VA awards $18.9K for Nitrogen Pipe Freezing Kits, highlighting specialized equipment needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,889 ($18.9K)

Contractor: Va-Trak, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-05-18

Contract Duration: 42 days

Daily Burn Rate: $450/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NITROGEN PIPE FREEZING KIT

Place of Performance

Location: MILLER, HAND County, SOUTH DAKOTA, 57362

State: South Dakota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $18,888.58 to VA-TRAK, LLC for work described as: NITROGEN PIPE FREEZING KIT Key points: 1. Contract addresses a niche requirement for specialized industrial equipment. 2. The award value is relatively small, suggesting a focused procurement. 3. Competition dynamics for such specialized items can influence pricing. 4. Performance period is short, indicating an immediate or short-term need. 5. The contract falls under the manufacturing sector for refrigeration equipment. 6. Geographic focus on South Dakota for delivery or service.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $18,888.58 for a Nitrogen Pipe Freezing Kit appears reasonable for specialized industrial equipment. Benchmarking against similar niche procurements is challenging due to limited public data. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor assumed the risk for cost overruns, which is a positive sign for value. The short performance period also implies a focused need, potentially reducing overall project risk and cost.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves fewer bidders than full and open competition. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP is designed for smaller procurements where full competition might be inefficient. This level of competition may lead to slightly higher prices compared to a broad solicitation but ensures a degree of market vetting.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, limited competition under SAP means that while the process is efficient for smaller dollar amounts, there's a reduced opportunity for the absolute lowest price to be discovered compared to large-scale competitive bids.

Public Impact

Benefits the Department of Veterans Affairs facilities maintenance operations. Delivers essential equipment for maintaining critical infrastructure, such as HVAC systems. Impacts facilities management teams within the VA network. Ensures operational continuity by allowing for repairs without full system shutdown.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition to impact long-term pricing.
Reliance on a single vendor for specialized equipment could pose supply chain risks.

Positive Signals

Addresses a specific, critical need for specialized equipment.
Firm fixed-price contract shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Short performance period minimizes long-term commitment risk.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing' sector. This is a specialized niche within manufacturing, often characterized by high technical requirements and specific product applications. The market size for such specialized kits is likely smaller and more targeted than for general industrial equipment. The contract fits within the broader category of government procurement for facility maintenance and operational support equipment.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if this contract involved small business set-asides or subcontracting opportunities. Given the small award value and specialized nature of the product, it's possible that larger manufacturers or specialized distributors were the primary bidders. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded as a Purchase Order, which is a standard procurement instrument. Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Specific Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on whether the procurement fell under any specific audit initiatives or raised red flags.

Related Government Programs

HVAC Maintenance Equipment
Industrial Refrigeration Supplies
Facility Maintenance Contracts
Department of Veterans Affairs Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition impacting price.
Specialized equipment may have fewer suppliers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $18,888.58 to VA-TRAK, LLC. NITROGEN PIPE FREEZING KIT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VA-TRAK, 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 $18,888.58.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-05-18.

What is the track record of VA-TRAK, LLC in supplying similar specialized equipment to the federal government?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that VA-TRAK, LLC has received federal contracts primarily for specialized equipment and services. While specific details on their track record for 'Nitrogen Pipe Freezing Kits' are not readily available in summary data, their past awards suggest a capability in niche markets. Further investigation into contract performance reports and past performance evaluations would be necessary to fully assess their reliability and expertise in delivering this specific type of equipment. The current award is a Purchase Order, a common mechanism for acquiring goods and services under simplified acquisition procedures, suggesting a routine transaction rather than a complex, high-risk undertaking.

How does the price of this Nitrogen Pipe Freezing Kit compare to market rates for similar commercial products?

Benchmarking the price of $18,888.58 for a Nitrogen Pipe Freezing Kit against commercial market rates is challenging without specific product details (e.g., brand, model, capacity, included accessories). These kits can vary significantly in price based on their technical specifications and intended application. Generally, specialized industrial equipment procured by the government can sometimes be priced higher due to specific compliance requirements or smaller order volumes compared to bulk commercial purchases. However, the firm fixed-price nature of this contract suggests VA-TRAK, LLC has priced competitively within the constraints of the SAP procurement. A direct comparison would require identifying comparable commercial products and their current retail or wholesale pricing.

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

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential supply chain disruptions for specialized equipment, performance issues with the kit, and the possibility of the price being non-competitive due to limited competition. Mitigation strategies are evident in the contract structure: the short performance period (42 days duration) limits the exposure to long-term market fluctuations or obsolescence. The firm fixed-price (FFP) award shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, VA-TRAK, LLC. Furthermore, the procurement under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) implies a level of vetting, and the Department of Veterans Affairs likely has internal quality assurance processes to verify the delivered equipment meets specifications before final payment.

How effective is the Department of Veterans Affairs in procuring specialized equipment like this Nitrogen Pipe Freezing Kit?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) demonstrates a consistent need for specialized equipment to maintain its extensive facilities. The procurement of this Nitrogen Pipe Freezing Kit, valued at approximately $18.9K, suggests the VA utilizes appropriate procurement methods, such as Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), for smaller, specialized buys. This approach balances the need for timely acquisition with a degree of market competition. The effectiveness can be further assessed by examining the performance history of similar contracts, the timeliness of delivery, and the operational impact of the equipment once deployed. The short duration and fixed-price nature of this specific award indicate a well-defined, short-term requirement.

What is the historical spending pattern for Nitrogen Pipe Freezing Kits or similar equipment by the VA?

Historical spending data for 'Nitrogen Pipe Freezing Kits' specifically by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is not granularly detailed in publicly accessible summary databases. However, the VA, like other large federal agencies managing extensive infrastructure, frequently procures a wide array of maintenance and repair equipment. Spending on HVAC components, industrial tools, and specialized repair kits is a recurring necessity. This $18.9K award represents a single instance of such procurement. To understand broader patterns, one would need to analyze broader categories like 'HVAC equipment,' 'industrial tools,' or 'facility maintenance supplies' over several fiscal years to identify trends in spending on specialized operational necessities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Ventilation, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing › Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MAINT/REPAIR SHOP EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C25926Q0290

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 210 NORTH BROADWAY AVE, SUITE B, MILLER, SD, 57362

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,889

Exercised Options: $18,889

Current Obligation: $18,889

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline