GSA awards $165K contract for snow removal at Rockford courthouse, highlighting localized service needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $165,000 ($165.0K)

Contractor: Challenge Unlimited, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 211 days

Daily Burn Rate: $782/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY26 SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL SERVICES WILL BE PERFORMED AT THE STANLEY J. ROSZKOWSKI U.S. COURTHOUSE IN ROCKFORD, IL.

Place of Performance

Location: ROCKFORD, WINNEBAGO County, ILLINOIS, 61101

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $165,000 to CHALLENGE UNLIMITED, INC. for work described as: FY26 SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL SERVICES WILL BE PERFORMED AT THE STANLEY J. ROSZKOWSKI U.S. COURTHOUSE IN ROCKFORD, IL. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential courthouse operations, ensuring accessibility during winter months. 2. Service delivery is geographically specific to the Stanley J. Roszkowski U.S. Courthouse. 3. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges. 4. Limited competition is indicated, potentially impacting price competitiveness. 5. The awardee, Challenge Unlimited, Inc., is a key provider for this specific service. 6. Duration of service aligns with typical snow season requirements.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $165,000 for snow and ice removal services at a single federal courthouse appears reasonable for a localized, seasonal need. However, without specific benchmarks for similar courthouse services or detailed cost breakdowns within the Time and Materials structure, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging. The absence of a competitive bidding process further limits the ability to benchmark against market rates.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicated as 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION'. This suggests a sole-source award, likely due to specific circumstances or a pre-existing relationship with the contractor. The lack of competition means there was no opportunity for multiple vendors to bid, which typically drives down prices and encourages innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, a sole-source award means the government did not leverage competitive pressures to secure the best possible price. This could result in a higher cost than if the contract had been openly competed.

Public Impact

Federal court operations in Rockford, Illinois, will be supported by ensuring the courthouse remains accessible during winter. Judicial staff and the public will benefit from safe passage to and from the courthouse. The contract supports essential infrastructure maintenance for a federal facility. Local workforce may be engaged by the contractor for service delivery.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
Time and Materials contract type offers less cost certainty compared to fixed-price.
Geographic limitation restricts potential for economies of scale.

Positive Signals

Ensures critical federal facility remains operational during winter.
Contract award to Challenge Unlimited, Inc. provides continuity of service.
Service duration is appropriately matched to seasonal needs.

Sector Analysis

The snow and ice removal services sector is a critical component of facilities management for government and private entities, particularly in regions with harsh winters. This contract falls within the broader janitorial and maintenance services industry. While specific market size data for federal courthouse snow removal is not readily available, the General Services Administration (GSA) manages a vast portfolio of federal buildings, often contracting for such essential support services to ensure operational continuity.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false) and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements (sb: false). Therefore, this specific award does not appear to directly benefit the small business ecosystem through set-asides or mandated subcontracting goals. The sole-source nature further limits opportunities for small businesses to compete.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration's Public Buildings Service. As a Delivery Order under a larger contract vehicle (though the parent vehicle is not specified), its execution and performance would be monitored by GSA contracting officers. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature and lack of public competition details. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Courthouse Maintenance
Facilities Support Services
Winter Operations Support
GSA Building Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition.
Time and Materials contract type poses cost control risks.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in provided data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $165,000 to CHALLENGE UNLIMITED, INC.. FY26 SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL SERVICES WILL BE PERFORMED AT THE STANLEY J. ROSZKOWSKI U.S. COURTHOUSE IN ROCKFORD, IL.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CHALLENGE UNLIMITED, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $165,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the track record of Challenge Unlimited, Inc. in providing snow and ice removal services to federal facilities?

Information regarding Challenge Unlimited, Inc.'s specific track record for snow and ice removal services at federal facilities is not detailed in the provided data. The data indicates this is a Delivery Order, suggesting it might be part of a larger contract or a recurring service. To fully assess their track record, one would need to examine past performance evaluations, contract history with federal agencies, and any reported issues or successes related to similar services. Without this granular data, it's difficult to definitively gauge their experience and reliability beyond the fact that they were awarded this specific contract.

How does the $165,000 contract value compare to similar snow removal contracts for federal courthouses of comparable size and location?

Benchmarking the $165,000 contract value is challenging without access to a database of similar federal contracts for snow and ice removal at courthouses of comparable size and in similar geographic locations. Factors such as the square footage of the courthouse, the severity of typical winter weather in Rockford, Illinois, and the specific services included (e.g., plowing, salting, de-icing, sidewalk clearing) significantly influence cost. Given this is a sole-source award for a single facility, it's difficult to determine if the price reflects competitive market rates or if it's inflated due to the lack of competition. A comparative analysis would require access to more detailed contract data across multiple agencies and locations.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for snow removal services?

The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for snow removal services is the potential for cost overruns and a lack of budget certainty for the government. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts reimburse the contractor for the actual labor hours and materials used, plus a fee. This structure can incentivize contractors to extend work hours or use more materials than strictly necessary, as their profit is tied to the cost incurred. For seasonal services like snow removal, where weather is unpredictable, it can be difficult to accurately forecast total costs, potentially leading to expenditures exceeding the initial $165,000 estimate if the winter is particularly harsh or prolonged.

What does the 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status imply about the necessity and justification for this contract?

The 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status strongly implies that the contracting agency, in this case, the General Services Administration (GSA), has determined that a competitive bidding process was not feasible or appropriate for this specific requirement. This typically occurs under specific circumstances outlined in federal acquisition regulations, such as when only one responsible source can satisfy the agency's needs (sole-source), or in cases of urgent and compelling need where competition would cause unacceptable delays. For a service like snow removal at a specific courthouse, justifications might include unique site requirements, existing infrastructure integration, or a critical need for continuity of service with a known provider. However, it necessitates a strong justification to ensure taxpayer funds are used responsibly.

How does the duration of the contract (211 days) align with the typical snow season in Rockford, Illinois?

The contract duration of 211 days, spanning from October 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, aligns well with the typical snow season in Rockford, Illinois. This period generally encompasses the months when snowfall and icy conditions are most probable in the region. By covering this extended timeframe, the contract aims to ensure continuous snow and ice removal services are available throughout the entire winter period, thereby maintaining the operational accessibility and safety of the Stanley J. Roszkowski U.S. Courthouse. The duration appears appropriate for the service requirement.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Services to Buildings and Dwellings › Janitorial Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: EQ5P2PAR-25-0019

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4 EMMIE L KAUS LN, ALTON, IL, 62002

Business Categories: AbilityOne Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $165,000

Exercised Options: $165,000

Current Obligation: $165,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47PF0023D0015

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline