DOE awards $12.5M for battery services, with competition ensuring value
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,467 ($12.5K)
Contractor: Countertrade Products, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2025-06-11
End Date: 2025-08-27
Contract Duration: 77 days
Daily Burn Rate: $162/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: NUNN BATTERIES
Place of Performance
Location: ARVADA, JEFFERSON County, COLORADO, 80003
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $12,466.64 to COUNTERTRADE PRODUCTS, INC. for work described as: NUNN BATTERIES Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the short duration and specialized nature of the services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a healthy market for these services. 3. No immediate risk indicators are apparent from the contract details provided. 4. Performance context is limited to IT services, suggesting a focus on specific technical support. 5. This contract fits within the broader IT services sector for government agencies.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $12.5 million for a 77-day period is substantial on a daily basis. However, without specific details on the services rendered, a direct comparison to similar contracts is difficult. The firm fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator of value if the scope is well-defined. Benchmarking against market rates for specialized IT services would provide a clearer picture of value for money.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while the competition was broad, there might have been specific exclusions initially. The presence of multiple bidders (implied by 'full and open') is generally positive for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers. The specific details of the exclusion of sources would be crucial for a complete understanding of the competitive landscape.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces and ensuring a wider pool of potential providers are considered.
Public Impact
The Department of Energy benefits from specialized IT services to support its operations. Services delivered likely include computer-related support and maintenance for critical energy infrastructure or research. The geographic impact is centered in Colorado, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications may involve specialized IT professionals employed by the contractor.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if the 'exclusion of sources' was not fully justified.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical IT services could pose a risk if not managed effectively.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed-price contract structure limits cost uncertainty for the government.
- Full and open competition suggests a robust market and potential for competitive pricing.
- Short duration may indicate a specific, time-bound need, reducing long-term commitment risks.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) services sector, specifically under the 'Other Computer Related Services' NAICS code (541519). This sector is characterized by a wide range of services, from software development to hardware maintenance and network support. Government spending in this area is substantial, supporting agency operations, cybersecurity, and modernization efforts. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other IT service contracts awarded by the Department of Energy and other federal agencies for similar scope and duration.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary set-aside consideration for this award. This suggests the contract was likely awarded to a larger entity or that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses were not explicitly mandated or tracked in this specific award notice. Further analysis of subcontracting plans would be needed to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Energy's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price structure, which places cost risk on the contractor. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, where award details are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Energy IT Modernization Programs
- Federal Civilian Agency IT Services
- Energy Sector Technology Support Contracts
Risk Flags
- Potential lack of transparency regarding 'Exclusion of Sources'.
Tags
it-services, department-of-energy, colorado, firm-fixed-price, large-contract, full-and-open-competition, computer-related-services, delivery-order, short-term
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $12,466.64 to COUNTERTRADE PRODUCTS, INC.. NUNN BATTERIES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is COUNTERTRADE PRODUCTS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $12,466.64.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-06-11. End: 2025-08-27.
What specific 'Other Computer Related Services' are being provided under this contract?
The provided data does not specify the exact nature of the 'Other Computer Related Services' (NAICS 541519). This category is broad and can encompass a wide range of IT support, including but not limited to, IT system administration, network management, database administration, IT consulting, disaster recovery services, and technical support for specialized software or hardware. To understand the value and impact, a detailed statement of work (SOW) or contract line item numbers (CLINs) would be necessary to delineate the precise services being procured. Without this, it's challenging to benchmark effectively against market rates or assess performance risks.
How does the daily cost of this contract compare to similar IT service contracts within the Department of Energy?
The contract has a total value of $12,466,640 over 77 days, equating to approximately $162,000 per day. Benchmarking this daily rate against similar IT service contracts within the Department of Energy requires access to a broader dataset of contracts with comparable scope, duration, and service complexity. Given the 'Other Computer Related Services' classification, which can be highly specialized, a direct comparison might be difficult without knowing the specific deliverables. However, this daily rate is significant and suggests either a high level of expertise required, intensive service delivery, or potentially a premium for specialized support within a critical agency like the DOE.
What were the specific reasons for 'Exclusion of Sources' in this 'Full and Open Competition' award?
The designation 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' implies that while the competition was intended to be broad, certain sources were initially excluded, and then the competition was opened to all remaining responsible sources. The reasons for such exclusions can vary, including specific technical requirements, prior performance issues with certain vendors, or unique capabilities possessed by a limited number of firms. Understanding the justification for these exclusions is critical for assessing whether the competition was truly as open as possible and if it potentially limited the range of competitive offers, which could impact price discovery and overall value for taxpayers.
What is the track record of COUNTERTRADE PRODUCTS, INC. with the Department of Energy or similar federal agencies?
Information regarding the specific track record of COUNTERTRADE PRODUCTS, INC. with the Department of Energy or other federal agencies is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), previous contract awards, and any documented issues or successes. Without this historical context, it is difficult to gauge their reliability, efficiency, and ability to deliver on this specific contract effectively. Federal procurement databases and agency performance records would be the primary sources for this information.
Are there any performance risks associated with the short 77-day duration of this contract?
The short 77-day duration of this contract (approximately 2.5 months) suggests a focused, potentially urgent, or short-term requirement. While a short duration can mitigate risks associated with long-term contractor performance and evolving technological needs, it can also introduce risks. These include potential rushed delivery, insufficient time for thorough testing or integration, and the possibility that the contractor may not fully understand the long-term implications of the services provided. Furthermore, if the services are critical, the short timeframe might necessitate expedited processes that could increase the likelihood of errors or require significant ramp-up time for the contractor, potentially impacting immediate effectiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: ELECTRIC WIRE, POWER DISTRIB EQPT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7585 W 66TH AVE, ARVADA, CO, 80003
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $12,467
Exercised Options: $12,467
Current Obligation: $12,467
Actual Outlays: $12,467
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNG15SC65B
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-06-11
Current End Date: 2025-08-27
Potential End Date: 2025-08-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-03
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