DHS awards $100K contract for urgent pipe repairs in remote Alaska facility

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $100,000 ($100.0K)

Contractor: Hunatek Federal Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-07-08

Contract Duration: 91 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: THIS CONTRACT SERVES TO REPAIR THE BROKEN AND FROZEN PIPES IN THE BERTHING UNIT IN COLD BAY, ALASKA

Place of Performance

Location: COLD BAY, ALEUTIANS EAST County, ALASKA, 99571

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $99,999.99 to HUNATEK FEDERAL SERVICES, LLC for work described as: THIS CONTRACT SERVES TO REPAIR THE BROKEN AND FROZEN PIPES IN THE BERTHING UNIT IN COLD BAY, ALASKA Key points: 1. Contract addresses critical infrastructure needs in a challenging environment. 2. Limited competition is expected due to the specialized nature and location. 3. Potential for cost overruns exists given the remote location and urgency. 4. Performance timeline is tight, requiring efficient execution. 5. Focus on essential facility maintenance within the Coast Guard's operational support. 6. Contract value is relatively small, indicating a specific, localized need.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $99,999.99 appears reasonable for emergency repairs in a remote location like Cold Bay, Alaska, which typically incurs higher logistical costs. Benchmarking against similar emergency repair contracts for federal facilities in remote or Arctic regions would provide a clearer picture of value for money. Given the 'not available for competition' status, a direct comparison to competitively bid services is not feasible, but the price should be scrutinized against historical repair costs for similar infrastructure within the Coast Guard or other agencies operating in similar conditions.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed and was awarded as a sole-source definitive contract. The justification for this approach is not provided in the data, but it is likely due to the urgent nature of the repairs and the specialized requirements for working in a remote Alaskan location. The lack of competition means that price discovery through market forces was bypassed, potentially leading to a higher price than if multiple vendors had bid.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not have received the best possible price due to the absence of competitive bidding. The urgency and specialized nature of the work might justify the sole-source award, but transparency regarding the justification is crucial.

Public Impact

The U.S. Coast Guard facility in Cold Bay, Alaska, will benefit from restored functionality. Essential services such as heating and plumbing will be repaired, ensuring operational readiness. The geographic impact is localized to Cold Bay, Alaska, supporting critical federal operations in the region. Local or specialized contractors may be engaged for the repair work, potentially impacting the local workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost escalation due to remote location and logistical challenges.
Urgency of repairs may lead to rushed work and potential quality issues if not managed closely.
Lack of competition limits the ability to ensure the most cost-effective solution was secured.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical and immediate infrastructure need, preventing further damage or operational disruption.
Contract is for a fixed price, providing some cost certainty.
Short duration suggests a focused scope of work.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the construction and maintenance sector, specifically focusing on facility repair. The market for specialized repair services in remote Arctic regions is limited, often involving a small number of contractors with the necessary expertise and logistical capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found in other federal agencies operating in similar remote locations, such as the Department of Defense or the National Science Foundation, for facility maintenance and emergency repairs.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a stated requirement or focus for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Given the sole-source nature and the specialized requirements for remote repairs, it is unlikely that small businesses were significantly involved, either as prime contractors or subcontractors, unless they possess unique capabilities for this specific type of emergency work in Alaska. Further investigation into subcontracting plans would be needed to assess any potential impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the U.S. Coast Guard, a component of the Department of Homeland Security. Accountability measures would include adherence to the contract's fixed-price terms, delivery schedules, and quality standards for the repairs. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source award, but contract award details are typically available through federal procurement databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security Facility Maintenance
U.S. Coast Guard Infrastructure Support
Federal Emergency Repair Contracts
Arctic Region Federal Operations Support

Risk Flags

Sole-source award may limit cost-effectiveness.
Remote location increases logistical risks and potential for delays.
Urgency of repairs could lead to unforeseen complications.
Limited competition may impact price discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $99,999.99 to HUNATEK FEDERAL SERVICES, LLC. THIS CONTRACT SERVES TO REPAIR THE BROKEN AND FROZEN PIPES IN THE BERTHING UNIT IN COLD BAY, ALASKA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HUNATEK FEDERAL SERVICES, 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 $99,999.99.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-07-08.

