VA awards $3.3M janitorial contract to Global Connections to Employment, Inc. for NPR CBOC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,310,931 ($3.3M)

Contractor: Global Connections to Employment, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-03-15

End Date: 2027-03-14

Contract Duration: 1,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: JANITORIAL/CUSTODIAL SERVICES - NEW PORT RICHEY (NPR) CBOC

Place of Performance

Location: TAMPA, HILLSBOROUGH County, FLORIDA, 33612

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $3.3 million to GLOBAL CONNECTIONS TO EMPLOYMENT, INC. for work described as: JANITORIAL/CUSTODIAL SERVICES - NEW PORT RICHEY (NPR) CBOC Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a firm-fixed-price basis, indicating predictable costs for the VA. 2. The contract duration of 1094 days suggests a need for consistent, long-term service delivery. 3. The absence of competition raises questions about potential cost savings and market responsiveness. 4. This contract supports janitorial services, a critical component for maintaining healthcare facility hygiene. 5. The award to a single entity may limit opportunities for smaller, specialized service providers. 6. Geographic focus on New Port Richey, Florida, indicates localized service delivery.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $3.3 million over approximately three years for janitorial services at a Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) appears within a reasonable range for such specialized facilities. However, without direct benchmarks for comparable VA CBOC janitorial contracts or detailed service scope, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty, but the lack of competition limits the ability to benchmark against market rates or identify potential cost efficiencies through competitive bidding.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach bypasses the typical process of soliciting bids from various companies, which can lead to a wider range of pricing and service offerings. The lack of competition means the VA did not leverage market forces to potentially secure a lower price or more innovative solutions. The rationale for a sole-source award would typically involve specific circumstances, such as the unique capabilities of the contractor or a lack of other qualified bidders.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, a sole-source award means there is less assurance that the government secured the best possible price. Without competitive pressure, the awarded price may be higher than what could have been achieved in an open market, potentially leading to less efficient use of public funds.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving care at the New Port Richey (NPR) CBOC will benefit from a maintained and hygienic environment. Essential janitorial and custodial services will be delivered to ensure the operational readiness and cleanliness of the facility. The contract's geographic impact is concentrated in New Port Richey, Florida, supporting local operations. The contract supports the workforce of Global Connections to Employment, Inc., potentially creating or sustaining jobs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competed contract.
Sole-source awards can limit opportunities for other qualified businesses to secure government contracts.
Without competitive benchmarking, it's difficult to ascertain if the price reflects true market value.
The specific scope of services and performance standards are not detailed, making it hard to evaluate the full value proposition.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The contract duration suggests a stable, long-term need for these essential services.
The award supports a specific healthcare facility, directly impacting the patient environment.
The contract ensures the consistent delivery of janitorial services, crucial for health and safety.

Sector Analysis

The janitorial services sector is a mature and competitive market, with numerous providers ranging from small local businesses to large national corporations. Federal contracts for these services are common across various agencies, supporting facility maintenance and hygiene. The market size for federal janitorial contracts is substantial, driven by the extensive real estate portfolio of government agencies. This specific contract fits within the broader category of facility support services, where consistent quality and reliability are key performance indicators. Benchmarking typically involves comparing pricing and service levels against similar contracts for facilities of comparable size and type.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. The award to Global Connections to Employment, Inc., a single entity, does not inherently indicate a focus on integrating small businesses into the service delivery chain. This could mean missed opportunities for small businesses to participate in federal contracting, particularly those specializing in janitorial services within the specified geographic area.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracting officers and program managers responsible for the New Port Richey CBOC. Performance standards and quality control measures would be outlined in the contract's statement of work. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract databases like SAM.gov, where basic award information is published. However, detailed operational oversight and accountability mechanisms are internal to the agency and may involve periodic inspections and performance reviews.

Related Government Programs

Department of Veterans Affairs Facility Maintenance Contracts
Federal Janitorial and Custodial Services
Healthcare Facility Support Services
Community Based Outpatient Clinic Operations

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive justification.
Potential for non-competitive pricing.
Limited transparency on specific service metrics.
No clear small business subcontracting plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $3.3 million to GLOBAL CONNECTIONS TO EMPLOYMENT, INC.. JANITORIAL/CUSTODIAL SERVICES - NEW PORT RICHEY (NPR) CBOC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GLOBAL CONNECTIONS TO EMPLOYMENT, 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 $3.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-15. End: 2027-03-14.

What is the track record of Global Connections to Employment, Inc. with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Global Connections to Employment, Inc. (GCE) has a history of contracting with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). While the provided data focuses on this specific janitorial contract, GCE's broader portfolio often includes services related to employment and support for individuals with disabilities, aligning with some VA missions. A deeper analysis would involve reviewing GCE's past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) on previous VA contracts to assess their reliability, quality of service, and adherence to contractual obligations. Understanding their historical engagement with the VA can provide insights into their capacity and suitability for ongoing service provision.

How does the awarded price compare to similar janitorial contracts for VA facilities?

Direct comparison of the $3.3 million award for janitorial services at the New Port Richey CBOC is challenging without access to a comprehensive database of similar VA contracts, including their scope of work, duration, and specific location. However, the average annual cost for janitorial services can vary significantly based on facility size, complexity, and geographic location. Given that this is a sole-source award, there is no competitive data to benchmark against. To provide a more robust comparison, one would need to identify contracts for CBOCs or similar-sized outpatient clinics within the VA system and analyze their per-square-foot cleaning costs or total contract values relative to facility size and service intensity.

What are the specific risks associated with a sole-source award for essential facility services?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award for essential facility services like janitorial support is the potential for inflated costs due to the absence of competitive bidding. Without market pressure, the contractor may not be incentivized to offer the most competitive pricing. Another risk is a potential decline in service quality over time, as the contractor faces less pressure to innovate or improve performance to retain the contract. Furthermore, sole-source awards can limit opportunities for other capable small or large businesses to enter the federal market or expand their footprint, potentially hindering broader economic participation and access to a wider range of service providers for the government.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the operational effectiveness of the NPR CBOC?

This contract is expected to have a positive impact on the operational effectiveness of the New Port Richey (NPR) CBOC by ensuring a consistently clean and sanitary environment. Proper hygiene is critical in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections, maintain patient comfort, and ensure compliance with health regulations. Reliable janitorial services contribute to the overall functionality and readiness of the facility, allowing medical staff to focus on patient care without concerns about the physical environment. The duration of the contract suggests a commitment to maintaining these standards over the long term, supporting the sustained delivery of healthcare services to veterans.

What are the historical spending patterns for janitorial services at this specific NPR CBOC or similar VA facilities?

Historical spending data for janitorial services at the New Port Richey (NPR) CBOC specifically is not provided in the current data. To analyze historical spending patterns, one would need to access VA procurement records for this facility over previous contract periods. If this is a new requirement or a transition from a different service model, historical data might be limited. For similar VA facilities, spending patterns would likely show fluctuations based on contract renewals, changes in service scope, inflation, and competitive bidding outcomes. A trend analysis of spending at comparable CBOCs could reveal average contract values, annual expenditures, and the impact of contract type (competed vs. sole-source) on overall costs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Services to Buildings and Dwellings › Janitorial Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 36C24824Q0484

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1221 W LAKEVIEW AVE BLDG A, PENSACOLA, FL, 32501

Business Categories: AbilityOne Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,600,971

Exercised Options: $3,310,931

Current Obligation: $3,310,931

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline