State Department awards $513K for digital flow meters, with 3 bidders competing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $51,338 ($51.3K)

Contractor: Seventh Genius LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2024-03-13

End Date: 2024-06-30

Contract Duration: 109 days

Daily Burn Rate: $471/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ISB-MH-FAC-FY24-DIGITAL FLOW METER - FLUID SOLUTIONS

Place of Performance

Location: FRISCO, COLLIN County, TEXAS, 75034

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $51,338 to SEVENTH GENIUS LLC for work described as: ISB-MH-FAC-FY24-DIGITAL FLOW METER - FLUID SOLUTIONS Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the competitive nature of the award. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a healthy market for this type of electrical contracting service. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the short duration and firm-fixed-price nature of the contract. 4. Performance context suggests a need for fluid measurement technology within the State Department. 5. Sector positioning places this within the broader electrical contracting and installation services market.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $513,380 for digital flow meters appears to be a fair price, especially considering it was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) with three bidders. While a direct per-unit cost comparison is not available without more detailed specifications, the overall contract value seems aligned with typical procurement for specialized electrical installation services. The firm-fixed-price structure further mitigates cost overrun risks for the government.

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 for smaller dollar value procurements. The fact that three bidders participated indicates a reasonable level of competition for this specific requirement. This suggests that multiple vendors were aware of and capable of fulfilling the need, contributing to price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The competition among three bidders for this purchase order likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers compared to a sole-source or limited competition scenario.

Public Impact

The Department of State is the primary beneficiary, receiving the digital flow meter technology. Services delivered include the installation and likely integration of electrical wiring and flow meter systems. The geographic impact is localized to Texas, where the contract is being performed. Workforce implications may involve skilled electricians and technicians for the installation and setup.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if additional integration or calibration services are required beyond the initial purchase order.
Dependence on the contractor for timely and quality installation to meet the June 30, 2024, end date.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract structure limits financial risk for the government.
Short contract duration (approx. 3.5 months) allows for quick deployment and evaluation.
Competitive award process suggests a reasonable market price was secured.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors industry, a segment of the broader construction and professional services sector. The market for specialized electrical components and installation services is robust, driven by infrastructure upgrades, modernization efforts, and specific operational needs across various government agencies. Spending in this area is often tied to facility management, research, and operational efficiency improvements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have a subcontracting plan detailed. As a purchase order under SAP, it's possible small businesses could have participated, but there's no explicit indication of a set-aside. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as prime contractors or subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of State's contracting officers and program managers. Given it's a purchase order with a short duration, extensive oversight mechanisms might not be as formalized as for larger, longer-term contracts. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, but detailed performance monitoring specifics are typically internal.

Related Government Programs

Department of State Facilities Management Contracts
Federal Procurement of Electrical Equipment
Government Purchase Orders for Installation Services

Risk Flags

Short contract duration may limit long-term performance assessment.
Lack of detailed technical specifications in summary data requires further inquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $51,338 to SEVENTH GENIUS LLC. ISB-MH-FAC-FY24-DIGITAL FLOW METER - FLUID SOLUTIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SEVENTH GENIUS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $51,338.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-13. End: 2024-06-30.

What is the specific type and model of the digital flow meter being procured, and what are its key technical specifications?

The provided data does not specify the exact model or technical specifications of the digital flow meter. The contract description 'ISB-MH-FAC-FY24-DIGITAL FLOW METER - FLUID SOLUTIONS' is a general identifier. To understand the precise technical capabilities, one would need to access the detailed statement of work or product specifications associated with this purchase order. This information is crucial for assessing the suitability of the procured item for its intended purpose and for benchmarking against similar technologies in the market.

How does the $513,380 contract value compare to historical spending by the Department of State on similar fluid measurement or electrical installation services?

Without specific historical data on similar procurements by the Department of State, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the contract value of $513,380 for a purchase order awarded in FY24, competed among three bidders, suggests a moderate investment. Typically, spending on such items can vary significantly based on the scale of the project, the complexity of integration, and the specific technological requirements. Benchmarking against industry averages for electrical installation and specialized equipment procurement would provide further context, but this specific value appears reasonable for a competed SAP award.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, considering its short duration and the nature of the services?

The primary risks associated with this contract are relatively low due to its short duration (109 days) and firm-fixed-price nature. Potential risks include installation delays impacting the June 30, 2024, completion date, or unforeseen technical issues during setup that might require additional support not covered by the initial award. However, the competitive bidding process and the nature of electrical installation services generally mitigate significant financial or performance risks for the government. The contractor's track record and the clarity of the statement of work would be key factors in managing these minor risks.

What is the track record of SEVENTH GENIUS LLC in performing similar government contracts, particularly for the Department of State?

The provided data identifies SEVENTH GENIUS LLC as the contractor, but does not offer details on their past performance or track record with government contracts. To assess their reliability and experience, one would need to consult federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for a history of awards, past performance reviews, and any reported issues. A positive track record with similar electrical installation or equipment procurement contracts would increase confidence in their ability to successfully execute this purchase order.

What is the intended use or program that necessitates the procurement of these digital flow meters by the Department of State?

The data indicates the contract is for 'DIGITAL FLOW METER - FLUID SOLUTIONS' and is managed by the Department of State. While the specific program is not detailed, such procurements often relate to facilities management, infrastructure monitoring, or operational efficiency initiatives within government buildings or installations. Digital flow meters are used to measure the volume or rate of fluid flow, which can be critical for managing resources like water, fuel, or other essential liquids, ensuring accurate accounting, leak detection, or process control.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Building Equipment Contractors › Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors

Product/Service Code: ELECTRIC WIRE, POWER DISTRIB EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7460 WARREN PKWY, FRISCO, TX, 75034

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $51,338

Exercised Options: $51,338

Current Obligation: $51,338

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline