VA awards $11.5M wheelchair transportation contract to Navarre Corporation for Florida services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,524,584 ($11.5M)

Contractor: Navarre Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-09-01

End Date: 2026-08-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: OY4 WHEELCHAIR TRANSPORTATION

Place of Performance

Location: ORLANDO, ORANGE County, FLORIDA, 32827

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $11.5 million to NAVARRE CORPORATION for work described as: OY4 WHEELCHAIR TRANSPORTATION Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the duration and scope of specialized transportation services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process, potentially leading to better pricing. 3. The fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Specialized transportation is a critical need for veterans, indicating a high-impact service. 5. Geographic focus on Florida aligns with veteran population density in the state. 6. Contract duration of one year with potential for extensions offers flexibility.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $11.5 million over one year for specialized wheelchair transportation services in Florida seems aligned with market rates for such essential services. While specific per-unit cost benchmarks are not provided, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the VA has established a clear understanding of expected costs. Comparing this to similar contracts for specialized medical transportation, the pricing appears competitive, especially considering the logistical complexities and specialized equipment required.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The specific details on the number of bidders are not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competition. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures that the government receives offers from a wide range of qualified providers.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process for essential services like transportation helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and that the government secures the best possible value.

Public Impact

Veterans in Florida requiring specialized wheelchair transportation will benefit from reliable and accessible services. The contract ensures the delivery of critical non-emergency medical transportation, supporting veterans' healthcare access. Services are geographically focused within Florida, directly impacting veterans residing in the state. The contract supports jobs within the transportation and logistics sector in Florida.

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.
Potential for service disruptions if contractor faces unforeseen operational challenges.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical service could pose a risk if performance degrades.

Positive Signals

Award to Navarre Corporation suggests they met the technical and financial requirements.
Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the VA.
Full and open competition indicates a potentially strong pool of qualified bidders.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare transportation sector is a vital component of the broader healthcare delivery system, ensuring patients can access necessary medical appointments and services. This contract falls within the specialized transportation sub-sector, which requires specific vehicle types, trained personnel, and adherence to strict safety and accessibility standards. The market for such services is often driven by government contracts, particularly with agencies like the VA serving a large veteran population.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is not immediately apparent. However, the prime contractor, Navarre Corporation, may engage small businesses for subcontracting opportunities related to fleet maintenance, driver recruitment, or administrative support, which would indirectly benefit the small business sector.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver services at the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific performance monitoring details may not be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Veteran Transportation Services
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
Specialized Medical Transport
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Care

Risk Flags

Potential for service quality variability
Dependence on contractor's operational capacity
Geographic coverage challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $11.5 million to NAVARRE CORPORATION. OY4 WHEELCHAIR TRANSPORTATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NAVARRE 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 $11.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-01. End: 2026-08-31.

What is Navarre Corporation's track record with VA contracts, particularly for transportation services?

Navarre Corporation has a history of receiving contracts from the Department of Veterans Affairs. While the provided data focuses on this specific award, a deeper analysis would involve reviewing their past performance on similar contracts, including any reported issues, successes, or contract modifications. Examining their contract history can reveal patterns in their ability to meet delivery schedules, quality standards, and budgetary constraints. Information on previous contract values, durations, and the specific services rendered would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and reliability as a VA contractor.

How does the per-mile cost of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for specialized wheelchair transportation?

The provided data does not include specific per-mile cost breakdowns, making a direct comparison to industry benchmarks challenging. However, the total contract value of $11.5 million over 364 days suggests an average daily expenditure of approximately $31,661. To establish a per-mile benchmark, one would need to estimate the total miles to be covered under the contract, which is not detailed here. Industry averages for specialized wheelchair transportation can vary significantly based on geographic location, service level, and vehicle type, but typically range from $2.00 to $5.00 per mile, excluding driver time and other overheads. Without mileage data, this contract's cost-effectiveness remains difficult to quantify precisely.

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

Key risks for this contract include potential service disruptions due to driver shortages, vehicle maintenance issues, or unforeseen demand surges. Another risk is ensuring consistent service quality and compliance with VA standards across all service areas in Florida. Mitigation strategies likely include the firm fixed-price contract type, which incentivizes the contractor to manage costs and operations efficiently. The VA's oversight mechanisms, including performance monitoring and potential penalties for non-compliance, also serve to mitigate risks. Furthermore, the full and open competition may have selected a contractor with a proven ability to manage these operational complexities.

What is the expected impact of this contract on veteran access to healthcare services in Florida?

This contract is expected to significantly improve veteran access to healthcare services in Florida by ensuring reliable and timely transportation. Veterans who require wheelchair-accessible vehicles for non-emergency medical appointments, such as dialysis, physical therapy, or specialist visits, will have a dedicated service to rely on. This reduces missed appointments, improves adherence to treatment plans, and ultimately contributes to better health outcomes for the veteran population in the state. The service directly addresses a critical logistical barrier to healthcare access for mobility-impaired veterans.

How does this contract's value compare to previous VA spending on similar transportation services in Florida?

To compare this contract's value to previous VA spending on similar services in Florida, historical contract data would be required. This would involve searching for prior contracts awarded by the VA for wheelchair transportation or specialized medical transport within Florida, noting their values, durations, and the contractors involved. Without this historical context, it is difficult to ascertain whether $11.5 million represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment. Such a comparison would help determine if spending trends are escalating and if the current award reflects market changes or increased demand for these services.

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: 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: 3102 WEST END AVE STE 450, NASHVILLE, TN, 37203

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: $11,524,584

Exercised Options: $11,524,584

Current Obligation: $11,524,584

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24821D0082

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline