DOT awards $304K for battery equipment to Applied Power Services LLC, with delivery expected by April 2027

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,400 ($30.4K)

Contractor: Applied Power Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2027-04-09

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $84/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DC SYSTEMS BATTERY EQUIPMENT PURCHASE. FUNDING APS FOR POWERHOUSE AND MOSEBACH LOAD BANK EQUIPMENT. *OKC SHIPPING: 6201 SW 61ST ST BUILDING 260 OKLAHOMA CITY OK 73169.

Place of Performance

Location: WATKINS, ADAMS County, COLORADO, 80137

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $30,400 to APPLIED POWER SERVICES LLC for work described as: DC SYSTEMS BATTERY EQUIPMENT PURCHASE. FUNDING APS FOR POWERHOUSE AND MOSEBACH LOAD BANK EQUIPMENT. *OKC SHIPPING: 6201 SW 61ST ST BUILDING 260 OKLAHOMA CITY OK 73169. Key points: 1. The contract value of $304,000 appears reasonable for specialized battery equipment, but a detailed cost breakdown is needed for full validation. 2. Competition dynamics for this specific equipment type are unclear, potentially impacting price discovery and value for money. 3. The fixed-price contract structure mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Performance context is limited, but the delivery order indicates a need for specific equipment within the Federal Aviation Administration. 5. This contract falls within the broader 'Battery Manufacturing' sector, though it represents a small segment of overall federal spending in this area.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $304,000 for battery equipment seems within a plausible range for specialized items. However, without specific details on the equipment's technical specifications and quantity, a direct comparison to similar contracts is difficult. Benchmarking against market rates for comparable battery systems and load banks would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The firm fixed-price nature of the award helps control costs, but the absence of detailed cost breakdowns limits a thorough assessment of pricing efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a competitive process was undertaken for this award. However, the number of bids received and the specific solicitation details are not provided. SAP is typically used for procurements under the micro-purchase threshold or for acquisitions between $2,500 and $250,000, implying a potentially limited but still competitive field for this $304,000 award.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature, even under SAP, suggests that taxpayers likely benefited from a degree of price negotiation and market responsiveness, preventing potentially higher costs associated with sole-source awards.

Public Impact

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary beneficiary, acquiring essential equipment for its operations. The services delivered include the purchase of battery equipment and associated funding for powerhouse and load bank needs. The geographic impact is localized to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where the equipment will be shipped. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving installation and maintenance personnel for the new equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed technical specifications for the battery equipment makes it difficult to assess if the most cost-effective solution was procured.
The limited information on the competitive process under SAP raises questions about the extent of price discovery achieved.
The duration of the contract (364 days) is standard, but the specific need for this equipment could indicate ongoing or future requirements not fully addressed.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government, mitigating the risk of budget overruns.
The award was made to Applied Power Services LLC, a specific entity, indicating a clear contractor responsible for delivery.
The contract is for essential equipment, suggesting it supports critical government functions within the FAA.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader industrial sector related to energy storage and power systems, specifically battery equipment. The federal market for such equipment is driven by the needs of various agencies for reliable power, backup systems, and specialized testing apparatus. While the specific dollar amount is modest, it represents a component of the government's ongoing investment in maintaining and upgrading its infrastructure, including aviation facilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing procurements for similar battery banks, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and load bank testing equipment across different federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a set-aside provision. The award was made to Applied Power Services LLC, and further analysis would be needed to determine if this prime contractor has a history of engaging small businesses in its own supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contracting officers and program managers. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle (implied by 'aw: DELIVERY ORDER'), there may be an existing framework for oversight. Transparency is moderate, with basic contract details available, but deeper insights into performance monitoring and accountability measures would require access to contract performance reports and any associated Inspector General reviews.