What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, given the potential for competitive bidding?

The provided data indicates the contract was awarded as 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' and is a 'DEFINITIVE CONTRACT'. While the specific justification is not detailed, common reasons for sole-source awards in federal contracting include urgent and compelling needs where a delay would cause significant damage or loss, or when only one responsible source is capable of providing the required service. For a remote location like Cold Bay, Alaska, the specialized nature of pipe repair in freezing conditions, coupled with the logistical challenges and the need for immediate action to prevent further damage to the berthing unit, likely contributed to the decision to bypass full and open competition. The U.S. Coast Guard would have had to document this justification according to federal acquisition regulations (FAR) before proceeding with the sole-source award.

How does the $99,999.99 contract value compare to similar emergency repair projects in remote federal facilities?

Benchmarking this $99,999.99 contract requires comparing it to similar emergency pipe repair or facility maintenance projects undertaken by federal agencies in remote or Arctic environments. Such locations inherently incur higher costs due to transportation, specialized labor, and logistical support. Without specific data on comparable contracts, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. However, the amount appears to be within a reasonable range for a critical, time-sensitive repair in a high-cost-of-living and operating area like Alaska. Factors such as the extent of the damage, the complexity of the repair, and the duration of the repair window (91 days) would influence the overall cost. A detailed cost analysis by the contracting officer would have been necessary to validate the pricing.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, considering the location and urgency?

The primary risks associated with this contract are multifaceted. Firstly, the remote location of Cold Bay, Alaska, presents significant logistical challenges, potentially leading to delays in material delivery and personnel deployment, which could increase costs and extend the timeline beyond the planned 91 days. Secondly, the urgency of repairing frozen and broken pipes implies a critical need, and any failure to execute the repairs promptly could result in further damage to the berthing unit and compromise Coast Guard operations. Thirdly, the sole-source nature of the award means there was no competitive pressure to ensure the lowest possible price, introducing a risk of paying a premium. Finally, unforeseen site conditions or complexities in the existing infrastructure could arise during the repair process, leading to scope creep and cost overruns, despite the firm fixed-price contract type.

What is the expected impact on the operational readiness of the U.S. Coast Guard facility in Cold Bay?

The successful and timely completion of this contract is expected to have a positive impact on the operational readiness of the U.S. Coast Guard facility in Cold Bay, Alaska. The repairs address critical infrastructure failures related to frozen and broken pipes, which directly affect the habitability and functionality of the berthing unit. Restoring essential services like heating and plumbing is crucial for maintaining a safe and operational environment for personnel stationed at the facility. By resolving these issues, the contract aims to prevent further degradation of the facility, ensure continuity of operations, and support the Coast Guard's mission in this strategically important, albeit remote, location.

How does this contract fit into the broader spending patterns for facility maintenance within the U.S. Coast Guard or Department of Homeland Security?

This contract represents a small, specific expenditure within the larger budget allocated for facility maintenance and infrastructure repair by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security. While the $99,999.99 value is not substantial in the context of overall federal spending, it highlights the ongoing need to maintain critical infrastructure, particularly in challenging and remote operational environments like Alaska. The Coast Guard, operating numerous facilities across diverse climates, consistently requires funding for repairs and upgrades. This contract is indicative of the types of localized, often urgent, maintenance needs that arise and must be addressed to ensure the effective functioning of federal assets and personnel support.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Building Equipment Contractors › Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors

Product/Service Code: INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT › INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 13900 LINCOLN PARK DR STE 350D, HERNDON, VA, 20171

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $100,000

Exercised Options: $100,000

Current Obligation: $100,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline