VA awards $6.3M contract for specialized transportation, highlighting regional needs in Florida

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,320,430 ($6.3M)

Contractor: Excelsior Ambulance Service Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2021-08-01

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.5K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: SPECIAL MODE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES NF/SG VHS - NORTH REGION

Place of Performance

Location: GAINESVILLE, ALACHUA County, FLORIDA, 32608

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $6.3 million to EXCELSIOR AMBULANCE SERVICE INC for work described as: SPECIAL MODE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES NF/SG VHS - NORTH REGION Key points: 1. Contract awarded through a competitive process, suggesting potential for good value. 2. Focus on specialized transportation indicates a critical need for specific patient populations. 3. Long duration of the contract (5 years) allows for stable service provision. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the agency. 5. Geographic focus on Florida suggests tailored service delivery for a specific region. 6. The award to a single vendor implies a need for specialized capabilities or market concentration.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $6.3 million over five years for specialized transportation services appears reasonable given the duration and the specific nature of the service. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized medical transport would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The firm fixed-price structure offers cost predictability for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Without specific per-unit cost data, a precise value assessment is challenging, but the overall contract size suggests a significant operational requirement.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating a competitive process suitable for acquisitions below certain thresholds. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, the use of SAP generally aims to foster competition. The fact that it was competed suggests that multiple vendors were likely considered, which should contribute to price discovery and potentially better pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competed contract, even under SAP, generally offers better value to taxpayers than a sole-source award by encouraging multiple vendors to offer competitive pricing.

Public Impact

Veterans in the North Region of Florida will benefit from reliable and specialized transportation services. The contract ensures the delivery of essential transportation for medical appointments and related needs. Services are geographically focused within Florida, impacting veterans residing in that state. Potential workforce implications include job creation for drivers and support staff within the selected vendor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess service quality.
Limited information on the number of bidders prevents a full understanding of the competitive landscape.
The 'Special Needs Transportation' designation could imply complex logistical challenges not fully detailed.

Positive Signals

The contract was competed, indicating an effort to secure competitive pricing.
A firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the agency.
The five-year duration offers stability for service provision and planning.
The award addresses a specific need for specialized transportation for veterans.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the transportation and logistics sector, specifically focusing on specialized medical or patient transport. The market for such services often involves dedicated fleets and trained personnel to handle specific patient needs. The Department of Veterans Affairs is a significant procurer of healthcare-related services, including transportation, to support its mission of caring for veterans across the nation. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within government databases tracking medical logistics and patient movement contracts.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract included small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation. If the prime contractor is a large business, the impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether they utilize small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract's terms and conditions, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Veterans Health Administration Medical Support Contracts
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services
Department of Defense Transportation Services
Federal Healthcare Logistics

Risk Flags

Potential for service disruptions due to driver availability or vehicle maintenance.
Ensuring consistent quality of care and patient safety during transport.
Managing geographic coverage effectively across the North Region of Florida.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical transportation needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $6.3 million to EXCELSIOR AMBULANCE SERVICE INC. SPECIAL MODE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES NF/SG VHS - NORTH REGION

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 $6.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-08-01. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the typical cost per mile or per trip for specialized transportation services like this within the VA or similar federal agencies?

Determining a precise benchmark for 'specialized transportation' per mile or per trip is complex due to variations in service requirements (e.g., wheelchair accessibility, specialized equipment, trained attendants), geographic location, and contract structure. However, general non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) can range from $20-$50 per trip for basic services, while wheelchair-accessible vans might be $40-$80 per trip, and ambulance services significantly higher. For specialized needs within the VA, costs could be at the higher end of these ranges or exceed them, especially if the contract involves long-distance transport, specific medical equipment, or highly trained personnel. The $6.3 million contract over 5 years averages to approximately $1.26 million per year. If we assume an average of 100 trips per day (a rough estimate), that's about 36,500 trips annually, leading to an average cost of roughly $34.50 per trip. This figure needs to be contextualized with the specific services rendered, distance, and personnel involved.

How many bids were received for this contract, and how does that compare to similar specialized transportation contracts?

The provided data indicates the contract was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) and lists 'no' (number of offers) as 7. This means 7 offers were received. SAP is used for acquisitions typically under $250,000, though thresholds can vary. For contracts of this size and nature, receiving 7 offers suggests a reasonably competitive process. However, without knowing the specific value threshold for SAP in this instance or comparing it to a broader dataset of similar VA transportation contracts, it's difficult to definitively state if 7 offers is high or low. Generally, more offers indicate broader competition, which can lead to better pricing and service options for the government.

What specific 'special needs' does this transportation service address for veterans in the North Region of Florida?

The term 'Special Needs Transportation' in this context typically refers to services required by individuals who cannot use standard public transportation or private vehicles due to physical, cognitive, or medical conditions. For veterans, this often includes transportation to and from medical appointments (VA facilities, community care providers), therapy sessions, or other essential services. Specific needs could encompass wheelchair accessibility, assistance with mobility, specialized seating, or even basic life support during transit if required. The contract likely covers veterans with service-connected disabilities, mobility impairments, or those undergoing treatment that temporarily affects their ability to travel independently. The geographic focus on Florida's North Region suggests a concentrated effort to serve the veteran population in that specific area.

What is the track record of Excelsior Ambulance Service Inc. with VA contracts or similar government service agreements?

Information regarding Excelsior Ambulance Service Inc.'s specific track record with the VA or other government agencies is not detailed in the provided data snippet. A comprehensive assessment would require searching federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) for past awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any history of disputes or contract terminations. Companies awarded contracts, especially those with longer durations like this 5-year agreement, generally have demonstrated capabilities. However, without specific historical data, it's impossible to evaluate their past performance, reliability, or compliance with government requirements.

How does the $6.3 million total contract value compare to historical VA spending on specialized transportation in Florida or nationally?

The $6.3 million contract value for specialized transportation services over five years ($1.26 million annually) provides a specific data point for VA spending in Florida's North Region. To compare this to historical spending, one would need to analyze VA procurement data for similar services. Nationally, the VA spends billions annually on healthcare services, including a significant portion on logistics and transportation. Analyzing past VA contracts for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMTs), ambulance services, and specialized patient transport within Florida and across other regions would reveal trends. If this contract represents a significant increase or decrease compared to previous regional spending, or if it constitutes a large portion of the VA's overall transportation budget, it would indicate shifts in demand, service provision strategies, or market pricing.

Are there any identified risks associated with this contract, such as performance issues, cost overruns, or contractor viability?

Based solely on the provided data, specific risks are not explicitly detailed. However, general risks associated with transportation contracts include potential performance issues (e.g., late arrivals, vehicle breakdowns, driver shortages), challenges in maintaining service quality, and ensuring compliance with VA regulations and patient care standards. Cost overruns are less likely with a Firm Fixed Price contract, but scope creep or unforeseen operational demands could still pose challenges. Contractor viability is a consideration for any long-term contract; Excelsior Ambulance Service Inc.'s financial stability and operational capacity would be crucial. The fact that it was competed suggests the agency assessed potential risks and found the chosen vendor capable. Further risk assessment would involve reviewing performance history, financial health, and operational plans.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C24821Q0591

Offers Received: 7

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: $6,610,935

Exercised Options: $6,320,430

Current Obligation: $6,320,430

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline