VA awards $734K for solar-powered surveillance trailers, with 5 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $73,430 ($73.4K)

Contractor: Wonder State Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-07-06

Contract Duration: 91 days

Daily Burn Rate: $807/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SOLAR POWERED SURVEILLANCE TRAILER SYSTEMS

Place of Performance

Location: FAYETTEVILLE, WASHINGTON County, ARKANSAS, 72701

State: Arkansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $73,430 to WONDER STATE SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: SOLAR POWERED SURVEILLANCE TRAILER SYSTEMS Key points: 1. Contract awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on smaller procurements. 2. The firm-fixed-price contract type aims to provide cost certainty for the government. 3. A short performance period of 91 days indicates a specific, likely short-term need. 4. The award to WONDER STATE SOLUTIONS LLC is for a product in the 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing' category. 5. The contract was competed, indicating some level of market engagement. 6. The small business status of the contractor is not specified, but no small business set-aside was noted.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $734,300 for solar-powered surveillance trailer systems appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized equipment, though direct comparisons are difficult without more detailed specifications. The firm-fixed-price structure is a positive indicator for cost control. However, the limited duration and the nature of the product suggest a need for further analysis to benchmark value against similar, potentially longer-term or more integrated surveillance solutions.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for broader competition among vendors. With 5 bids received, this indicates a healthy level of interest and engagement from the market for this specific requirement. The competition level suggests that the VA likely received competitive pricing, although the specific nature of SAP may limit the pool of potential bidders compared to full and open competition for larger contracts.

Taxpayer Impact: The competition among 5 bidders for this procurement is beneficial for taxpayers, as it increases the likelihood of obtaining a fair market price and encourages vendors to offer competitive terms.

Public Impact

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the primary beneficiary, acquiring necessary surveillance equipment. The contract delivers solar-powered surveillance trailer systems, likely for security and monitoring purposes. The geographic impact is focused on Arkansas (AR), where the contractor is located. Workforce implications are likely minimal, primarily affecting the manufacturing and delivery personnel of the awarded contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited contract duration may indicate a pilot program or a temporary need, requiring future funding and potential re-competition.
The specific capabilities and integration of these surveillance trailers are not detailed, raising questions about their long-term utility and effectiveness.
Reliance on a single purchase order for specialized equipment could pose risks if the contractor faces production or delivery issues.

Positive Signals

The use of solar power aligns with potential government sustainability goals.
The firm-fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for this specific acquisition.
Competition among 5 bidders suggests a responsive market for this type of equipment.

Sector Analysis

The 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing' sector encompasses a wide range of products. This contract for solar-powered surveillance trailers fits within a niche market that combines electronics manufacturing with specialized application needs. The total federal spending on this specific NAICS code (334290) is substantial, but this individual contract represents a small portion. Benchmarking would typically involve comparing pricing for similar trailer systems across different government agencies or commercial entities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears limited for this specific award, though the prime contractor's own size is not specified.

Oversight & Accountability

As a purchase order issued under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, oversight may be less intensive than for larger, more complex contracts. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for ensuring delivery and performance according to the contract terms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, but detailed performance monitoring specifics are not publicly available.

Related Government Programs

VA Security and Surveillance Equipment
Department of Veterans Affairs IT and Communications Contracts
Solar-Powered Equipment Procurements
Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing Contracts

Risk Flags

Award exceeds standard SAP threshold without clear justification.
Limited performance period raises questions about long-term strategy.
Specific capabilities and integration details are not provided.
Contractor's past performance history is not readily available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $73,430 to WONDER STATE SOLUTIONS LLC. SOLAR POWERED SURVEILLANCE TRAILER SYSTEMS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WONDER STATE SOLUTIONS 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 $73,430.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-07-06.

What is the track record of WONDER STATE SOLUTIONS LLC with federal contracts, particularly for surveillance equipment?

Information regarding WONDER STATE SOLUTIONS LLC's specific track record with federal contracts, especially for surveillance equipment, is not detailed in the provided data. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS would be necessary to ascertain their past performance, contract history, and any performance issues or successes. Without this historical data, it's difficult to assess their reliability and experience in delivering similar products to government agencies.

How does the $734,300 price compare to similar solar-powered surveillance trailer systems purchased by the government or commercially?

Benchmarking the $734,300 price requires access to comparable contract data or commercial price lists for solar-powered surveillance trailer systems with similar specifications. The provided data indicates 5 bids were received under SAP, suggesting competitive pricing was sought. However, without knowing the exact specifications (e.g., camera resolution, battery life, trailer mobility, data storage capabilities), it is challenging to make a precise value-for-money assessment. Further analysis would involve identifying contracts for similar equipment from other agencies or researching commercial offerings to establish a market rate.

What are the specific risks associated with the short performance period (91 days) for these surveillance trailers?

The primary risk associated with a short 91-day performance period is that it may indicate a temporary need, such as for a specific event, a pilot program, or a short-term security requirement. This could lead to a need for follow-on contracts or replacements shortly after delivery, potentially incurring additional procurement costs and administrative burden. It also raises questions about the long-term strategy for surveillance needs if these trailers are intended for ongoing use. Furthermore, if the equipment fails or is insufficient after the short period, the VA might face delays in establishing a more permanent solution.

What is the expected effectiveness and utility of these solar-powered surveillance trailer systems for the VA's mission?

The expected effectiveness and utility of these solar-powered surveillance trailer systems for the VA's mission are not explicitly detailed in the provided data. Typically, such systems are deployed for security monitoring, perimeter surveillance, or to provide temporary observation capabilities in areas lacking permanent infrastructure. For the VA, this could relate to monitoring facilities, construction sites, or sensitive areas. The 'solar-powered' aspect suggests a potential for deployment in remote locations or an emphasis on energy efficiency and reduced operational costs. Their ultimate utility will depend on the specific security challenges they are intended to address and their integration into the VA's broader security framework.

What has been the historical spending pattern for similar 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing' products by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing' by the VA would require accessing detailed procurement data over several fiscal years. This would involve filtering contracts by the relevant NAICS code (334290) and potentially by keywords related to surveillance or communication equipment. Such an analysis could reveal trends in spending, identify key contractors, and highlight the VA's reliance on specific types of equipment. Without access to this historical data, it's impossible to provide specific figures or trends for this category.

Are there any known issues or concerns with the use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for procurements of this nature?

Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are designed for purchases up to a certain threshold (currently $250,000, though exceptions exist) to streamline the procurement process. While SAP can lead to faster acquisition and potentially lower administrative costs, potential concerns include a reduced pool of potential bidders compared to full and open competition, and a risk that the urgency or simplicity might overshadow thorough needs assessment or best value determination. For a $734,300 contract, this award falls outside the standard SAP threshold, suggesting it was likely awarded under specific exceptions or higher SAP limits for certain types of goods/services, which warrants further scrutiny regarding the justification for using SAP.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: ALARM, SIGNAL, SECURITY DETECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C25926Q0286

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3746 E CHADWICK DR, FAYETTEVILLE, AR, 72701

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $73,430

Exercised Options: $73,430

Current Obligation: $73,430

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline