DHS Coast Guard Spends $623,850 on SCADA WWTP Support from E & M Electric

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $62,385 ($62.4K)

Contractor: E & M Electric and Machinery, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-05-01

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $86/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: SCADA WWTP SUBSCRIPTION AND SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: PETALUMA, SONOMA County, CALIFORNIA, 94952

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $62,385 to E & M ELECTRIC AND MACHINERY, INC. for work described as: SCADA WWTP SUBSCRIPTION AND SUPPORT Key points: 1. The contract is for SCADA WWTP Subscription and Support. 2. E & M Electric and Machinery, Inc. is the contractor. 3. The Department of Homeland Security (US Coast Guard) is the agency. 4. The contract is Firm Fixed Price. 5. The contract duration is 729 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $623,850 for a 729-day period for SCADA WWTP subscription and support appears high without further benchmarking. The lack of competition makes a direct price comparison difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was not competed, listed as 'limited' competition. This suggests a potential lack of price discovery and may not have secured the best value for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition raises concerns about whether taxpayer funds were used efficiently for this SCADA WWTP support.

Public Impact

Ensures operational continuity for Water, Wastewater, and Treatment Plants (WWTP) through SCADA systems. Supports critical infrastructure managed by the U.S. Coast Guard. Potential for increased costs due to non-competitive award.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of Competition
Limited Transparency on Pricing
Potential for Overpricing

Positive Signals

Essential Service Provided
Fixed Price Contract

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Computer Systems Design Services (NAICS 541512). Spending in this sector can vary widely based on complexity and criticality. Without competitive bids, it's hard to benchmark this specific SCADA WWTP support cost.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to E & M Electric and Machinery, Inc. Information regarding this contractor's size (small or large business) is not provided, nor is there specific analysis of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The award method of 'limited' competition warrants further review to ensure proper justification and adherence to procurement regulations. Oversight should focus on the rationale for not seeking broader competition.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Coast Guard Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competitive bidding
Potential for inflated pricing
Limited transparency on vendor capabilities
Risk of service disruption if vendor fails

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $62,385 to E & M ELECTRIC AND MACHINERY, INC.. SCADA WWTP SUBSCRIPTION AND SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is E & M ELECTRIC AND MACHINERY, INC..

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 $62,385.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-05-01. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the justification for the limited competition award for SCADA WWTP support?

The justification for limited competition is not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such awards are made when only one source can meet the requirement, or in specific emergency situations. A thorough review would be needed to understand the specific circumstances that led to this non-competitive award and ensure it aligns with federal procurement regulations.

What are the risks associated with a limited competition award for critical infrastructure support?

Limited competition poses several risks, including potentially higher costs due to the absence of market pressure, reduced innovation from a lack of vendor diversity, and the possibility of vendor lock-in. For critical infrastructure like WWTPs, reliance on a single, non-competitively chosen vendor could also introduce supply chain vulnerabilities or service disruptions if that vendor faces issues.

How does the fixed-price contract structure impact the value for taxpayer money in this scenario?

A Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract aims to provide cost certainty for the government. However, in a limited competition scenario, the 'fixed' price might be set at a higher baseline than if multiple vendors competed. While the government is protected from cost overruns by the vendor, the initial price itself might not reflect the best possible value achievable through a competitive process.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - PLATFORM

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 70Z04924QTRAP0121

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 126 MILL ST, HEALDSBURG, CA, 95448

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $95,925

Exercised Options: $62,385

Current Obligation: $62,385

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline