VA awards $1.1M contract for elevator inspections to Veterans Fire and Life Safety Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $110,462 ($110.5K)

Contractor: Veterans Fire and Life Safety Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2023-05-01

End Date: 2027-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $76/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ELEVATOR INSPECTION

Place of Performance

Location: HAMPTON, HAMPTON CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23667

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $110,461.56 to VETERANS FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY CORPORATION for work described as: ELEVATOR INSPECTION Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single vendor, raising questions about competition. 2. The contract value is relatively small, suggesting a localized or specialized need. 3. Potential for cost savings if competitive bidding were fully explored. 4. The sector is essential for safety and compliance in government facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.1M over four years for elevator inspections appears reasonable for specialized services. Benchmarking against similar contracts is difficult without more detailed scope information.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting an expectation of lower prices due to less formal competition. The award to a single vendor indicates limited market research or a specific capability requirement.

Taxpayer Impact: While SAP can lead to efficiency, the lack of full and open competition may result in higher costs for taxpayers than a broader bidding process.

Public Impact

Ensures safety and compliance of elevators in VA facilities. Supports a private company providing essential safety services. Impacts the operational readiness and safety of veterans' facilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 76 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may lead to suboptimal pricing.
Lack of transparency in the procurement process.
Potential for vendor lock-in if capabilities are highly specialized.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical safety need for veterans.
Contract awarded to a firm with a relevant name, potentially aligning with VA's mission.
Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under building inspection services, a niche within professional services. Spending in this area is driven by regulatory requirements and facility maintenance needs, with benchmarks varying significantly by service type and location.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if the awardee is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation in federal contracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of SAP suggests a streamlined process, but oversight is still crucial to ensure fair pricing and adequate performance. The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for monitoring contract execution and vendor compliance.

Related Government Programs

Building Inspection Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for higher costs due to lack of full and open competition
Lack of transparency regarding other bidders
Need for detailed performance monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $110,461.56 to VETERANS FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY CORPORATION. ELEVATOR INSPECTION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VETERANS FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY CORPORATION.

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 $110,461.56.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the typical cost range for elevator inspection services of this scope and duration in Virginia?

The typical cost range for elevator inspection services can vary widely based on the number of elevators, complexity of the systems, frequency of inspections, and geographic location. For a four-year contract valued at $1.1M, this averages to $275,000 per year. Without knowing the exact number and type of elevators, this figure could be reasonable or high.

Were there any other qualified vendors considered or approached during the SAP competition?

Under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), agencies are encouraged to solicit quotes from multiple sources when practicable. While the award was made to one vendor, it's possible other vendors were solicited but did not submit competitive offers, or the agency identified a specific vendor with unique qualifications or pricing.

How does the fixed-price contract structure mitigate risks for the VA regarding cost overruns?

A firm-fixed-price contract shifts the majority of cost risk to the contractor. The VA agrees to pay a set price, and the contractor is responsible for managing their costs to remain profitable. This structure provides budget certainty for the VA and incentivizes the contractor to control expenses, reducing the risk of unexpected cost increases.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Building Inspection Services

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › OTHER QUALITY, TEST, INSPECT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C24623Q0421

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7 SHERRI LN, SAINT PETERS, MO, 63376

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $134,650

Exercised Options: $110,462

Current Obligation: $110,462

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline