VA awards $945.5K contract for fire alarm system services to Media Plumbing & Heating Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $945,500 ($945.5K)

Contractor: Media Plumbing & Heating Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2020-07-13

End Date: 2024-07-12

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $648/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TESTING AND INSPECTION OF FIRE ALARM AND SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS

Place of Performance

Location: NEW ORLEANS, ORLEANS County, LOUISIANA, 70119

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $945,500 to MEDIA PLUMBING & HEATING INC for work described as: TESTING AND INSPECTION OF FIRE ALARM AND SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential fire safety systems maintenance. 2. Services cover testing and inspection of fire alarm and suppression systems. 3. Contract duration spans four years, indicating a need for ongoing support. 4. The award was made under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 5. The contractor, Media Plumbing & Heating Inc., has secured this service contract. 6. The contract is a Firm Fixed Price type, providing cost certainty. 7. The geographic location for service is Louisiana.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $945,500 over four years averages to approximately $236,375 annually. Without specific benchmarks for fire alarm system testing and inspection services in Louisiana, it is difficult to definitively assess value for money. However, the contract was competed under SAP, which typically involves smaller dollar amounts and may not achieve the same level of price competition as larger, full-and-open procurements. Further analysis would require comparison to similar contracts for similar services and geographic areas.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which generally allows for a broader range of competition than sole-source but is less extensive than full-and-open competition. The data indicates there were 7 bidders for this requirement. While 7 bidders suggest some level of competition, the specific nature of SAP procurements means that the outreach and solicitation process might be more limited than for larger contracts. This level of competition is generally considered adequate for procurements within the SAP threshold.

Taxpayer Impact: The competition level under SAP with 7 bidders suggests a reasonable opportunity for price discovery, potentially leading to a fair market price for taxpayers. However, it may not represent the absolute lowest price achievable through a more extensive, full-and-open competition.

Public Impact

Veterans in Louisiana will benefit from enhanced fire safety at VA facilities. Services ensure the proper functioning of critical fire alarm and suppression systems. This contract supports the operational readiness and safety of VA medical centers and facilities in Louisiana. The contract supports the maintenance of safety infrastructure, indirectly benefiting patients and staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to SAP procedures, which might not yield the most competitive pricing.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical safety service over a four-year period could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

The contract was competed, indicating an effort to solicit offers.
Multiple bidders (7) participated, suggesting market interest and some level of competition.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides budget certainty for the agency.
The contract duration of four years suggests a stable, ongoing need for these services.

Sector Analysis

The market for security systems services, including fire alarm and suppression systems, is a significant segment within the broader facilities maintenance and security industry. This contract falls under NAICS code 561621 (Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths)). Spending in this sector is driven by regulatory requirements for safety and security, as well as the need for ongoing maintenance and upgrades. Federal agencies, particularly those with large physical footprints like the Department of Veterans Affairs, are substantial consumers of these services to ensure the safety of their personnel and assets.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract included a small business set-aside or if the prime contractor is a small business. There is also no information regarding subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem cannot be determined from this data alone.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracting officer and contract specialists. As a Purchase Order, it is likely managed through internal VA procurement systems. The contract's performance would be monitored against the terms and conditions of the Firm Fixed Price agreement. While specific Inspector General (IG) jurisdiction is not detailed, the VA Office of Inspector General typically oversees VA contracts for fraud, waste, and abuse.

Related Government Programs

VA Facilities Maintenance Contracts
Federal Fire Safety Contracts
Security Systems Services Contracts
Simplified Acquisition Procedures Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues impacting critical safety systems.
Limited competition under SAP may not yield the best possible price.
Contract duration requires sustained oversight to ensure ongoing compliance and quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $945,500 to MEDIA PLUMBING & HEATING INC. TESTING AND INSPECTION OF FIRE ALARM AND SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MEDIA PLUMBING & HEATING 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 $945,500.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-07-13. End: 2024-07-12.

What is the track record of Media Plumbing & Heating Inc. with federal contracts, particularly for fire safety systems?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that Media Plumbing & Heating Inc. has been awarded contracts primarily by the Department of Veterans Affairs. While this specific contract is for fire alarm and suppression systems, their federal award history may include other facility maintenance or plumbing-related services. To fully assess their track record for this specific service, a deeper dive into past performance evaluations, any contract modifications, and the nature of previous awards would be necessary. Without more granular data on their past performance specifically related to fire safety systems, it's challenging to provide a comprehensive assessment of their expertise and reliability in this niche.

How does the awarded price compare to similar fire alarm system inspection contracts in Louisiana?

Benchmarking this contract's value requires access to detailed pricing data for comparable fire alarm and suppression system testing and inspection services within Louisiana. The total award of $945,500 over four years equates to an average annual value of approximately $236,375. Factors such as the number and type of systems, facility size, frequency of inspections, and specific service requirements significantly influence pricing. Without a database of similar contracts, including their scope of work and pricing, a precise comparison is not feasible. However, given it was competed under SAP with 7 bidders, the price is likely within a reasonable range for the services rendered, though potentially not the absolute lowest possible.

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

Key risks include potential performance deficiencies by the contractor, leading to compromised fire safety, and the possibility of the contract not achieving optimal value due to the limited competition inherent in SAP procurements. Mitigation strategies would involve robust contract oversight by the VA, including regular performance reviews, adherence to inspection schedules, and verification of compliance with safety standards. The Firm Fixed Price structure helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. The presence of 7 bidders suggests a degree of market validation for the pricing, reducing the risk of significant overpayment. However, the long-term nature of the contract necessitates ongoing vigilance.

How effective is the VA in ensuring the reliability of fire safety systems through contracts like this?

The effectiveness of the VA in ensuring fire safety system reliability through such contracts hinges on several factors: the thoroughness of the contract's scope of work, the contractor's adherence to specifications and industry standards, and the VA's contract administration and oversight. This contract's focus on testing and inspection is crucial for identifying and rectifying potential issues before they become critical failures. The VA's ability to enforce contract terms, conduct quality assurance checks, and potentially leverage remedies for non-performance are key to effectiveness. The 4-year duration suggests a commitment to sustained safety, but ongoing monitoring is essential.

What is the historical spending pattern for fire alarm and suppression system services by the VA in Louisiana?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for fire alarm and suppression system services by the VA in Louisiana would require accessing and aggregating data on previous contracts for these specific services within that geographic region. This particular contract, valued at $945,500 over four years, represents a significant investment. Without access to historical data, it's difficult to determine if this award is consistent with, higher than, or lower than previous spending levels. Understanding past spending could reveal trends in contract values, competition, and contractor performance, providing context for the current award.

What is the significance of the contract being a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) award?

A Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract signifies that the contractor, Media Plumbing & Heating Inc., agrees to perform the specified work for a predetermined price. This structure places the primary risk of cost overruns on the contractor. For the Department of Veterans Affairs, this means budget certainty; the agency knows the maximum cost of the services upfront. This is particularly beneficial for services with predictable scopes, such as routine testing and inspection of fire alarm and suppression systems. It simplifies financial management and reduces the government's exposure to fluctuating costs associated with labor, materials, or unforeseen issues during the contract period.

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 › QUALITY CONTROL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C25620Q0366

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12 CREEK PARKWAY, MARCUS HOOK, PA, 19061

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: $1,307,500

Exercised Options: $945,500

Current Obligation: $945,500

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline