarded to MESA ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. without competition. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business set-asides were considered or applicable.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations should apply, but the lack of competition warrants scrutiny to ensure fairness and value.

Related Government Programs

Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs

Risk Flags

Contract awarded without competition
Potential for unverified pricing
Limited transparency in vendor selection

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $22,350 to MESA ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. CHILLER #2 REPAIR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MESA ENERGY SYSTEMS, 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 $22,350.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-06-30.

What was the specific nature of the chiller repair, and why was it not competed?

The specific nature of the repair is not detailed in the provided data. However, the contract was marked as 'NOT COMPETED,' suggesting potential reasons such as a sole-source justification, emergency repair needs, or a lack of available qualified contractors within the required timeframe. Further investigation into the contract file would be necessary to confirm the exact justification.

What is the potential risk associated with awarding a contract without competition?

Awarding contracts without competition carries risks of inflated pricing, reduced quality, and limited innovation. It can also lead to perceptions of unfairness and may not result in the best value for the government. Agencies must have strong justifications for sole-source or limited-source awards to mitigate these risks.

How does this expenditure contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Federal Prison System?

Maintaining functional and reliable chiller systems is critical for the health, safety, and security of correctional facilities. Effective climate control impacts inmate well-being, staff comfort, and the proper functioning of sensitive equipment. This repair directly supports the operational effectiveness of the facility.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: REFRIG, AIR CONDIT/CIRCULAT EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Miller Electric Company

Address: 2 CROMWELL, IRVINE, CA, 92618

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,350

Exercised Options: $22,350

Current Obligation: $22,350

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline