DOJ's $523K Heating Repair Contract Awarded to United Rentals, Inc. Under Sole-Source Procurement
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $52,339 ($52.3K)
Contractor: United Rentals, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2026-04-02
End Date: 2026-04-02
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: 26Z5AT8-FCI HEATING REPAIR
Place of Performance
Location: STAMFORD, FAIRFIELD County, CONNECTICUT, 06902
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $52,339 to UNITED RENTALS, INC. for work described as: 26Z5AT8-FCI HEATING REPAIR Key points: 1. High cost for a single repair service. 2. Lack of competition raises concerns about price reasonableness. 3. Potential for higher taxpayer burden due to sole-source award. 4. IT/Construction equipment rental sector context.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $523,390 for a heating repair appears high for a single purchase order. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price is aligned with market rates for similar emergency repair services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and is listed as 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP'. This sole-source approach limits price discovery and may lead to a higher cost for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Awarding a significant sum without competition could result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for essential facility maintenance.
Public Impact
Federal prison facility maintenance costs. Government reliance on specific vendors for critical repairs. Impact of procurement methods on budget allocation.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- High contract value for repair
- Lack of competition
Positive Signals
- Service delivery to Federal Prison System
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the equipment rental and leasing sector, specifically for construction, mining, and forestry machinery. While the service is heating repair, the vendor is in equipment rental. Benchmarks for emergency repair services in federal facilities are often higher due to urgency, but the lack of competition here is notable.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). There is no specific analysis of small business participation in this procurement.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation suggests a deviation from standard competitive procedures. Further review of the justification for this sole-source award and the oversight by the Bureau of Prisons is warranted to ensure accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Construction, Mining, and Forestry Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source procurement
- High contract value for repair service
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for overpayment
Tags
construction-mining-and-forestry-machine, department-of-justice, ct, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $52,339 to UNITED RENTALS, INC.. 26Z5AT8-FCI HEATING REPAIR
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNITED RENTALS, 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 $52,339.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-04-02.
What was the specific justification for awarding this heating repair contract on a sole-source basis, and was a market research conducted to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?
The provided data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' and awarded via a Purchase Order. A sole-source award typically requires a documented justification, such as a critical need or lack of available sources. Without this justification, it's impossible to assess the validity of the procurement method or confirm if market research was performed to ensure the $523,390 price was fair and reasonable.
What is the typical cost range for similar emergency heating repair services at federal correctional facilities, and how does this contract's value compare?
Benchmarking emergency repair costs for federal facilities is complex due to varying facility needs, urgency, and geographic location. However, a $523,390 expenditure for what appears to be a single repair event warrants scrutiny. Without competitive bids, it's challenging to establish a precise comparison, but the amount suggests a need for detailed cost breakdown and justification.
What is the expected impact of this sole-source contract on the operational efficiency and budget of the Federal Prison System in Connecticut?
The sole-source award of $523,390 for heating repair could negatively impact operational efficiency if the price is inflated, diverting funds from other critical needs. It also limits the potential for cost savings through competition. The long-term budget implications depend on the necessity and effectiveness of the repair, as well as future maintenance requirements.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Real Estate and Rental and Leasing › Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing › Construction, Mining, and Forestry Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing
Product/Service Code: LEASE/RENT EQUIPMENT › LEASE OR RENTAL OF EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 100 FIRST STAMFORD PL STE 700, STAMFORD, CT, 06902
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $52,339
Exercised Options: $52,339
Current Obligation: $52,339
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-02
Current End Date: 2026-04-02
Potential End Date: 2026-04-02 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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