VA awards $2.8M fire alarm system contract to Johnson Controls for Florida facilities

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $284,960 ($285.0K)

Contractor: Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $783/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FIRE ALARM SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS

Place of Performance

Location: MIAMI, MIAMI-DADE County, FLORIDA, 33125

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $284,959.51 to JOHNSON CONTROLS FIRE PROTECTION LP for work described as: FIRE ALARM SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a multi-year fire alarm system service agreement. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Contract duration of one year aligns with typical service agreements. 5. Geographic focus on Florida facilities is clearly defined. 6. No small business set-aside indicates potential for larger prime contractors.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $2.85 million for a one-year period for fire alarm systems and components seems within a reasonable range for facilities support services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for fire alarm maintenance and installation across federal agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, given the scope implied by 'system and components,' the price appears to be a fair reflection of the services and equipment likely required.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This suggests a robust bidding environment, likely resulting in competitive pricing. The number of bidders is not specified, but the competition type implies multiple interested parties vying for the contract, which generally benefits price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for the government to receive the best possible pricing through a competitive process.

Public Impact

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities in Florida will benefit from enhanced fire safety. Services include the provision and maintenance of fire alarm systems and components. The contract directly impacts the safety and operational continuity of VA healthcare and administrative facilities in Florida. Ensures compliance with federal safety regulations for VA properties.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if components are proprietary.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical safety systems requires careful performance monitoring.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract limits the government's exposure to cost increases.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive market for these services.
Clear contract duration and defined scope reduce ambiguity.

Sector Analysis

The fire alarm system market is a significant segment within the broader facilities management and building systems industry. This contract falls under the facilities support services sector, which encompasses a wide range of maintenance, repair, and operational activities for government buildings. Spending in this area is consistent across federal agencies to ensure safety and compliance. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within the facilities maintenance and security services categories.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, and there is no indication of specific small business subcontracting requirements in the provided data. This suggests that the prime contract was likely awarded to a larger entity capable of fulfilling the requirements. The absence of set-aside provisions means that opportunities for small businesses would primarily be through subcontracting, if the prime contractor chooses to engage them.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified goods and services at an agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Fire Protection Services
Facilities Maintenance Contracts
Department of Veterans Affairs Procurement

Risk Flags

Contract performance risk
System obsolescence risk
Vendor dependency risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $284,959.51 to JOHNSON CONTROLS FIRE PROTECTION LP. FIRE ALARM SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JOHNSON CONTROLS FIRE PROTECTION LP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $284,959.51.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.

What is the track record of Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP with the VA and other federal agencies?

Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP has a history of performing contracts with various federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs. Their experience typically spans the installation, maintenance, and servicing of fire alarm and suppression systems. Analyzing their past performance ratings, any past performance issues or commendations, and the volume of their federal contract awards would provide insight into their reliability and capability. A review of federal procurement data would reveal the extent of their involvement in similar projects, including contract values, durations, and agencies served. This historical data is crucial for assessing their suitability for this specific fire alarm system contract.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar fire alarm systems and services?

The awarded price of approximately $2.85 million for a one-year contract for fire alarm systems and components needs to be benchmarked against prevailing market rates. This involves comparing the cost per facility, per square foot, or per system component against industry standards and pricing for similar government contracts. Factors such as the specific types of systems, the number of facilities covered, the scope of maintenance, and geographic location influence pricing. Without detailed breakdowns of services and equipment, a precise comparison is difficult, but the firm fixed-price nature suggests the VA sought a defined cost. Further analysis would require access to detailed service level agreements and equipment specifications to compare against industry benchmarks.

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

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance failures by the contractor, leading to compromised fire safety, and the risk of cost escalation if the contract were not fixed-price. Mitigation strategies are in place: the firm fixed-price (FFP) structure caps the government's financial exposure. Full and open competition aims to select a capable and reliable contractor. The contract duration of one year allows for periodic reassessment of performance. The VA's oversight mechanisms, including performance monitoring and potential penalties for non-compliance, further mitigate performance risks. Ensuring clear service level agreements and response times are critical components of risk management.

What is the expected effectiveness of the fire alarm systems and components to be provided under this contract?

The expected effectiveness hinges on the quality of the systems and components installed and maintained, as well as the contractor's adherence to the service schedule. The contract aims to ensure that VA facilities in Florida are equipped with reliable fire detection and alarm capabilities, meeting or exceeding federal safety standards. Effective systems will provide timely alerts in case of fire, enabling prompt evacuation and response, thereby minimizing risk to life and property. The contractor's expertise in selecting and maintaining appropriate technologies, coupled with the VA's oversight, is crucial for achieving the desired level of safety and operational effectiveness.

How does this contract's value and scope compare to historical VA spending on fire alarm systems?

To assess this, one would need to analyze historical VA spending data for fire alarm systems and related services over several fiscal years. This comparison would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and the number of awards. Understanding if this $2.85 million award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending compared to previous years provides context. It also helps determine if the scope of services has changed significantly. Analyzing the average contract value and the frequency of awards for similar services can indicate whether this contract is typical or an outlier in the VA's procurement history for fire safety systems.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS TESTING

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: 6600 CONGRESS AVE, BOCA RATON, FL, 33487

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $284,960

Exercised Options: $284,960

Current Obligation: $284,960

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSHA23D0018

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline