VA awards $377K for fire alarm and sprinkler testing, with 7 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $377,400 ($377.4K)

Contractor: Veterans Fire and Life Safety Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2023-04-15

End Date: 2027-04-14

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $258/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FIRE ALARM & SPRINKLER TESTING SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: RIVIERA BEACH, PALM BEACH County, FLORIDA, 33410

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $377,400 to VETERANS FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY CORPORATION for work described as: FIRE ALARM & SPRINKLER TESTING SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable given the duration and scope of services. 2. Competition was robust with seven bids, suggesting fair market pricing. 3. No immediate red flags regarding contractor performance or risk indicators are apparent. 4. This contract supports essential safety infrastructure maintenance for VA facilities. 5. The services fall within the Security Systems Services sector, excluding locksmiths. 6. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $377,400 over approximately four years for fire alarm and sprinkler testing services seems within a reasonable range for the scope of work. Benchmarking against similar contracts for facility maintenance and safety systems would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm-fixed-price contract type helps manage cost predictability. Without specific per-unit data, a direct pricing assessment is limited, but the overall award amount appears proportionate to the service duration.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a full and open competition process for awards below a certain threshold. The receipt of seven bids suggests a healthy level of interest and competition among qualified vendors. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition for this contract likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers compared to a sole-source or limited competition scenario. It indicates that multiple businesses were able to meet the government's requirements, fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs.

Public Impact

Veterans utilizing VA facilities benefit from enhanced safety and compliance. Ensures the operational readiness and safety of critical fire suppression and alarm systems. Services are geographically focused within Florida, impacting VA facilities in that state. Supports specialized technical jobs in fire safety and system maintenance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if unforeseen system failures require extensive repairs beyond routine testing.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical safety system maintenance could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
Multiple bids indicate a competitive market and potential for quality service.
Contract supports essential safety functions, contributing to facility reliability.

Sector Analysis

The fire alarm and sprinkler testing services market is a niche within the broader facility maintenance and security services sector. This contract fits within the government's need to ensure the safety and compliance of its infrastructure. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other government contracts for similar safety system maintenance across various agencies and facility types, as well as private sector industry standards for testing and inspection services.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was competed under SAP, which often includes provisions for small businesses. However, there is no explicit indication of a small business set-aside for this specific award. The contractor, VETERANS FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY CORPORATION, may be a small business itself, or if not, the subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would depend on the prime contractor's practices and the nature of the services required.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Fire Protection Services
Facility Maintenance Contracts
Safety and Security Systems Procurement
Department of Veterans Affairs Operations

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues if contractor lacks specialized expertise.
Risk of increased costs if unforeseen system failures require extensive repairs.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical safety system maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $377,400 to VETERANS FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY CORPORATION. FIRE ALARM & SPRINKLER TESTING SERVICES

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 $377,400.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-04-15. End: 2027-04-14.

What is the track record of VETERANS FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY CORPORATION with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess VETERANS FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY CORPORATION's track record. This would involve examining past contract awards, performance evaluations (if publicly available), and any history of disputes or contract terminations. Understanding their experience with similar services, particularly for federal agencies and specifically the VA, would provide insight into their reliability and capability to fulfill the current contract requirements. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to provide a detailed assessment of their performance.

How does the awarded price compare to industry benchmarks for fire alarm and sprinkler testing services?

Directly comparing the awarded price of $377,400 over approximately four years requires detailed cost breakdowns and specific service level agreements. Industry benchmarks for fire alarm and sprinkler testing can vary significantly based on the size and complexity of the facilities, the frequency of testing, and the specific standards being met (e.g., NFPA codes). A comprehensive analysis would involve obtaining quotes from multiple private sector providers for similar services or consulting industry cost-estimating guides. Given the competitive bidding process with seven offers, it suggests the price is likely competitive within the market, but a precise benchmark comparison is not feasible with the provided data alone.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential service disruptions if the contractor fails to perform adequately, unforeseen system failures requiring costly repairs beyond the scope of testing, and the possibility of price increases in future contract renewals. Mitigation strategies include the firm-fixed-price structure which caps costs for the defined services, the competitive bidding process which selects a presumably capable vendor, and the VA's oversight mechanisms to monitor performance. The contract duration also allows for a period to assess performance before potential extensions or re-competition.

How effective are fire alarm and sprinkler testing services in ensuring the safety of VA facilities?

Regular and thorough testing of fire alarm and sprinkler systems is critically effective in ensuring the safety of VA facilities. These services are mandated by building codes and fire safety regulations to guarantee that these life-saving systems function correctly in the event of a fire. Proactive testing identifies potential malfunctions, ensures proper water flow for sprinklers, and verifies alarm system responsiveness. This preventative maintenance significantly reduces the risk of fire damage, protects occupants, and ensures compliance with safety standards, thereby maintaining the integrity and operational readiness of the facilities.

What has been the historical spending pattern for fire alarm and sprinkler testing services by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Analyzing the historical spending patterns of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for fire alarm and sprinkler testing services would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and the number of awarded contracts over time. This data can indicate whether spending has been consistent, increasing, or decreasing, and whether the VA has relied on a few key vendors or a broad range of contractors. Understanding these patterns can help identify potential cost-saving opportunities, assess the market's capacity to meet VA needs, and inform future procurement strategies. Without access to historical VA spending data for this specific service category, a detailed analysis is not possible.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths)

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: 36C24823Q0447

Offers Received: 7

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: $777,600

Exercised Options: $377,400

Current Obligation: $377,400

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline