Janitorial services contract for Woods Hole facility awarded to Transcend Maintenance Services for over $511K

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $511,626 ($511.6K)

Contractor: Transcend Maintenance Services Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2023-05-01

End Date: 2027-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $350/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: AWARD CONTRACT TO TRANSCEND MAINTENANCE SERVICES, INC. FOR WOODS HOLE FACILITY JANITORIAL SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: MARSTONS MILLS, BARNSTABLE County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02648

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $511,625.76 to TRANSCEND MAINTENANCE SERVICES INC for work described as: AWARD CONTRACT TO TRANSCEND MAINTENANCE SERVICES, INC. FOR WOODS HOLE FACILITY JANITORIAL SERVICES. Key points: 1. The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 2. A firm-fixed-price contract type indicates that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns. 3. The contract duration of approximately four years provides stability for both the agency and the contractor. 4. The award was made to a single entity, Transcend Maintenance Services, Inc. 5. The service falls under the Janitorial Services NAICS code. 6. The contract is for services at the Woods Hole facility, managed by NOAA.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking janitorial services can be challenging due to variations in scope and location. However, the award amount of over $511,000 for a four-year contract suggests an average annual cost of approximately $127,000. This figure needs to be compared against similar contracts for facilities of comparable size and complexity within the NOAA or Department of Commerce portfolio to assess value for money. Without specific comparable data, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents excellent or questionable value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a less formal bidding process than full and open competition. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP often implies a limited number of offers, potentially from pre-qualified vendors or through specific solicitations. This level of competition may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to broader solicitations.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competition under SAP may mean slightly higher prices than could be achieved through full and open competition, but it also allows for more agile procurement of necessary services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its personnel at the Woods Hole facility, who will receive janitorial services. The services delivered include maintaining cleanliness and sanitation standards within the facility. The geographic impact is localized to the Woods Hole, Massachusetts area. The contract supports jobs within the janitorial services sector, likely benefiting local employees of Transcend Maintenance Services, Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP could potentially lead to less favorable pricing for the government.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess service quality proactively.
The fixed-price nature of the contract, while shifting risk, could disincentivize exceeding basic service requirements if not carefully monitored.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the agency.
A four-year contract duration offers stability and reduces administrative burden associated with frequent re-procurement.
The award to a single, presumably qualified, vendor streamlines service delivery.

Sector Analysis

The janitorial services sector is a significant part of the facilities management industry, characterized by numerous small and medium-sized businesses. Government contracts for these services are common across various agencies. Spending in this sector is often driven by the need to maintain government facilities, research centers, and administrative buildings. Benchmarking janitorial service costs can vary widely based on facility size, location, and the specific services required (e.g., specialized cleaning, waste management).

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract included a small business set-aside or if Transcend Maintenance Services, Inc. is a small business. If it is not a small business, there may be opportunities for subcontracting to small businesses for specialized cleaning tasks or supplies, which would need to be assessed through the contract's subcontracting plan, if applicable. Without this information, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem remains unclear.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the contracting officer and the program manager within NOAA responsible for the Woods Hole facility. Accountability measures are usually embedded in the contract's performance standards and delivery requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Maintenance Contracts
NOAA Facility Operations
Department of Commerce Administrative Support
Janitorial and Cleaning Services Procurement

Risk Flags

Limited competition under SAP
Lack of detailed performance metrics
Potential for price variation compared to full and open competition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $511,625.76 to TRANSCEND MAINTENANCE SERVICES INC. AWARD CONTRACT TO TRANSCEND MAINTENANCE SERVICES, INC. FOR WOODS HOLE FACILITY JANITORIAL SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRANSCEND MAINTENANCE SERVICES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $511,625.76.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-05-01. End: 2027-04-30.

What is the track record of Transcend Maintenance Services, Inc. in performing government contracts, particularly for janitorial services?

Information regarding Transcend Maintenance Services, Inc.'s specific track record with government contracts, especially for janitorial services, is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough assessment would require reviewing their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), any past disputes or contract terminations, and the volume and type of previous government awards. Without this historical data, it is difficult to gauge their reliability and past success in fulfilling similar obligations. Further research into federal procurement databases would be necessary to establish a comprehensive performance profile.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for janitorial services in the Massachusetts area for a facility of this type?

To compare the awarded price of over $511,000 for four years (approximately $127,000 annually) to market rates, one would need to identify comparable facilities in the Woods Hole, Massachusetts region. Factors such as square footage, type of facility (e.g., office, laboratory, research), specific cleaning requirements (e.g., biohazard, sensitive equipment areas), and frequency of service are crucial. Market research would involve obtaining quotes from multiple commercial janitorial service providers in the area for similar scopes of work. Without this specific market data, a direct comparison to determine if the price is competitive or inflated is not possible from the provided information alone.

What are the specific performance standards and key performance indicators (KPIs) outlined in the contract to ensure service quality?

The provided data summary does not include the specific performance standards or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this janitorial services contract. Typically, such contracts would detail requirements related to cleaning frequency, specific areas to be cleaned, standards for cleanliness (e.g., visual inspection criteria, hygiene levels), response times for issues, and waste management protocols. The effectiveness of oversight and the assessment of value for money are heavily reliant on these defined standards. A review of the full contract document would be necessary to understand these critical performance metrics and how compliance is measured and enforced.

What is the historical spending pattern for janitorial services at the Woods Hole facility or similar NOAA facilities?

Historical spending data for janitorial services at the Woods Hole facility or comparable NOAA facilities is not provided. Analyzing past expenditures would allow for a trend analysis, identifying any significant increases or decreases in costs over time, and understanding the typical contract values for such services. This context is essential for evaluating whether the current award represents a reasonable continuation of spending, a significant deviation, or an adjustment due to changing needs or market conditions. Without this historical perspective, it is challenging to assess the long-term cost-effectiveness of this contract.

Were there any identified risks associated with this procurement or the selected contractor, and how were they mitigated?

The provided summary does not explicitly detail any specific risks identified during the procurement process for this janitorial services contract or associated with Transcend Maintenance Services, Inc. Standard risks in such procurements could include contractor performance issues, cost overruns (though mitigated by fixed-price), or disruptions to facility operations. Mitigation strategies would typically involve thorough vetting of the contractor, clear contract terms, performance monitoring, and contingency planning. Without explicit risk documentation, it's assumed that standard procurement due diligence was performed, but specific identified risks and their mitigation are not apparent from the data.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Services to Buildings and Dwellings › Janitorial Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1305M323QNFFM0040

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 99 CAMBRIDGE ST, BURLINGTON, MA, 01803

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $648,287

Exercised Options: $511,626

Current Obligation: $511,626

Actual Outlays: $283,583

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline