Army Awards $13.3M for Environmental Test Chamber to Cedarville Engineering Group LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,344,839 ($13.3M)

Contractor: Cedarville Engineering Group LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-03-13

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 658 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DESIGN, FABRICATE, AND INSTALL AN ENVIRONMENTAL TEST CHAMBER TO SUPPORT CLIMATE TESTING ON DIFFERENT TYPES OF ASSETS AT LETTERKENNY ARMY DEPOT.

Place of Performance

Location: CHAMBERSBURG, FRANKLIN County, PENNSYLVANIA, 17201

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $13.3 million to CEDARVILLE ENGINEERING GROUP LLC for work described as: DESIGN, FABRICATE, AND INSTALL AN ENVIRONMENTAL TEST CHAMBER TO SUPPORT CLIMATE TESTING ON DIFFERENT TYPES OF ASSETS AT LETTERKENNY ARMY DEPOT. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for a critical environmental test chamber to support climate testing. 2. Limited competition due to contract type, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. Risk of cost overruns exists given the fixed-price nature and long duration. 4. Spending falls within the 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $13.3M for a custom environmental test chamber appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. However, without specific benchmarks for similar custom-built chambers, a precise comparison is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, indicating a limited source selection. This lack of competition may have prevented a more thorough price discovery process, potentially leading to a higher price than if multiple vendors had bid.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the limited competition for this specialized equipment.

Public Impact

Ensures critical climate testing capabilities for Army assets at Letterkenny Army Depot. Supports the readiness and reliability of military equipment through environmental simulation. Funds allocated for advanced manufacturing and engineering services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Limited competition may inflate costs.
  • Long contract duration increases risk exposure.
  • Fixed-price contract may not fully account for unforeseen technical challenges.

Positive Signals

  • Essential capability for Army asset testing.
  • Supports domestic manufacturing and engineering.
  • Clear end-date for project completion.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on technological advancements and defense requirements. The $13.3M award is a significant investment for a single, specialized piece of equipment.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Cedarville Engineering Group LLC, a firm. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which is a missed opportunity for subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of the Army. Oversight will be crucial to ensure the chamber meets specifications and the project stays within budget and schedule, especially given the limited competition.

Related Government Programs

  • Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

  • Lack of full and open competition.
  • Potential for cost overruns on fixed-price contract.
  • No small business participation noted.
  • Specialized equipment may have limited vendor pool.
  • Long performance period increases risk.

Tags

other-measuring-and-controlling-device-m, department-of-defense, pa, definitive-contract, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $13.3 million to CEDARVILLE ENGINEERING GROUP LLC. DESIGN, FABRICATE, AND INSTALL AN ENVIRONMENTAL TEST CHAMBER TO SUPPORT CLIMATE TESTING ON DIFFERENT TYPES OF ASSETS AT LETTERKENNY ARMY DEPOT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CEDARVILLE ENGINEERING GROUP LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-03-13. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the expected lifespan and maintenance cost of this environmental test chamber?

The expected lifespan and associated maintenance costs for this environmental test chamber are not detailed in the provided data. Further inquiry with the contracting agency would be necessary to ascertain these figures. Understanding these long-term costs is crucial for a complete total cost of ownership assessment beyond the initial acquisition price.

Were there any attempts to solicit bids from multiple vendors before awarding this limited competition contract?

The data indicates the contract was 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' suggesting that a full and open solicitation process was not undertaken. While 'limited' competition is mentioned, the specifics of why it was limited and if any other vendors were considered or approached are not provided. This lack of transparency raises questions about the procurement process.

How will the effectiveness of the environmental test chamber be measured post-installation?

The effectiveness of the environmental test chamber will likely be measured through performance verification testing against specified environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, etc.) and its ability to successfully simulate required conditions for asset testing. Acceptance testing by the Letterkenny Army Depot will be the primary mechanism to confirm it meets all contractual requirements and operational needs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingNavigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments ManufacturingOther Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: W911N224R0013

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 159 E HIGH ST, POTTSTOWN, PA, 19464

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,344,839

Exercised Options: $13,344,839

Current Obligation: $13,344,839

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2025-03-13

Current End Date: 2026-12-31

Potential End Date: 2026-12-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-11-13

More Contracts from Cedarville Engineering Group LLC

View all Cedarville Engineering Group LLC federal contracts →

Other Department of Defense Contracts

View all Department of Defense contracts →

Explore Related Government Spending