HHS awards $119,711 for Animal Feed Room Cooling System to General and Mechanical Services, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $119,712 ($119.7K)

Contractor: General and Mechanical Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2026-04-16

End Date: 2026-08-31

Contract Duration: 137 days

Daily Burn Rate: $874/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: C201640 - INSTALLATION OF SUPPLEMENTAL COOLING & DEHUMIDIFICATION SYSTEM IN ANIMAL FEED ROOM, BLDG. 49

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20892

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $119,711.5 to GENERAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, LLC for work described as: C201640 - INSTALLATION OF SUPPLEMENTAL COOLING & DEHUMIDIFICATION SYSTEM IN ANIMAL FEED ROOM, BLDG. 49 Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential facility upgrade at NIH. 2. General and Mechanical Services, LLC secured the contract. 3. The project addresses a specific need for environmental control. 4. The contract value is relatively modest, suggesting a focused scope.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $119,711 appears reasonable for a specialized HVAC installation. Benchmarking against similar facility upgrade contracts within government facilities would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and awarded via a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call. This method is suitable for smaller dollar amounts but may limit the breadth of competition compared to full and open solicitations.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a necessary facility improvement, ensuring proper conditions for animal care and research.

Public Impact

Ensures optimal environmental conditions for animals housed at NIH facilities. Supports the continuity of research activities by maintaining critical infrastructure. Highlights the ongoing need for facility maintenance and upgrades within federal research institutions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to SAP and BPA Call.
Potential for price escalation if scope expands beyond initial requirements.

Positive Signals

Addresses a specific, documented need.
Utilizes established procurement vehicles (BPA Call).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the construction and facilities maintenance sector, specifically related to HVAC services. Spending in this area is consistent with the operational needs of large research institutions like NIH, which require specialized environmental controls.

Small Business Impact

Analysis of whether General and Mechanical Services, LLC is a small business is not provided in the data. Further investigation would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made under a BPA Call, suggesting it aligns with pre-negotiated terms and conditions. Standard government oversight for contract performance and payment would apply.

Related Government Programs

Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition.
Potential for scope creep.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical system installation.
Lack of detailed technical specifications in provided data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $119,711.5 to GENERAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, LLC. C201640 - INSTALLATION OF SUPPLEMENTAL COOLING & DEHUMIDIFICATION SYSTEM IN ANIMAL FEED ROOM, BLDG. 49

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $119,711.5.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-16. End: 2026-08-31.

What is the specific temperature and humidity range required for the animal feed room, and how does this system ensure those parameters are met?

The specific temperature and humidity range requirements are not detailed in the provided data. However, supplemental cooling and dehumidification systems are designed to maintain precise environmental conditions critical for preserving feed quality and preventing spoilage. The system's effectiveness would be measured by its ability to consistently achieve and maintain the target parameters as specified in the technical requirements of the contract.

What is the potential risk of system failure or malfunction, and what are the contingency plans in place?

The primary risk is the failure of the cooling and dehumidification system, which could compromise feed integrity and impact animal welfare. Contingency plans likely involve emergency cooling measures, rapid repair protocols by the contractor, and potentially temporary relocation of feed if feasible. The contract's performance standards and warranty provisions would dictate the contractor's responsibility in addressing such failures.

How does this system contribute to the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of NIH's animal care operations?

By ensuring proper storage conditions for animal feed, this system prevents spoilage and waste, directly contributing to cost-effectiveness. Maintaining optimal environmental conditions also supports the health and well-being of research animals, potentially reducing costs associated with illness or compromised research outcomes. This proactive measure safeguards the investment in research by protecting essential resources.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1007 SKIDMORE DR, ANNAPOLIS, MD, 21409

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $119,712

Exercised Options: $119,712

Current Obligation: $119,712

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N99022A00018

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline