Labor Department awards $304K for self-rescuers, with 2 bidders competing for this firm-fixed-price purchase order

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $304,356 ($304.4K)

Contractor: CSE Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Labor

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-07-08

Contract Duration: 91 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.3K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CSE SELF CONTAINED SELF RESCUER (SCSRS) - MODEL SRLD FOR MSHA.

Place of Performance

Location: EXPORT, WESTMORELAND County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15632

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Labor obligated $304,355.9 to CSE CORPORATION for work described as: CSE SELF CONTAINED SELF RESCUER (SCSRS) - MODEL SRLD FOR MSHA. Key points: 1. The contract value of $304,355.90 appears reasonable for specialized safety equipment. 2. Competition was present, with two bidders vying for the contract, suggesting some price discovery. 3. The firm-fixed-price structure shifts cost risk to the contractor. 4. The contract duration is short, indicating a need for immediate or near-term supply. 5. This purchase order falls under Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing. 6. The award was made under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), typical for smaller dollar amounts.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $304,355.90 for CSE Self Contained Self Rescuers (SCSRS) seems aligned with the market for such specialized safety equipment. While direct comparisons are difficult without specific model details and quantities, the price appears to be within a reasonable range for safety apparatus designed for hazardous environments. The firm-fixed-price nature of the award indicates that the government has secured a set price, mitigating potential cost overruns from the contractor's side.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which allows for a broader range of competition than micro-purchases. Two bidders submitted offers, indicating a moderate level of competition for this requirement. While not a full-scale competitive solicitation, the presence of two offers suggests that the price was subject to some market forces and that the government received at least two viable options.

Taxpayer Impact: The competition level, while not extensive, provided taxpayers with some assurance that the price was not excessively inflated due to a lack of alternatives.

Public Impact

Miners and other personnel working in potentially hazardous underground environments will benefit from the availability of reliable self-rescue breathing apparatus. The contract ensures the supply of CSE Self Contained Self Rescuers (SCSRS), Model SRLD, crucial for emergency situations. The geographic impact is primarily within Pennsylvania, where the contractor CSE Corporation is located, and potentially at various mine sites across the US where MSHA operates. This contract supports the manufacturing workforce involved in producing specialized safety equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition if similar specialized equipment is only produced by a few manufacturers.
Reliance on a single model (SRLD) could pose a risk if supply chain issues arise for that specific model.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract transfers cost overrun risk to the contractor.
The award was made under SAP, suggesting efficient procurement for a moderate value.
The equipment directly supports worker safety in critical environments.

Sector Analysis

The market for mining safety equipment, including self-rescuers, is a specialized niche within the broader industrial safety sector. This contract fits within the 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' NAICS code. The demand for such equipment is driven by regulatory requirements (like those from MSHA) and the inherent risks in mining operations. Spending in this area is generally consistent, focusing on ensuring compliance and worker protection.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Given the nature of specialized safety equipment manufacturing, it is possible that the primary contractor, CSE Corporation, is a larger entity, but further investigation would be needed to confirm.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. As a purchase order awarded under SAP, it falls under the purview of the Department of Labor's acquisition regulations. The Office of Inspector General for the Department of Labor would have jurisdiction for audits and investigations related to potential fraud, waste, or abuse. Transparency is maintained through contract databases like FPDS.

Related Government Programs

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Equipment Procurement
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety Equipment Contracts
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Federal Employees
Industrial Safety Equipment Manufacturing

Risk Flags

Potential supply chain vulnerability for specific equipment model.
Reliance on SAP may limit the depth of pre-award vetting compared to larger procurements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Labor awarded $304,355.9 to CSE CORPORATION. CSE SELF CONTAINED SELF RESCUER (SCSRS) - MODEL SRLD FOR MSHA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CSE CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Labor (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $304,355.9.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-07-08.

What is the track record of CSE Corporation in supplying similar safety equipment to the federal government?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that CSE Corporation has a history of receiving contracts for safety equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus and related components. Their awards often fall within the industrial safety and manufacturing sectors. While specific details on past performance for the SRLD model would require deeper analysis of individual contract histories, their presence as a supplier suggests established capabilities. The value and duration of previous contracts would provide further context on their experience and reliability in meeting government requirements for safety-critical equipment.

How does the price per unit for these self-rescuers compare to similar government or commercial purchases?

Benchmarking the per-unit cost for these CSE Self Contained Self Rescuers (SCSRS) is challenging without knowing the exact quantity ordered and the specific model's features. However, similar self-contained breathing apparatus for industrial or emergency use can range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars per unit, depending on duration, features, and certifications. Given the total award of $304,355.90 over a 91-day period, and assuming a typical quantity for such a purchase, the unit price likely falls within this expected range. Further analysis would require the quantity specified in the purchase order.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks include potential supply chain disruptions for the specific SRLD model, contractor performance issues (delivery delays, quality defects), and the obsolescence of the technology over time. Mitigation strategies include the firm-fixed-price structure, which incentivizes the contractor to perform efficiently. The relatively short contract duration (91 days) limits long-term exposure. The presence of two bidders suggests some level of vetting and competition, reducing the risk of sole reliance. Standard government oversight and quality assurance processes are also in place to monitor performance and address any issues that arise.

How effective is the MSHA in ensuring worker safety through such equipment procurements?

Procurements like this are a critical component of MSHA's mission to ensure the safety and health of miners. By providing essential emergency equipment such as self-rescuers, MSHA directly addresses the risk of respiratory injury or fatality in underground environments. The effectiveness is measured by the availability and reliability of this equipment when needed, adherence to safety standards, and the training provided to miners on its use. While this specific contract focuses on procurement, MSHA's overall effectiveness also depends on enforcement, training programs, and accident investigation.

What are the historical spending patterns for self-contained self-rescuers by the Department of Labor?

Historical spending data for self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs) by the Department of Labor, particularly through MSHA, shows a consistent need for this type of safety equipment. Annual spending can fluctuate based on replacement cycles, new regulations, and specific mine safety initiatives. While the $304K award is a significant single purchase, it represents a portion of the overall budget allocated to mine safety equipment. Analyzing trends over the past 5-10 years would reveal patterns in procurement volume, average contract values, and the primary contractors utilized, indicating the sustained importance of SCSRs in MSHA's safety strategy.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1605C4-26-Q-00031

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1001 CORPORATE LN, EXPORT, PA, 15632

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $304,356

Exercised Options: $304,356

Current Obligation: $304,356

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline