VA Awards $854K for Dialysis Design Upgrades to Above Group Inc. via MATOC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $85,424 ($85.4K)

Contractor: Above Group Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-04-16

End Date: 2026-08-31

Contract Duration: 502 days

Daily Burn Rate: $170/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: TASK ORDER USING THE VISN 8 AE MATOC FOR CENTRAL REVERSE OSMOSIS FOR DIALYSIS DESIGN SERVICE UPGRADES.

Place of Performance

Location: BAY PINES, PINELLAS County, FLORIDA, 33744

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $85,424.15 to ABOVE GROUP INC. for work described as: TASK ORDER USING THE VISN 8 AE MATOC FOR CENTRAL REVERSE OSMOSIS FOR DIALYSIS DESIGN SERVICE UPGRADES. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential dialysis facility upgrades. 2. Above Group Inc. secured the task order. 3. Competition method appears robust, but details are limited. 4. Engineering services sector sees continued VA investment.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $854,241.50 for engineering services is within a reasonable range for specialized design work. Benchmarking against similar VA MATOC task orders for design services would provide a clearer picture of cost-effectiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition approach. While this can expedite the process, it may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to unrestricted full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical healthcare infrastructure upgrades. The chosen competition method impacts the potential for maximum cost savings.

Public Impact

Enhances critical dialysis services for veterans. Supports modernization of healthcare facilities. Ensures compliance with healthcare infrastructure standards.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may impact price optimization.
MATOC structure requires careful monitoring of individual task orders.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical healthcare need.
Utilizes an existing contract vehicle (MATOC) for efficiency.

Sector Analysis

This task order falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically related to healthcare facility design. Spending in this area is driven by the need to maintain and upgrade aging medical infrastructure to meet current standards and patient demands.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this specific task order, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of a MATOC (Multiple Award Task Order Contract) suggests a pre-established oversight framework. However, the specific oversight for this task order, including performance monitoring and quality assurance, needs to be detailed.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition may reduce price competitiveness.
Potential for scope creep in design services.
Reliance on existing MATOC structure requires diligent task order management.
Ensuring long-term maintainability of the designed systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $85,424.15 to ABOVE GROUP INC.. TASK ORDER USING THE VISN 8 AE MATOC FOR CENTRAL REVERSE OSMOSIS FOR DIALYSIS DESIGN SERVICE UPGRADES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ABOVE GROUP 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 $85,424.15.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-16. End: 2026-08-31.

What is the specific scope of 'Central Reverse Osmosis for Dialysis Design Service Upgrades' and how does it align with the VA's long-term infrastructure goals?

The task order focuses on the design services for upgrading the central reverse osmosis systems essential for dialysis treatments. This directly supports the VA's goal of providing safe and effective dialysis care by ensuring the water purification systems meet modern standards and operational requirements, thereby maintaining the quality and reliability of these critical medical services.

How does the 'limited competition' approach impact the risk of cost overruns or suboptimal technical solutions for this engineering service contract?

A limited competition approach, while potentially faster, carries a higher risk of cost overruns and suboptimal solutions compared to full and open competition. It restricts the pool of potential offerors, potentially excluding highly competitive firms that could offer better pricing or innovative technical approaches. This necessitates robust negotiation and oversight by the VA to mitigate these risks.

What is the expected effectiveness of these design upgrades in improving the efficiency and reliability of dialysis services for veterans?

The effectiveness is expected to be high, as upgraded reverse osmosis systems are crucial for the safety and efficacy of dialysis. Modernized systems typically offer improved reliability, reduced maintenance downtime, and better water quality, directly contributing to a more consistent and higher standard of care for veteran patients undergoing dialysis treatments.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - CONSTRUCTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 305 EAST DR, MELBOURNE, FL, 32904

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: $117,132

Exercised Options: $85,424

Current Obligation: $85,424

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24824D0014

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline