GSA awards $273,900 for CRAC Tower Pump Repair at Pittsburgh Federal Building to Raven Services JV LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,390 ($27.4K)

Contractor: Raven Services JV LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-08-10

Contract Duration: 122 days

Daily Burn Rate: $225/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: INCORPORATES RAVENS PROPOSAL DATED 3/23/26 FOR THE CRAC TOWER PUMP REPAIR LOCATED AT THE MOORHEAD FEDERAL BUILDING IN PITTSBURGH PA

Place of Performance

Location: PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15222

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $27,390 to RAVEN SERVICES JV LLC for work described as: INCORPORATES RAVENS PROPOSAL DATED 3/23/26 FOR THE CRAC TOWER PUMP REPAIR LOCATED AT THE MOORHEAD FEDERAL BUILDING IN PITTSBURGH PA Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable for specialized facilities maintenance, though specific benchmarks are needed for definitive value assessment. 2. Competition was conducted under 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a potentially limited but justified bidding process. 3. The short performance period (122 days) indicates a focused scope, potentially mitigating long-term performance risks. 4. This contract falls within Facilities Support Services, a critical sector for maintaining federal infrastructure. 5. The firm-fixed-price structure shifts risk to the contractor, encouraging cost control. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized, but subcontracting opportunities may exist.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award of $273,900 for CRAC tower pump repair seems within a typical range for specialized HVAC maintenance in federal buildings. However, without specific details on the scope of work, the exact nature of the pumps, and the required expertise, a direct comparison to similar contracts is difficult. Benchmarking against industry standards for similar repair services in the Pittsburgh area would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests that the contractor has priced the risk and effort, but the initial bid's competitiveness is key to ensuring a good deal.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be open, certain sources may have been excluded prior to the solicitation, or the solicitation was limited to specific types of contractors. The number of bidders is not specified, but this procurement method suggests a potentially narrower field than a standard full and open competition. This could impact price discovery, potentially leading to higher prices if the excluded sources represented significant competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may have received a competitive price, but the exclusion of certain sources warrants scrutiny to ensure the most cost-effective solution was pursued. A limited competition could mean fewer bids, potentially increasing the final cost compared to a truly open process.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the occupants of the Moorhead Federal Building in Pittsburgh, PA, who will experience improved climate control. The service delivered is critical repair and maintenance of the CRAC (Computer Room Air Conditioning) tower pump system. The geographic impact is localized to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The contract supports specialized technical jobs within the facilities maintenance sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for higher costs due to limited competition after source exclusion.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data makes assessing effectiveness challenging.
The specific nature of 'CRAC tower pump repair' requires specialized knowledge, and the contractor's track record in this niche is not detailed.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract shifts cost-overrun risk to the contractor.
The General Services Administration (GSA) is a reputable agency overseeing federal building maintenance.
The contract is for a defined, short duration, limiting long-term exposure.
The award is for a specific, essential facility support service.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Facilities Support Services sector, a broad category encompassing maintenance, repair, and operational services for government buildings. The market for these services is substantial, driven by the vast inventory of federal real estate. Competition within this sector can vary widely depending on the specialization required. For critical infrastructure like HVAC systems in federal buildings, specialized contractors are essential. Benchmarking spending in this area often involves comparing contract values against the square footage maintained and the complexity of the systems involved.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting requirements mandated by a set-aside. However, the prime contractor, Raven Services JV LLC, may voluntarily subcontract portions of the work. The impact on the small business ecosystem is neutral in terms of direct set-aside benefits, but opportunities could arise through the prime contractor's procurement practices.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) typically has robust oversight mechanisms for its contracts, managed through its Public Buildings Service. Accountability is usually ensured through contract clauses, performance monitoring, and payment schedules tied to deliverables. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General oversight would apply if any issues of fraud, waste, or abuse arise during the contract's performance or closeout.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Maintenance Contracts
HVAC Repair Services
Facilities Support Services
General Services Administration Contracts
Public Buildings Service Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited competition due to source exclusion.
Potential for cost overruns if scope is underestimated (mitigated by FFP).
Performance risk if contractor lacks specialized expertise.
Impact on building operations if repair is delayed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $27,390 to RAVEN SERVICES JV LLC. INCORPORATES RAVENS PROPOSAL DATED 3/23/26 FOR THE CRAC TOWER PUMP REPAIR LOCATED AT THE MOORHEAD FEDERAL BUILDING IN PITTSBURGH PA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RAVEN SERVICES JV LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Public Buildings Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $27,390.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-08-10.

What is the specific nature of the CRAC tower pump repair required, and what technical expertise does Raven Services JV LLC possess in this area?

The provided data specifies 'CRAC Tower Pump Repair' located at the Moorhead Federal Building. CRAC stands for Computer Room Air Conditioning, essential for maintaining stable temperatures in sensitive areas like data centers or server rooms within federal facilities. The repair likely involves diagnosing and fixing issues with the pumps that circulate coolant or water within the CRAC system's tower component. While the data doesn't detail Raven Services JV LLC's specific expertise, their selection implies they met the technical qualifications outlined in the solicitation. Further investigation into their past performance, certifications, and experience with similar HVAC systems in federal or large commercial settings would be necessary to fully assess their capability.

How does the $273,900 contract value compare to similar CRAC tower pump repair contracts awarded by the GSA or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking this $273,900 contract requires comparing it against similar services for CRAC tower pump repairs. Factors influencing cost include the size and complexity of the system, the specific components needing repair (e.g., motor, seals, impeller), labor rates in Pittsburgh, and the urgency of the repair. Without access to a database of comparable GSA or agency contracts specifically for CRAC tower pump repairs, a precise comparison is difficult. However, for a defined period of 122 days, this amount suggests a significant repair or overhaul rather than routine maintenance. Industry averages for specialized HVAC component repairs can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the scope.

What were the specific reasons for excluding other sources in this 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' procurement?

The designation 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' implies that the solicitation was initially intended to be open, but specific sources were excluded before or during the process. The reasons for such exclusions are typically documented in the contract file and can include factors like: failure to meet minimum qualifications, past performance issues, inability to meet security requirements, or specific technical capabilities only possessed by a limited number of firms. In some cases, it might relate to a prior unsatisfactory performance or a protest. Understanding the exact justification is crucial for determining if the exclusion was appropriate and if it potentially limited competitive pricing for the government.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Potential risks include the possibility of unforeseen complications during the repair that could increase costs (though mitigated by the firm-fixed-price structure), delays impacting the building's climate control, or the contractor failing to meet performance standards. The short duration (122 days) helps mitigate long-term performance risks. The firm-fixed-price contract shifts financial risk to Raven Services JV LLC. GSA's oversight and the specific contract terms would outline remedies for non-performance or delays. The exclusion of sources might also represent a risk if it led to a less competitive price than could have been achieved otherwise.

How does this contract fit into the broader context of GSA's spending on facilities support services, particularly in the Pittsburgh region?

This $273,900 contract for CRAC tower pump repair is a component of the General Services Administration's (GSA) extensive portfolio of facilities support services. GSA manages a vast amount of federal real estate, and maintaining critical systems like HVAC is a significant expenditure. Spending on such services in Pittsburgh would align with GSA's responsibility to ensure the operational integrity of federal buildings in that region. While this specific contract is for a specialized repair, it represents the ongoing investment required to sustain aging infrastructure and ensure the functionality of government operations housed within these facilities.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: EQPMAD-26-0209

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 9626 CENTER ST STE 200, MANASSAS, VA, 20110

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,390

Exercised Options: $27,390

Current Obligation: $27,390

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47PD0317D0005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline