VA awards $295K contract for boiler safety valve upgrades to Recon Construction Specialties LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $294,750 ($294.8K)

Contractor: Recon Construction Specialties LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 173 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: 657-26-110JB - UPGRADE BOILER SAFETY VALVES

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT LOUIS, SAINT LOUIS CITY County, MISSOURI, 63125

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $294,750 to RECON CONSTRUCTION SPECIALTIES LLC for work described as: 657-26-110JB - UPGRADE BOILER SAFETY VALVES Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is a firm-fixed-price type, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 3. The duration of the contract is 173 days, indicating a short-term project. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 238220 points to specialized construction services. 5. The contract is a definitive contract, typically used for straightforward procurement needs. 6. The award was made by the Department of Veterans Affairs, indicating a focus on facility maintenance.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $294,750 for boiler safety valve upgrades appears reasonable for a project of this scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar VA facility maintenance contracts for specialized plumbing and HVAC services would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure is appropriate for clearly defined work, ensuring cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 3 bidders indicates a moderate level of competition for this specific requirement. A higher number of bidders would typically lead to more aggressive pricing and potentially better value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and encourage innovation among contractors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Veterans Affairs facilities, ensuring operational safety and efficiency. The services delivered include the upgrade of critical boiler safety valves, essential for facility operations. The geographic impact is localized to the facility in Missouri where the work is being performed. Workforce implications include employment for skilled tradespeople involved in the installation and maintenance of HVAC systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if unforeseen issues arise during the valve upgrade process.
Dependence on the contractor's ability to procure specialized parts within the project timeline.
Ensuring compliance with all safety and environmental regulations during the upgrade.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a fair and transparent process.
The contractor, Recon Construction Specialties LLC, is likely experienced in this type of specialized construction.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the construction and facility maintenance sector, specifically focusing on mechanical systems. The market for specialized HVAC and plumbing contractors serving federal facilities is competitive, with numerous firms capable of performing such upgrades. The contract value is relatively small compared to larger construction projects, but critical for maintaining essential infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. The award to Recon Construction Specialties LLC, whose size is not specified here, will determine the direct impact on the small business ecosystem. Further analysis would be needed to ascertain if small business participation was encouraged or required.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the project manager within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within budget. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though detailed performance metrics may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Department of Veterans Affairs Facility Maintenance Contracts
Federal HVAC and Plumbing Services
Boiler System Upgrades
Construction Services for Federal Buildings

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting project timeline.
Risk of unforeseen technical challenges during installation.
Contractor's ability to meet performance standards within the fixed timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $294,750 to RECON CONSTRUCTION SPECIALTIES LLC. 657-26-110JB - UPGRADE BOILER SAFETY VALVES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RECON CONSTRUCTION SPECIALTIES LLC.

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 $294,750.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of Recon Construction Specialties LLC in performing similar VA contracts?

Information regarding the specific track record of Recon Construction Specialties LLC with the Department of Veterans Affairs for similar boiler safety valve upgrade projects is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive review would involve examining past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on previous VA engagements. This would help assess their reliability and expertise in executing this type of specialized facility maintenance work. Without this specific data, the assessment relies on the general assumption that they were selected based on meeting the stated requirements and demonstrating capability during the bidding process.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar boiler safety valve upgrade contracts?

The awarded amount of $294,750 for boiler safety valve upgrades is a specific figure for this contract. To benchmark its value, it would be necessary to compare it against similar contracts awarded by the VA or other federal agencies for comparable projects. Factors such as the number of valves, complexity of the system, geographic location, and specific upgrade requirements would need to be matched. Generally, firm-fixed-price contracts aim for competitive pricing, and the presence of multiple bidders suggests an effort to achieve fair market value. However, without direct comparative data, a definitive assessment of whether this represents excellent, good, or fair value is challenging.

What are the primary risks associated with this boiler safety valve upgrade contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential delays in procurement of specialized parts, unforeseen complexities within the existing boiler system requiring additional work beyond the initial scope, and contractor performance issues. Given the firm-fixed-price nature, cost overruns due to unforeseen issues would primarily fall on the contractor, but delays could impact facility operations. Ensuring the contractor has a robust supply chain for necessary components and possesses the technical expertise to handle potential system anomalies are key risk mitigation factors. The short duration also presents a risk if unexpected complications arise.

How effective are boiler safety valve upgrades in improving VA facility operations?

Boiler safety valve upgrades are critical for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of heating systems in VA facilities. Properly functioning safety valves prevent over-pressurization, which can lead to catastrophic failures, equipment damage, and potential safety hazards for personnel and patients. Modern, well-maintained valves contribute to energy efficiency by ensuring the boiler operates within optimal parameters. Regular upgrades and maintenance are essential for reliability, reducing the likelihood of unexpected downtime during critical operational periods, especially in healthcare settings where consistent environmental control is paramount.

What is the historical spending pattern for boiler maintenance and upgrades at this specific VA facility?

Historical spending patterns for boiler maintenance and upgrades at the specific VA facility in Missouri are not provided in this data. To analyze this, one would need to access historical contract databases or agency procurement records to identify previous awards related to boiler systems, including their value, scope, and frequency. Understanding past spending can reveal trends, identify potential cost savings opportunities, or highlight areas where spending may have increased due to aging infrastructure or specific operational needs. This context is crucial for evaluating the current contract's financial significance and necessity.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Building Equipment Contractors › Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 36C25526R0035

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2034 SAINT MARYS RD, VILLA RIDGE, MO, 63089

Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $294,750

Exercised Options: $294,750

Current Obligation: $294,750

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline