VA Awards $2.03M Contract to Utility Systems Solutions for Dallas VAMC Electrical Deficiencies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,025,890 ($2.0M)

Contractor: Utility Systems Solutions, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2022-04-14

End Date: 2026-05-01

Contract Duration: 1,478 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: PROJECT 549-19-190 CORRECT ELECTRICAL DEFICIENCIES PHASE I, DALLAS VAMC, DALLAS TX

Place of Performance

Location: DALLAS, DALLAS County, TEXAS, 75216

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2.0 million to UTILITY SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: PROJECT 549-19-190 CORRECT ELECTRICAL DEFICIENCIES PHASE I, DALLAS VAMC, DALLAS TX Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Utility Systems Solutions, Inc. for electrical upgrades at Dallas VAMC. 2. The project aims to correct electrical deficiencies, enhancing facility safety and reliability. 3. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources', suggesting a specific reason for initial exclusion. 4. The sector is Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, with a significant federal presence. 5. The contract is Firm Fixed Price, providing cost certainty for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.03M appears reasonable for a project addressing significant electrical deficiencies in a large facility like a VAMC. Benchmarking against similar construction and repair contracts for federal buildings would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The competition method 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' indicates that while the competition was ultimately broad, there may have been an initial limited pool or specific requirements that led to excluding certain sources. This could impact price discovery if the initial exclusion was not fully justified or if the remaining pool was small.

Taxpayer Impact: The firm fixed price contract type helps control costs, but the effectiveness of competition in driving down the price is somewhat unclear due to the 'exclusion of sources' clause.

Public Impact

Improved electrical infrastructure at the Dallas VAMC will enhance patient care and safety. The project supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' commitment to maintaining its facilities. Successful completion could lead to similar projects at other VA facilities. The construction sector benefits from federal investment in infrastructure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Competition method requires further scrutiny to ensure maximum value.
Long duration (1478 days) may indicate potential for delays or cost overruns.

Positive Signals

Addresses critical infrastructure needs.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, which is a significant area of federal spending. Benchmarks for similar electrical repair and upgrade projects in federal facilities would be useful for a detailed cost analysis.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the prime contractor is Utility Systems Solutions, Inc. There is no explicit information on small business subcontracting in the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are participating in this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for construction projects, including site inspections and progress reviews, should be in place to ensure quality and adherence to schedule.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Unclear justification for 'Exclusion of Sources' in competition.
Long contract duration (1478 days) increases risk of schedule delays.
Potential for scope creep in a project addressing 'deficiencies'.
Lack of explicit small business participation data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.0 million to UTILITY SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS, INC.. PROJECT 549-19-190 CORRECT ELECTRICAL DEFICIENCIES PHASE I, DALLAS VAMC, DALLAS TX

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UTILITY SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS, 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 $2.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-04-14. End: 2026-05-01.

What specific electrical deficiencies are being corrected, and how do they impact facility operations?

The contract aims to address unspecified 'electrical deficiencies' at the Dallas VAMC. These deficiencies could range from outdated wiring and insufficient power capacity to safety hazards like fire risks or power outages. The impact on facility operations could include disruptions to medical equipment, HVAC systems, lighting, and overall patient care environments, potentially compromising the VAMC's ability to function effectively and safely.

What is the justification for the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' and its potential impact on price?

This procurement method suggests that while the competition was intended to be broad, certain sources were initially excluded, possibly due to specific technical requirements, past performance issues, or unique capabilities needed. The impact on price is mixed; while it aims for broad competition, the initial exclusion might limit the number of bidders, potentially reducing downward price pressure compared to a purely unrestricted full and open competition. A thorough review of the justification is needed.

How does the $2.03M contract value compare to similar electrical upgrade projects in federal healthcare facilities?

Without specific benchmarks for comparable projects (e.g., square footage, scope of work, complexity of electrical systems), it's difficult to definitively assess the value. However, $2.03M for significant electrical deficiencies in a VAMC suggests a substantial undertaking. Comparing this cost to similar renovation or upgrade projects at other federal medical centers or large institutional buildings would be necessary to determine if it represents a fair and reasonable price.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: 36C25722B0011

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 14330 MIDWAY ROAD SUITE 200, DALLAS, TX, 75244

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,025,890

Exercised Options: $2,025,890

Current Obligation: $2,025,890

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline