DOT Awards $598K for Crane Services at Dulles Tower, W.O. Grubb Secures Contract
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $59,796 ($59.8K)
Contractor: W. O. Grubb Steel Erection Incorporated
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2026-04-08
End Date: 2026-05-31
Contract Duration: 53 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: PROVIDE CRANE SERVICES AT THE WASHINGTON-DULLES AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER
Place of Performance
Location: LEESBURG, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20176
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $59,796 to W. O. GRUBB STEEL ERECTION INCORPORATED for work described as: PROVIDE CRANE SERVICES AT THE WASHINGTON-DULLES AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER Key points: 1. Contract awarded to W.O. Grubb Steel Erection Inc. for crane services. 2. The contract is for air traffic control tower operations at Washington-Dulles. 3. This is a firm-fixed-price contract with a duration of 53 days. 4. The award falls under the Specialty Trade Contractors sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $597,960 for 53 days of service appears reasonable given the specialized nature of crane operations for an air traffic control tower. Benchmarking against similar specialized construction or heavy equipment rental contracts would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method is expected to yield fair market prices and ensure the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used efficiently through a competitive procurement process for essential infrastructure support.
Public Impact
Ensures continued safe operations at a major air traffic control facility. Supports critical infrastructure maintenance and functionality. Provides specialized services necessary for aviation safety and efficiency.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Short contract duration may limit long-term planning or potential for economies of scale.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical services.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition likely resulted in competitive pricing.
- Clear definition of services and fixed-price contract mitigate cost overruns.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Specialty Trade Contractors sector, which includes firms providing specialized construction activities. The spending benchmark for this sector can vary widely based on project complexity and location, but crane services for critical infrastructure are typically high-value engagements.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were solicited or participated in the bidding process.
Oversight & Accountability
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and contract management practices are expected to ensure accountability and proper execution.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Specialty Trade Contractors
- Department of Transportation Contracting
- Federal Aviation Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract awarded to a non-small business.
- Short contract duration.
- Potential for limited competition if specialized equipment is scarce.
Tags
all-other-specialty-trade-contractors, department-of-transportation, va, definitive-contract, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $59,796 to W. O. GRUBB STEEL ERECTION INCORPORATED. PROVIDE CRANE SERVICES AT THE WASHINGTON-DULLES AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is W. O. GRUBB STEEL ERECTION INCORPORATED.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $59,796.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-05-31.
What is the typical cost range for similar crane services at major airports or critical infrastructure sites?
The typical cost range for similar crane services can vary significantly based on crane size, rental duration, required certifications, and geographic location. For specialized projects like supporting an air traffic control tower, costs could range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Factors such as mobilization, specialized operators, and site-specific safety requirements contribute to the overall price.
What are the potential risks associated with a short-duration contract for essential crane services?
A short-duration contract for essential crane services carries risks such as potential delays if the contractor encounters unforeseen issues or if additional time is unexpectedly needed. There's also a risk of less competitive pricing if contractors perceive the short timeframe as less profitable or more demanding. Furthermore, emergency situations might require rapid re-procurement, potentially at a higher cost.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of air traffic control at Washington-Dulles?
This contract is crucial for the effectiveness of air traffic control at Washington-Dulles by ensuring the structural integrity and operational readiness of the air traffic control tower. Crane services are likely required for maintenance, repairs, or upgrades to essential equipment or the tower structure itself, directly impacting the safety and efficiency of air traffic management.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Other Specialty Trade Contractors › All Other Specialty Trade Contractors
Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2201 ELMHURST LN, PORTSMOUTH, VA, 23701
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $59,796
Exercised Options: $59,796
Current Obligation: $59,796
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-08
Current End Date: 2026-05-31
Potential End Date: 2026-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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