Coast Guard Awards $28,373 for USCGC Bertholf Hangar Door Inspection and Test to Federal Equipment Co
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $28,373 ($28.4K)
Contractor: Federal Equipment CO
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2026-04-21
End Date: 2026-06-12
Contract Duration: 52 days
Daily Burn Rate: $546/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: USCGC BERTHOLF HELO HANGAR DOOR INSPECT AND TEST
Place of Performance
Location: ALAMEDA, ALAMEDA County, CALIFORNIA, 94501
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $28,373 to FEDERAL EQUIPMENT CO for work described as: USCGC BERTHOLF HELO HANGAR DOOR INSPECT AND TEST Key points: 1. The contract value is relatively low, suggesting a focused scope for the inspection and testing service. 2. Federal Equipment Co. is the sole awardee, indicating a lack of broader competition for this specific service. 3. The primary risk lies in the limited competition, potentially impacting price discovery and value for money. 4. The service falls under Ship Building and Repairing, a sector with specialized needs.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $28,373 for an inspection and test is difficult to benchmark without specific details on the scope of work. However, for specialized equipment inspection, this price appears within a reasonable range, assuming it covers all required procedures and reporting.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and was awarded as a sole-source purchase order. This approach limits price discovery and may not yield the best value compared to a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: The direct taxpayer impact is minimal due to the low contract value, but the lack of competition represents a missed opportunity for potential cost savings.
Public Impact
Ensures operational readiness of a critical Coast Guard asset by maintaining the helicopter hangar door. Supports the U.S. Coast Guard's maritime security and law enforcement missions by keeping essential equipment functional. The award to a single vendor highlights potential gaps in market research or a specific need for this vendor's expertise.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Potential for higher costs due to lack of competitive bidding.
- Limited transparency on vendor selection criteria.
Positive Signals
- Contract awarded for essential equipment maintenance.
- Clear delivery and performance period.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
The Ship Building and Repairing sector involves specialized services for maritime vessels. Spending in this area can vary significantly based on the complexity of the vessel and the scope of work. This contract appears to be a minor expenditure within this sector.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were considered or involved in this procurement. As a sole-source award, opportunities for small business participation were likely limited.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made via a purchase order, which typically involves less stringent oversight than larger, more complex contracts. Further review of the procurement file would be needed to assess the adequacy of oversight.
Related Government Programs
- Ship Building and Repairing
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Coast Guard Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for suboptimal pricing
- Limited scope (inspection only, not repair)
- Insufficient information on vendor qualifications
Tags
ship-building-and-repairing, department-of-homeland-security, ca, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $28,373 to FEDERAL EQUIPMENT CO. USCGC BERTHOLF HELO HANGAR DOOR INSPECT AND TEST
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FEDERAL EQUIPMENT 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 $28,373.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-21. End: 2026-06-12.
What specific criteria justified the sole-source award for this helicopter hangar door inspection and test?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves factors such as unique capabilities, urgent and compelling needs, or a lack of other responsible sources. Without access to the specific justification documentation, it is impossible to determine the exact reasons. However, for specialized equipment like a helicopter hangar door on a specific vessel, it's possible that only Federal Equipment Co. possessed the necessary technical expertise, proprietary knowledge, or certifications required for the inspection and testing.
What is the potential cost overrun risk associated with this sole-source contract?
The risk of cost overrun is moderate. While the contract is Firm Fixed Price, limiting the government's exposure to direct cost increases, the lack of competition means the initial price may not have been optimized. If unforeseen issues arise during the inspection that require additional work not explicitly covered, the government might face a change order request, potentially increasing the total cost. However, the relatively small contract value ($28,373) inherently limits the magnitude of any potential overrun.
How effectively does this contract ensure the long-term operational readiness of the USCGC Bertholf's hangar door?
The effectiveness of this contract in ensuring long-term readiness depends heavily on the quality of the inspection and testing performed by Federal Equipment Co. A thorough inspection should identify potential issues and recommend necessary maintenance or repairs. However, the contract only covers the inspection and test itself, not any subsequent repairs. Therefore, its effectiveness is limited to assessing the current condition and providing a report, with long-term readiness contingent on future actions and funding.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Ship and Boat Building › Ship Building and Repairing
Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 5298 RIVER RD, CINCINNATI, OH, 45233
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $28,373
Exercised Options: $28,373
Current Obligation: $28,373
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-21
Current End Date: 2026-06-12
Potential End Date: 2026-06-12 12:19:22
Last Modified: 2026-04-10
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