Related Government Programs

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Operations and Maintenance
Department of Transportation (DOT) Infrastructure Investments
Power Systems Procurement
Battery and Energy Storage Solutions
Government Equipment Acquisition

Risk Flags

Limited technical specification detail
Unclear competition depth under SAP
Contractor performance history not provided

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $30,400 to APPLIED POWER SERVICES LLC. DC SYSTEMS BATTERY EQUIPMENT PURCHASE. FUNDING APS FOR POWERHOUSE AND MOSEBACH LOAD BANK EQUIPMENT. *OKC SHIPPING: 6201 SW 61ST ST BUILDING 260 OKLAHOMA CITY OK 73169.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is APPLIED POWER SERVICES LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $30,400.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2027-04-09.

What is the specific type and technical capability of the 'DC SYSTEMS BATTERY EQUIPMENT' being procured?

The provided data snippet is limited and does not specify the exact technical capabilities or model numbers of the 'DC SYSTEMS BATTERY EQUIPMENT'. It mentions 'APS FOR POWERHOUSE AND MOSEBACH LOAD BANK EQUIPMENT,' suggesting the batteries are intended to support powerhouse operations and potentially be used in conjunction with load bank testing equipment. Load banks are used to simulate electrical loads for testing generators, power supplies, and other electrical systems. The specific capacity (e.g., voltage, amperage, Ah rating), chemistry (e.g., lead-acid, lithium-ion), and intended operating environment of the batteries are crucial details missing from this summary. Understanding these specifications is key to assessing the appropriateness and value of the procurement.

How does the $304,000 contract value compare to similar procurements for battery equipment by the FAA or other federal agencies?

A direct comparison of the $304,000 contract value is challenging without knowing the precise specifications and quantity of the battery equipment. However, federal procurement databases show a wide range of spending on battery systems. For instance, procurements for large-scale backup power systems for data centers or critical infrastructure can run into millions of dollars, while smaller, specialized battery units for specific equipment might cost tens of thousands. The FAA itself procures various power-related equipment for its air traffic control systems and facilities. To benchmark this $304,000 award effectively, one would need to identify contracts for similar capacity, type, and intended application (e.g., uninterruptible power supply batteries, generator starting batteries, specialized testing equipment batteries) awarded within the last 1-2 years to ensure relevance and account for market fluctuations.

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

Potential risks include the possibility of the procured equipment not meeting the FAA's performance requirements, delivery delays, or the contractor going out of business. The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract structure mitigates financial risks for the government, as the price is set regardless of the contractor's actual costs. However, FFP contracts can sometimes lead to lower quality if the contractor seeks to reduce costs excessively. Mitigation strategies likely involve clear technical specifications in the contract, performance monitoring by the FAA, and potentially requiring performance bonds. The relatively short duration (364 days) might also suggest a manageable scope, reducing the risk of long-term performance issues. The specific location of shipping (Oklahoma City) also indicates a defined delivery point.

What is the track record of Applied Power Services LLC in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for the FAA?

Information regarding the specific track record of Applied Power Services LLC in fulfilling federal contracts, especially for the FAA, is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough assessment would require querying federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for past awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any history of contract disputes or terminations involving this company. Understanding their past performance, especially on similar types of equipment or with the FAA, is crucial for evaluating the reliability of this award and the likelihood of successful contract completion.

How does this contract fit into the broader context of the FAA's infrastructure modernization or operational support spending?

This contract for battery equipment and load bank support likely fits into the FAA's ongoing efforts to maintain and upgrade its vast network of airports, air traffic control facilities, and operational infrastructure. Reliable power is critical for the continuous operation of air traffic management systems, navigation aids, and communication equipment. Procurements like this, even if relatively small in dollar value, contribute to ensuring the resilience and efficiency of these essential services. It could be part of a larger initiative to replace aging power systems, enhance backup power capabilities to prevent outages, or support the testing and validation of new power-dependent technologies within the aviation sector.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing › Battery Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: ELECTRIC WIRE, POWER DISTRIB EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4250 HUDSON RD, WATKINS, CO, 80137

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $30,400

Exercised Options: $30,400

Current Obligation: $30,400

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 6973GH24D00020

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline