USCG awards $19.7K contract for gate construction to USA Construction Co

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,700 ($19.7K)

Contractor: USA Construction CO

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 21 days

Daily Burn Rate: $938/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: USCG STATION ALEXANDRIA BAY FRONT GATE

Place of Performance

Location: WELLESLEY ISLAND, JEFFERSON County, NEW YORK, 13640

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $19,700 to USA CONSTRUCTION CO for work described as: USCG STATION ALEXANDRIA BAY FRONT GATE Key points: 1. Contract awarded for a small-value construction project, indicating a focus on essential facility maintenance. 2. The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a streamlined process for smaller procurements. 3. Fixed-price contract type suggests cost certainty for the government. 4. The short duration of 21 days implies a quick turnaround for the required work. 5. The award to a single contractor, USA Construction Co., warrants a review of the competition dynamics. 6. Geographic location in New York may indicate regional needs for Coast Guard facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $19,700 is relatively small, making direct comparison to larger construction projects difficult. However, for a specialty trade contractor performing gate construction, the price appears reasonable given the scope. Without specific details on the gate's complexity or materials, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the competitive bidding process under SAP likely contributed to a fair price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which allows for a broader range of competition for procurements under the micro-purchase threshold. While the specific number of bids received is not detailed, SAP generally encourages competition among qualified vendors. The fact that it was competed suggests that multiple contractors were likely aware of and capable of performing the work.

Taxpayer Impact: Competing the contract, even under SAP, helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

The U.S. Coast Guard Station in Alexandria Bay, New York, will benefit from improved security and access with the new front gate. This contract delivers essential infrastructure maintenance for a critical federal facility. The geographic impact is localized to Alexandria Bay, New York, supporting the operational readiness of the Coast Guard in that region. The contract supports the construction workforce, likely through USA Construction Co. and any subcontractors they may employ.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited public information on the specific scope of work for the gate construction.
Lack of detailed performance metrics for USA Construction Co. in the provided data.
The small contract value might limit the pool of highly specialized contractors willing to bid.

Positive Signals

Contract was competed, indicating an effort to achieve fair market pricing.
Fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability for the government.
The short performance period suggests efficient project management and execution.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the specialty trade contractors sector, specifically related to construction and facility maintenance. The market for such services is broad, encompassing numerous small to medium-sized businesses. The U.S. Coast Guard, as part of the Department of Homeland Security, frequently procures construction and maintenance services to ensure the operational readiness of its numerous facilities nationwide. Spending in this category is consistent with the ongoing need for infrastructure upkeep across federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it detail any subcontracting plans. Given the small value and the nature of the work (specialty trade contracting), it is plausible that small businesses were among the bidders or could have been awarded the contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the contracting officer and program managers within the U.S. Coast Guard. The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General may also conduct audits or investigations into contract compliance and performance, particularly if significant issues arise. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports are not always publicly available.

Related Government Programs

USCG Facility Maintenance Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Construction Projects
Specialty Trade Services Procurement
Federal Gate and Security Infrastructure

Risk Flags

Potential for rushed work due to short duration.
Limited competition pool for short-term projects.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $19,700 to USA CONSTRUCTION CO. USCG STATION ALEXANDRIA BAY FRONT GATE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is USA CONSTRUCTION CO.

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 $19,700.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the typical cost range for similar gate construction projects for federal facilities?

The cost for constructing a federal facility gate can vary significantly based on factors such as the gate's size, material, security features (e.g., automated access, surveillance), and site preparation requirements. For a basic, non-specialized gate, costs could range from a few thousand dollars for simple manual gates to tens of thousands for more robust, automated systems. Projects involving extensive site work, specialized security integrations, or unique architectural designs can escalate costs into the hundreds of thousands. Given the $19,700 award for this specific USCG station, it suggests a relatively straightforward installation, likely not involving complex automation or heavy-duty security features, aligning with the 'All Other Specialty Trade Contractors' NAICS code.

What is the track record of USA Construction Co. with federal contracts?

Information regarding the specific track record of USA Construction Co. with federal contracts is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their performance history, one would typically consult federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS-NG to review past awards, contract performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS), and any history of disputes or terminations. A thorough review would involve examining the types of contracts awarded, their values, the agencies involved, and the contractor's success in meeting performance requirements. Without this specific data, it's impossible to definitively comment on their federal contracting history.

How does the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation impact price discovery and value for money?

Competing under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) means the contract was solicited and awarded following specific regulations designed for procurements below certain thresholds (currently $250,000). This process generally involves soliciting quotes from multiple sources, thereby fostering competition. For a contract of $19,700, SAP allows for a streamlined approach while still encouraging price discovery through market mechanisms. The number of quotes received and the resulting price are key indicators of value. A well-competed SAP action typically yields a fair and reasonable price, as vendors are incentivized to offer competitive bids to secure the award. The 'full-and-open' competition under SAP suggests a good faith effort to obtain the best value.

What are the potential risks associated with a short contract duration of 21 days?

A short contract duration of 21 days for a construction project like a gate installation can present several risks. Firstly, it may indicate a very simple scope of work, but it could also lead to rushed work, potentially compromising quality or safety standards if not managed properly. Secondly, it might limit the pool of contractors willing or able to commit resources for such a short timeframe, potentially reducing competition. Thirdly, unforeseen issues like weather delays, material shortages, or unexpected site conditions could easily cause the project to exceed the deadline, leading to potential cost overruns or contract modifications. Effective project management and clear communication are crucial to mitigate these risks.

What is the significance of the 'All Other Specialty Trade Contractors' NAICS code for this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code '238990 - All Other Specialty Trade Contractors' is a broad category encompassing firms that perform specific construction activities not classified in other specialty trade sectors. This includes a wide range of services such as concrete contractors, masonry contractors, roofing contractors, and, relevant here, potentially fence and gate installation. For this contract, it signifies that the work involves specialized construction skills but doesn't fit neatly into more defined categories like electrical or plumbing. It suggests the contractor likely possesses general construction expertise applicable to building or repairing the station's front gate.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Other Specialty Trade Contractors › All Other Specialty Trade Contractors

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 70Z03026QCLEV0037

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1807 N 96TH ST, OMAHA, NE, 68114

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,700

Exercised Options: $19,700

Current Obligation: $19,700

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline