VA awards $2.68M for nursing staff, with full and open competition after source exclusion

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,675,724 ($2.7M)

Contractor: Arrow ARC LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-10-01

End Date: 2025-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: REGISTERED SPECIALTY NURSES, REGISTERED NURSES, AND NURSE ASSISTANTS.

Place of Performance

Location: DECATUR, DEKALB County, GEORGIA, 30033

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2.7 million to ARROW ARC LLC for work described as: REGISTERED SPECIALTY NURSES, REGISTERED NURSES, AND NURSE ASSISTANTS. Key points: 1. Significant contract value for essential healthcare personnel. 2. Competition method indicates a structured procurement process. 3. Potential for cost savings through fixed-price contract. 4. Focus on temporary staffing highlights potential workforce gaps.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.68M for nursing staff appears reasonable given the duration and scope. Benchmarking against similar temporary nursing contracts would provide a more precise assessment of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' method suggests that while the competition was broad, specific criteria or prior exclusions were applied. This can impact price discovery by narrowing the pool of eligible bidders.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical healthcare services, with the aim of achieving competitive pricing through the chosen procurement strategy.

Public Impact

Ensures continued access to vital nursing services for veterans. Supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' mission to provide healthcare. Impacts the availability and cost of temporary nursing staff in the market.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 70 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price escalation if demand for nurses increases.
Reliance on temporary staff may indicate underlying staffing challenges.

Positive Signals

Utilizes a competitive bidding process.
Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Addresses a critical healthcare need.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Healthcare sector, specifically for temporary staffing services. Spending in this area is often driven by demand for specialized skills and fluctuating healthcare needs.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses participated in or benefited from this contract award.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract to ensure the quality and timeliness of nursing services provided.

Related Government Programs

Temporary Help Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for over-reliance on temporary staff.
Competition method requires careful justification of exclusions.
Fixed-price contracts can limit flexibility if needs change significantly.
Market rates for nursing staff can be volatile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.7 million to ARROW ARC LLC. REGISTERED SPECIALTY NURSES, REGISTERED NURSES, AND NURSE ASSISTANTS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ARROW ARC 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 $2.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-01. End: 2025-09-30.

What is the typical hourly rate for registered nurses and nurse assistants under similar temporary staffing contracts?

The typical hourly rate for registered nurses under temporary staffing contracts can range significantly based on specialty, location, and contract duration, often between $50-$150 per hour. Nurse assistants typically fall between $20-$40 per hour. Without specific details on the nurse mix and location, a precise benchmark is difficult, but the overall contract value suggests a substantial number of hours will be covered.

What were the specific reasons for excluding certain sources in the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' method?

Excluding sources in a full and open competition typically occurs when prior performance issues, specific technical capabilities not met by all offerors, or unique requirements necessitate a narrowed initial pool. The agency would need to justify these exclusions based on documented criteria to ensure fairness and compliance with procurement regulations.

How does this contract contribute to addressing potential nursing shortages within the VA system?

This contract directly addresses potential nursing shortages by providing a mechanism to quickly acquire registered nurses and nurse assistants on a temporary basis. It allows the VA to fill immediate staffing gaps, maintain patient care levels, and manage fluctuations in demand without the long-term commitment of permanent hires.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Employment Services › Temporary Help Services

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › NURSING, NURSING HOME, EVAL/SCREEN

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 36C24724Q0752

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 110 NORTH ROYAL STREET, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314

Business Categories: Category Business, Joint Venture Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,673,362

Exercised Options: $2,675,724

Current Obligation: $2,675,724

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C10X24D0003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline