GSA Awards $351K for Cantilever Shade Structure to MILCON SYSTEMS, INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $35,134 ($35.1K)

Contractor: Milcon Systems, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-06-08

Contract Duration: 60 days

Daily Burn Rate: $586/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 999

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: MS-SS-10218 FULL HIP JOINED CANTILEVER SHADE STRUCTURE 60 X 15 X 8 (ENTRY). SEE SOW/QUOTE FOR DETAILS. - SEE QUOTE NO. 2025-111101

Place of Performance

Location: LA JOLLA, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92037

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $35,134.4 to MILCON SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: MS-SS-10218 FULL HIP JOINED CANTILEVER SHADE STRUCTURE 60 X 15 X 8 (ENTRY). SEE SOW/QUOTE FOR DETAILS. - SEE QUOTE NO. 2025-111101 Key points: 1. The contract is for a specific shade structure with a fixed price and economic price adjustment. 2. MILCON SYSTEMS, INC. is the awardee under a full and open competition. 3. The contract duration is 60 days, indicating a relatively short-term project. 4. The award falls under the Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The price of $351,344 for a 60x15x8 shade structure appears high when compared to typical construction materials for similar outdoor structures. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for park amenities or outdoor recreational facilities would be necessary for a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the limited scope and short duration might have restricted the number of interested bidders and the depth of price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for this purchase. The value for money depends on the necessity and quality of the shade structure, as well as the competitiveness of the final price.

Public Impact

Provides shade and potentially enhances an outdoor recreational or athletic area. The structure's specific dimensions suggest a targeted application, possibly for a sports field or park. The use of federal funds for this amenity implies a public facility or installation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for overpricing given the unit cost and material type.
Limited competition impact on final price.
Short duration may indicate a rushed or urgent need, potentially leading to higher costs.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Clear product specifications provided.
Defined delivery timeline.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service, which procures a wide range of goods and services for government use. The NAICS code 339920 (Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing) is somewhat unusual for a shade structure, suggesting it might be part of a larger athletic facility project.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, MILCON SYSTEMS, INC., is not indicated as a small business. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which does not inherently exclude small businesses, but the award itself went to a non-small business entity.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms would apply to ensure proper execution and accountability.

Related Government Programs

Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

High unit cost relative to material description.
Short contract duration may increase risk of delays.
Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause introduces cost uncertainty.
Unclear link between NAICS code and product type.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $35,134.4 to MILCON SYSTEMS, INC.. MS-SS-10218 FULL HIP JOINED CANTILEVER SHADE STRUCTURE 60 X 15 X 8 (ENTRY). SEE SOW/QUOTE FOR DETAILS. - SEE QUOTE NO. 2025-111101

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MILCON SYSTEMS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $35,134.4.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-06-08.

What is the specific justification for the high per-unit cost of this shade structure, and how does it compare to industry benchmarks for similar installations?

The justification for the per-unit cost requires a detailed review of the SOW and quote, including materials, engineering, and installation complexity. Benchmarking against similar government or commercial projects for specialized shade structures is crucial. Factors like specialized engineering, durable materials, and site-specific requirements could elevate costs, but a thorough analysis is needed to ensure fair pricing and prevent potential waste.

Given the short 60-day duration, what risks are associated with potential delays or unforeseen issues in the manufacturing and installation of the shade structure?

The short 60-day duration presents risks of delays due to manufacturing backlogs, supply chain disruptions, or site-specific installation challenges. If delays occur, it could impact the intended use of the facility, especially if tied to a specific event or season. The fixed-price nature with economic price adjustment offers some cost protection but doesn't mitigate schedule risks, potentially leading to unmet operational needs or the need for expedited, costly solutions.

How effectively does the economic price adjustment clause protect taxpayers from significant cost overruns while ensuring the contractor can procure necessary materials?

The economic price adjustment (EPA) clause aims to balance taxpayer protection with contractor viability by allowing for price changes based on specific economic indicators, typically material costs. While it can prevent contractors from absorbing unexpected cost increases, it also introduces uncertainty for the government regarding the final expenditure. The effectiveness hinges on the clarity of the index used, the caps on adjustments, and the government's ability to monitor and validate price changes.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing › Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: HOUSEHOLD/COMMERC FURNISH/APPLIANCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 47QSMD20R0001

Offers Received: 999

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT (K)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1726 W WOODIE PROCTOR RD, COLUMBIA, MO, 65203

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $35,134

Exercised Options: $35,134

Current Obligation: $35,134

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSMA19D08P8

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline