VA awards $2.4M contract for special needs transportation in Massachusetts

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,400,000 ($2.4M)

Contractor: Alternative Transportation Systems, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-06-30

End Date: 2027-06-29

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: BEDFORD SPECIAL MODE FINAL ORDER

Place of Performance

Location: BEDFORD, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01730

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2.4 million to ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS, LLC for work described as: BEDFORD SPECIAL MODE FINAL ORDER Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Alternative Transportation Systems, LLC for specialized transport services. 2. The contract duration is one year, with an end date of June 29, 2027. 3. This is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating predictable costs. 5. The award was made under full and open competition. 6. The geographic focus is Massachusetts.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.4 million for one year of specialized transportation services appears reasonable given the nature of the service. Without specific details on the number of individuals served or the scope of services, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests cost certainty for the VA. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized medical or disability transportation in other states would provide further insight into 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 the initial solicitation allowed all responsible sources to submit offers. This method generally promotes a competitive environment. The specific details of how many bids were received and the evaluation process are not provided, but the designation suggests a robust competition was intended.

Taxpayer Impact: This competitive approach is beneficial for taxpayers as it is designed to drive down costs and ensure the government receives the best possible value by considering a wide range of potential providers.

Public Impact

Veterans in Massachusetts requiring special needs transportation will benefit from this service. The contract ensures the delivery of essential transportation services for medical appointments and other needs. The geographic impact is limited to Massachusetts, serving the veteran population within the state. This contract supports the operational needs of the VA in providing care to its beneficiaries.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a fair and competitive process.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost predictability.
Contract duration of one year allows for periodic re-evaluation of needs and performance.
The contractor, Alternative Transportation Systems, LLC, is providing a critical service to veterans.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare transportation sector is a vital component of the broader healthcare delivery system, ensuring patient access to care. This contract falls within the specialized transportation services sub-sector, which often involves unique requirements for accessibility, safety, and trained personnel. Spending in this area is driven by demographic needs, particularly for elderly or disabled populations, and government healthcare initiatives. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within federal and state procurements for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. As it was awarded under full and open competition, it's possible that small businesses could have participated if they met the qualifications. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any subcontracting opportunities exist or if small businesses were involved in the bidding process.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Oversight mechanisms would typically include performance monitoring, quality assurance checks, and contract closeout procedures. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like SAM.gov. The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Medical Support Services
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) Programs
Department of Defense Medical Transportation Services

Risk Flags

Potential for service disruptions due to operational issues.
Ensuring consistent quality of care and driver professionalism.
Need for robust oversight to ensure compliance with VA standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.4 million to ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS, LLC. BEDFORD SPECIAL MODE FINAL ORDER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-06-30. End: 2027-06-29.

What is the track record of Alternative Transportation Systems, LLC with federal contracts, particularly with the VA?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess the track record of Alternative Transportation Systems, LLC. This would involve examining past contract awards, performance evaluations (if publicly available), and any history of disputes or contract modifications. Understanding their experience with similar services, especially for the Department of Veterans Affairs, would provide context for their ability to fulfill this current contract. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to definitively assess their reliability and past performance.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar special needs transportation contracts in Massachusetts or the broader Northeast region?

Benchmarking this $2.4 million contract against similar special needs transportation contracts in Massachusetts or the Northeast region requires access to detailed comparative data. Factors such as the number of individuals served, the types of transportation provided (e.g., wheelchair accessible, specialized equipment), geographic coverage, and service hours significantly influence pricing. A preliminary assessment suggests the amount is reasonable for a one-year contract covering a state, but a thorough comparison would involve analyzing contract vehicles, scope of work, and pricing structures of comparable awards to determine if it represents good value for money.

What are the specific performance metrics and service level agreements (SLAs) associated with this contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific performance metrics or service level agreements (SLAs) for this contract. Typically, contracts for specialized transportation services include requirements related to on-time performance, vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, safety protocols, and patient satisfaction. The Department of Veterans Affairs would have established these metrics to ensure the quality and reliability of the transportation provided. Monitoring adherence to these SLAs is crucial for effective contract management and ensuring veterans receive appropriate care.

What is the historical spending pattern for special needs transportation by the Department of Veterans Affairs in Massachusetts?

To analyze historical spending patterns for special needs transportation by the VA in Massachusetts, one would need to query federal procurement databases for past contracts related to this service within the specified geographic area. This analysis would reveal trends in contract values, awardees, and contract types over time. Understanding this history can help identify fluctuations in demand, changes in service providers, and potential cost efficiencies or inefficiencies. It would also provide context for the current $2.4 million award, indicating whether it represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending for these essential services.

Are there any known risks associated with Alternative Transportation Systems, LLC or the provision of special needs transportation services?

Potential risks associated with Alternative Transportation Systems, LLC could include operational challenges such as fleet maintenance, driver recruitment and retention, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. For the service itself, risks might involve disruptions due to weather, vehicle breakdowns, or unforeseen increases in demand. The VA would likely have risk mitigation strategies in place, such as requiring contingency plans from the contractor and maintaining backup provider options. A thorough risk assessment would also consider the contractor's financial stability and past performance history.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation › Special Needs Transportation

Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRAVEL, LODGING, RECRUITMENT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 9 DUDLEY CT, ARLINGTON, MA, 02476

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,400,000

Exercised Options: $2,400,000

Current Obligation: $2,400,000

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24121D0022

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline