VA awards $7.7M contract for ambulance services to Excelsior Ambulance Service Inc. in South Carolina

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,695,161 ($7.7M)

Contractor: Excelsior Ambulance Service Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-12-17

End Date: 2025-12-16

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: AMBULANCE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: CHARLESTON, CHARLESTON County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29401

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $7.7 million to EXCELSIOR AMBULANCE SERVICE INC for work described as: AMBULANCE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value of $7.7M for a 1-year period. 2. Competition method is 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'. 3. Primary contractor is Excelsior Ambulance Service Inc. 4. Service covers ambulance transportation, NAICS 621910.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $7.7M for a 1-year duration appears reasonable for ambulance services, especially considering the firm-fixed-price structure which limits cost overruns. Benchmarking against similar contracts would provide a more definitive assessment.

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 a competitive process was used. This method aims to ensure fair pricing and access to a broad range of qualified vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is expected to yield fair market pricing, ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential services.

Public Impact

Ensures critical emergency medical transport for veterans in South Carolina. Supports local healthcare infrastructure and employment through service provision. Provides a reliable and timely response for medical emergencies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased demand impacting service delivery.
Reliance on a single awardee for a critical service.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost uncertainty.
Competitive award process suggests reasonable pricing.
Clear performance period and service definition.

Sector Analysis

Ambulance services fall under the broader healthcare sector, specifically emergency medical services. Spending in this area is driven by population needs and healthcare system demands. Benchmarks for similar contracts would typically consider geographic location, service volume, and contract duration.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms, including performance monitoring and compliance checks, should be in place to ensure service quality and adherence to contract terms.

Related Government Programs

Ambulance Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for service disruption if contractor fails to meet demand.
Limited visibility into specific performance metrics.
Reliance on a single vendor for a critical service.
Need for ongoing cost-effectiveness analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $7.7 million to EXCELSIOR AMBULANCE SERVICE INC. AMBULANCE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EXCELSIOR AMBULANCE SERVICE INC.

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 $7.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-12-17. End: 2025-12-16.

What is the historical performance of Excelsior Ambulance Service Inc. with the VA or other government agencies?

Information on the historical performance of Excelsior Ambulance Service Inc. is crucial for assessing reliability and quality. Past performance reviews, contract compliance records, and any documented issues or commendations would provide insight into their capabilities and adherence to service level agreements. This data helps in validating the current award and anticipating future service delivery.

How does the per-unit cost of ambulance transport under this contract compare to regional or national averages for similar services?

Benchmarking the per-unit cost against regional and national averages for ambulance transportation services is essential for evaluating cost-effectiveness. If this contract's pricing is significantly higher than comparable services, it could indicate potential overspending or a lack of sufficient competition. Conversely, lower costs might suggest favorable negotiation or efficient service provision.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will they be monitored to ensure service effectiveness?

Key performance indicators for ambulance services typically include response times, patient care quality, equipment readiness, and staff qualifications. Effective monitoring of these KPIs by the VA is vital to ensure that veterans receive timely and appropriate medical transport. Regular performance reviews and clear reporting mechanisms are necessary to hold the contractor accountable and ensure service effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Other Ambulatory Health Care Services › Ambulance Services

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: 40 E ACADEMY ST. STE 979, LUDOWICI, GA, 31316

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,695,161

Exercised Options: $7,695,161

Current Obligation: $7,695,161

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24724D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline