Department of State awards $5.9M electrical contract to Nation-wide Supplies, L.P. for nationwide services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,889 ($5.9K)

Contractor: Nationwide Supplies, L.P.

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2024-03-28

End Date: 2024-06-01

Contract Duration: 65 days

Daily Burn Rate: $91/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: ISB-MH-WH-FAC-FY24-CIRCUIT BREAKE-ELECTRICAL-OFFSHORE

Place of Performance

Location: GARLAND, DALLAS County, TEXAS, 75041

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $5,888.6 to NATIONWIDE SUPPLIES, L.P. for work described as: ISB-MH-WH-FAC-FY24-CIRCUIT BREAKE-ELECTRICAL-OFFSHORE Key points: 1. Contract awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 2. The firm fixed-price contract type aims to provide cost certainty for the government. 3. Awarded to a single vendor, Nation-wide Supplies, L.P., indicating potential for concentrated supplier relationships. 4. The contract duration is relatively short at 65 days, implying a need for immediate or short-term services. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 238210 points to specialized electrical installation services. 6. The contract's geographic scope is nationwide, requiring broad logistical capabilities from the contractor.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $5.9 million for electrical services over 65 days appears to be within a reasonable range for a nationwide scope, though specific benchmarks are difficult without detailed service descriptions. The firm fixed-price structure suggests the government has attempted to control costs upfront. However, without more granular data on the specific services rendered and the number of bids received, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging. Comparing this to similar large-scale, nationwide electrical installation contracts would provide better context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves less formal competition than full and open procedures. While the data indicates it was 'competed,' the specific number of bids received is not detailed beyond the fact that it was awarded to one vendor. SAP can sometimes lead to fewer bidders compared to larger contract vehicles, potentially impacting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP suggests an effort to streamline procurement for this value range, but it may limit the potential for achieving the lowest possible prices through broad market competition.

Public Impact

The Department of State benefits from essential electrical infrastructure maintenance and upgrades across its nationwide facilities. This contract ensures the operational integrity and safety of government buildings and installations. The services delivered are critical for maintaining the functionality of various government operations. The geographic impact is nationwide, affecting multiple state and federal locations where the Department of State operates.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP could potentially lead to higher prices than a fully competed contract.
The short duration might indicate a reactive need or a phased approach, requiring careful management to ensure completion.
Reliance on a single vendor for nationwide services could pose risks if the vendor faces performance issues or capacity constraints.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarding to a single vendor simplifies contract administration.
The contract addresses a clear need for electrical services, supporting government operations.

Sector Analysis

The electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors sector (NAICS 238210) is a vital part of the construction industry, responsible for installing and maintaining electrical systems. This contract falls within the government's broader spending on facilities maintenance and infrastructure. Government spending in this sector often involves complex projects requiring specialized skills and adherence to strict safety and regulatory standards. Benchmarking this contract's value would require comparison with other government or large-scale private sector electrical installation projects of similar scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a competed contract under SAP, it's possible that small businesses had the opportunity to bid, but the award went to Nation-wide Supplies, L.P. There is no explicit information on subcontracting requirements, so the impact on the small business ecosystem is not directly quantifiable from this data alone.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of State's contracting officers and program managers. As a purchase order, it is likely subject to standard procurement regulations and internal agency oversight processes. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, but detailed performance metrics and specific oversight mechanisms are not publicly disclosed in this summary data. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Supply Schedule contracts for electrical equipment and services
Department of Defense facilities maintenance contracts
Public building electrical upgrades
Infrastructure modernization projects

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to SAP
Single vendor reliance for nationwide services
Short contract duration may pose management challenges
Lack of detailed service scope for value assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $5,888.6 to NATIONWIDE SUPPLIES, L.P.. ISB-MH-WH-FAC-FY24-CIRCUIT BREAKE-ELECTRICAL-OFFSHORE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NATIONWIDE SUPPLIES, L.P..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5,888.6.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-28. End: 2024-06-01.

What is the typical track record of Nation-wide Supplies, L.P. with federal contracts, particularly for electrical services?

A review of federal contract databases would be necessary to assess Nation-wide Supplies, L.P.'s track record. This would involve examining past performance on similar contracts, including contract values, durations, agencies served, and any reported performance issues or awards. Understanding their history with firm fixed-price contracts and their ability to manage nationwide service delivery would be crucial. Without this specific data, it's difficult to gauge their reliability and expertise for this particular award.

How does the $5.9 million value compare to similar nationwide electrical installation contracts awarded by the Department of State or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking this $5.9 million contract requires comparing it to similar procurements for nationwide electrical installation services. Factors such as the scope of work (e.g., new installations vs. maintenance), the number and type of facilities covered, and the contract duration are critical. Contracts awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are generally for smaller dollar values, and $5.9 million is at the higher end for SAP. A comprehensive comparison would involve analyzing contract databases for awards of similar size and scope, considering the specific services required and the prevailing market rates for electrical contractors operating on a national scale.

What are the specific risks associated with awarding a nationwide electrical contract to a single vendor under SAP?

Awarding a nationwide electrical contract to a single vendor under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) carries several risks. Firstly, limited competition inherent in SAP can lead to suboptimal pricing. Secondly, reliance on one vendor for nationwide services creates a single point of failure; any performance issues, capacity limitations, or financial instability of Nation-wide Supplies, L.P. could significantly disrupt the Department of State's operations across multiple locations. Thirdly, the short duration (65 days) combined with a nationwide scope might indicate a rushed requirement, potentially increasing the risk of scope creep or incomplete work if not managed meticulously.

How effective is the firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type in ensuring value for money for this type of electrical service?

The Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) contract type is generally effective in ensuring value for money when the scope of work is well-defined and unlikely to change significantly. For electrical installation and maintenance services, FFP shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, incentivizing them to manage their costs efficiently. This provides the government with cost certainty. However, if the scope is not precisely defined or if unforeseen issues arise, the contractor may cut corners to maintain profitability, potentially impacting quality. The effectiveness also depends on the initial price negotiation and the government's ability to monitor contractor performance against the defined scope.

What is the historical spending pattern for electrical installation services by the Department of State?

Analyzing the Department of State's historical spending on electrical installation services would reveal trends in contract values, types of services procured, and the agencies or vendors they frequently engage. This data could indicate whether this $5.9 million award is an anomaly or part of a consistent spending pattern. Understanding past spending helps in assessing whether current procurement strategies are efficient and if there are opportunities for consolidation or better long-term planning. Without access to historical spending data, it's difficult to place this specific contract within a broader fiscal context.

What are the implications of the contract being awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for transparency and accountability?

Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are designed for procurements below a certain dollar threshold (currently $250,000, though specific agency thresholds may vary or be higher for certain types of procurements) to streamline the process. While this contract is valued at $5.9 million, it's possible it falls under specific agency exceptions or higher SAP thresholds for certain services. SAP typically involves less stringent documentation and public notice requirements compared to full and open competition, which can reduce transparency. Accountability is maintained through contract clauses and oversight, but the reduced competition and documentation may offer fewer opportunities for public scrutiny of the procurement process itself.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC EQPT COMPNTS

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: 2301 EXECUTIVE DR, GARLAND, TX, 75041

Business Categories: Category Business, HUBZone Firm, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,889

Exercised Options: $5,889

Current Obligation: $5,889

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline