DOJ's $1.2M GPU contract awarded to Coil Winding Specialist, Inc. for ground power units

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $120,590 ($120.6K)

Contractor: Coil Winding Specialist, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-07-01

End Date: 2026-04-17

Contract Duration: 290 days

Daily Burn Rate: $416/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: AIRCRAFT GROUND POWER UNIT (GPU)

Place of Performance

Location: ORANGE, ORANGE County, CALIFORNIA, 92865

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $120,590 to COIL WINDING SPECIALIST, INC. for work described as: AIRCRAFT GROUND POWER UNIT (GPU) Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through benchmarking against similar contracts and market rates. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, potentially driving competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are being monitored, with a focus on performance and delivery timelines. 4. Performance context will be evaluated against contract specifications and delivery schedules. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the specialized manufacturing of power distribution equipment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.2 million for aircraft ground power units appears reasonable when considering the duration and specialized nature of the equipment. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for GPUs suggests that the pricing is within an expected range, though specific per-unit cost comparisons are pending further data. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, mitigating some financial risk.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the open nature of the competition generally suggests a healthy market for these specialized units. This process is designed to ensure the government receives competitive offers and the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for lower prices through robust market engagement and vendor rivalry.

Public Impact

The U.S. Marshals Service will benefit from reliable ground power for aircraft operations. The contract delivers essential aircraft ground power units, crucial for flight line operations. The geographic impact is primarily within California, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications may include specialized manufacturing roles at Coil Winding Specialist, Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for delivery delays if manufacturing or supply chain issues arise.
Ensuring the GPU meets all stringent aviation safety and performance standards.

Positive Signals

Awarded to a specialized manufacturer with likely relevant expertise.
Firm fixed-price contract provides budget predictability.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive market and potential for good value.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the industrial machinery and equipment manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on power generation and distribution equipment. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 335311, 'Power, Distribution, and Specialty Transformer Manufacturing,' encompasses companies involved in producing electrical transformers, reactors, and related power equipment. The market for aircraft ground support equipment, including GPUs, is specialized and driven by the aviation industry's needs for efficient and reliable power solutions on the tarmac.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger or more established entity capable of meeting the specialized requirements. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved further down the supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. The Department of Justice and the U.S. Marshals Service will monitor performance and adherence to contract terms. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, it likely falls under the purview of any existing Inspector General oversight for that vehicle, ensuring accountability and transparency in its execution.

Related Government Programs

Aircraft Support Equipment Procurement
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Equipment Standards
Department of Defense Ground Support Equipment Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting delivery timelines.
Ensuring compliance with stringent aviation safety and performance standards.
Dependence on a single awardee for specialized equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $120,590 to COIL WINDING SPECIALIST, INC.. AIRCRAFT GROUND POWER UNIT (GPU)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COIL WINDING SPECIALIST, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (U.S. Marshals Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $120,590.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-07-01. End: 2026-04-17.

What is the track record of Coil Winding Specialist, Inc. in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for aviation equipment?

Information regarding Coil Winding Specialist, Inc.'s specific track record with federal contracts, especially for aviation equipment like GPUs, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on federal procurement databases. Understanding their experience with similar specialized manufacturing and delivery timelines is crucial for evaluating the risk associated with this award. Without this historical data, it's difficult to definitively assess their reliability for this specific requirement.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar Aircraft Ground Power Units?

The provided data indicates a total contract value of $1,205,900 for 290 days duration. To compare this to market rates, one would need to identify comparable Aircraft Ground Power Units (GPUs) procured by other federal agencies or commercial entities. Key comparison points would include the unit's power output (e.g., 400 Hz, 115V AC), mobility features, environmental specifications, and any specialized capabilities. Benchmarking would involve calculating a per-unit cost or a cost per operational hour and comparing it against publicly available pricing or data from similar federal contracts. The firm fixed-price nature suggests the government has locked in a price, but its competitiveness hinges on the pre-award market research and bidding process.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract award?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential delivery delays due to the specialized manufacturing nature of GPUs, which can involve complex supply chains and production schedules. There's also a risk related to the performance and reliability of the equipment itself; ensuring the GPUs meet stringent aviation safety and operational standards is critical. Furthermore, if the competition, despite being full and open, did not yield a sufficient number of highly qualified bidders, there could be a risk of suboptimal pricing or limited vendor options for future needs. Finally, any unforeseen technical issues or integration challenges with existing airport infrastructure could pose a risk.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' strategy likely to be in ensuring value for this specific contract?

The 'full and open competition' strategy is generally effective in ensuring value by maximizing the number of potential bidders and fostering price competition. For specialized equipment like Aircraft Ground Power Units (GPUs), its effectiveness depends on the size and competitiveness of the market for such items. If the market has numerous capable manufacturers, this approach is highly likely to yield competitive bids and drive down prices. However, if the market is niche with few qualified suppliers, the number of actual bidders might be limited, potentially reducing the competitive pressure. The U.S. Marshals Service's ability to define clear requirements and evaluate proposals effectively will also be key to realizing the value promised by this procurement strategy.

What is the historical spending pattern for Aircraft Ground Power Units by the Department of Justice or U.S. Marshals Service?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for Aircraft Ground Power Units (GPUs) by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) would involve searching federal procurement databases (like FPDS or USASpending.gov) for past contracts related to GPUs. This would reveal the frequency of such procurements, the typical contract values, the duration of past awards, and the contractors previously awarded these types of deals. Understanding historical spending can help identify trends, assess whether this $1.2 million contract represents a significant increase or decrease in spending, and gauge the consistency of requirements for this equipment within the agencies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Electrical Equipment Manufacturing › Power, Distribution, and Specialty Transformer Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: TRACTORS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 353 W GROVE AVE, ORANGE, CA, 92865

Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $120,590

Exercised Options: $120,590

Current Obligation: $120,590

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F105GA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline