Coast Guard awards $43K for air compressor, highlighting niche manufacturing needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $43,277 ($43.3K)

Contractor: F S Compression CO LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 60 days

Daily Burn Rate: $721/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: BASE MIAMI BEACH BLDG 4 AIR COMPRESSOR

Place of Performance

Location: MIAMI, MIAMI-DADE County, FLORIDA, 33131

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $43,277.32 to F S COMPRESSION CO LLC for work described as: BASE MIAMI BEACH BLDG 4 AIR COMPRESSOR Key points: 1. Contract addresses a specific equipment requirement for a critical operational asset. 2. Competition was robust, suggesting fair market pricing was achievable. 3. The award value is relatively small, indicating a focus on specialized components rather than large-scale systems. 4. Performance period is short, suggesting an immediate need or a pilot purchase. 5. The product falls under a specific manufacturing code, pointing to specialized industrial capabilities. 6. Geographic location of the awardee may influence delivery timelines and logistics.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $43,277.32 for an air compressor appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. Benchmarking against similar government procurements for industrial compressors of this type is challenging without more detailed specifications. However, the presence of multiple bidders suggests that the pricing achieved through full and open competition is likely aligned with market rates for such specialized machinery.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, with seven bids received. This indicates a healthy level of market interest and a competitive bidding process. The multiple offers suggest that the U.S. Coast Guard was able to solicit and receive proposals from a range of qualified vendors, which typically leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently, as multiple companies vied to provide the best value, driving down costs and ensuring a fair market price for the required air compressor.

Public Impact

The U.S. Coast Guard benefits from the acquisition of essential equipment for its operations. The contract supports the manufacturing sector, specifically companies involved in air and gas compressor production. The geographic impact is localized to Florida, where the contractor is based. The award contributes to maintaining the operational readiness of Coast Guard assets.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for long-term maintenance or support costs not fully detailed in this initial award.
Dependence on a single supplier for future, similar needs if market concentration exists.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating broad market access.
Short performance period suggests a focused and achievable scope of work.
Contract value is modest, reducing significant financial risk for a single procurement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the industrial equipment manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on air and gas compressors (NAICS 33912). This is a niche but essential part of the broader manufacturing industry, supporting various industrial and operational needs across government and private sectors. The market for specialized industrial machinery can be competitive, with established players and smaller, specialized firms. The value of this specific contract is modest, typical for component procurement rather than large system acquisition.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to F S COMPRESSION CO LLC, and it is not indicated as a small business set-aside. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award is unclear, though it does represent a procurement opportunity for the awarded entity.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the U.S. Coast Guard's contracting and program management offices. As a purchase order, it is likely subject to standard procurement regulations and internal review processes. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Specific Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on the nature of any potential issues or audits related to the contract's performance or compliance.

Related Government Programs

Industrial Equipment Procurement
Coast Guard Operational Support
Manufacturing Sector Contracts
Air Compressor Systems

Risk Flags

Short performance period may indicate urgency or potential for delivery delays.
Limited detail on specific compressor capabilities requires assumption of standard industrial performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $43,277.32 to F S COMPRESSION CO LLC. BASE MIAMI BEACH BLDG 4 AIR COMPRESSOR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is F S COMPRESSION CO LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $43,277.32.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-05-31.

What is the specific operational need for this air compressor within the U.S. Coast Guard?

The provided data indicates the contract is for a 'BASE MIAMI BEACH BLDG 4 AIR COMPRESSOR.' This suggests the equipment is intended for use at a specific U.S. Coast Guard facility in Miami Beach, likely to support building infrastructure, maintenance operations, or specialized equipment that requires compressed air. Air compressors are versatile tools used for a variety of functions, including powering pneumatic tools, operating climate control systems, or providing air for specific machinery. Without further details, the exact application remains general, but it points to a need for reliable compressed air at a shore-based facility.

How does the price of $43,277.32 compare to market rates for similar air compressors?

Benchmarking the price of $43,277.32 for this air compressor is difficult without knowing the exact specifications, capacity, and features required by the U.S. Coast Guard. Industrial air compressors can range significantly in price based on horsepower, tank size, pressure output, efficiency ratings, and brand. However, given that this was awarded under full and open competition with seven bids, it suggests the price is competitive within the market for specialized industrial units. A typical range for industrial compressors can be from a few thousand dollars for smaller units to tens of thousands for larger, more robust systems. This award appears to be in the mid-to-upper range for a single unit, likely reflecting specific performance requirements.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract award?

Potential risks for this contract are relatively low given its scope and value. One risk could be the timely delivery of the compressor, as the performance period is short (60 days). Delays could impact the operational readiness of Building 4 at the Miami Beach base. Another consideration is the long-term reliability and maintenance of the compressor; if it requires frequent or costly repairs, the initial acquisition cost might be overshadowed. Furthermore, if this is a critical component for a specific system, a failure could have cascading operational impacts. However, the use of a firm fixed-price contract mitigates cost overrun risks for the government.

What is the track record of F S COMPRESSION CO LLC as a government contractor?

Information on F S COMPRESSION CO LLC's specific track record as a government contractor is not detailed in the provided data. However, the fact that they were awarded this contract suggests they met the qualifications and submitted a competitive bid. To assess their track record thoroughly, one would need to examine their past performance on similar government contracts, including delivery timeliness, quality of goods/services, and any history of disputes or contract modifications. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases would be necessary to evaluate their history with the U.S. Coast Guard or other agencies.

How does this spending compare to other U.S. Coast Guard procurements for similar equipment?

This $43,277.32 award for an air compressor is a relatively small expenditure within the overall U.S. Coast Guard budget, which encompasses vast procurements for vessels, aircraft, technology, and infrastructure. Compared to major acquisitions, this represents a minor, albeit necessary, purchase for facility maintenance or operational support. The Coast Guard likely procures numerous similar items annually across various bases and units. The value is consistent with the procurement of specialized industrial components rather than large-scale systems, suggesting it fits within the typical operational procurement patterns for facility support equipment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing › Air and Gas Compressor Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: PUMPS AND COMPRESSORS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 31020PR260000128

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 203 AERO CT, GREENSBORO, NC, 27409

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $43,277

Exercised Options: $43,277

Current Obligation: $43,277

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline