VA awards $2M for mobile medical vehicles, highlighting need for accessible healthcare solutions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,041,409 ($2.0M)

Contractor: Nomad Global Communication Solutions, Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2023-09-28

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 915 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: NOMAD IC45 MOBILE MEDICAL VEHICLE

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBIA FALLS, FLATHEAD County, MONTANA, 59912

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2.0 million to NOMAD GLOBAL COMMUNICATION SOLUTIONS, INCORPORATED for work described as: NOMAD IC45 MOBILE MEDICAL VEHICLE Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized mobile medical units, but detailed cost breakdowns are needed for definitive value assessment. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services, potentially leading to competitive pricing. 3. The contract duration of over two years indicates a sustained need for these mobile health services. 4. Performance context is limited without specific delivery schedules or utilization metrics for the vehicles. 5. This contract positions the VA to enhance healthcare delivery in potentially underserved areas. 6. The use of Firm Fixed Price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $2 million for two mobile medical vehicles seems within a reasonable range for custom-built, specialized units. Benchmarking against similar contracts for mobile clinics or specialized vehicles would provide a clearer picture of value for money. Without detailed cost breakdowns for manufacturing, equipment, and customization, a precise assessment of pricing efficiency is challenging. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract offers predictability.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging bidders to offer their best pricing and terms. The presence of two bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific requirement.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically drives down prices through market forces, ensuring the government receives competitive rates for its procurements.

Public Impact

Veterans will benefit from increased access to medical services through these mobile units. The vehicles will deliver essential healthcare services, potentially including primary care, diagnostics, and screenings. The geographic impact is likely to focus on areas within Montana where fixed medical facilities may be less accessible. This contract supports the manufacturing and technology sectors involved in producing specialized medical vehicles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the operational effectiveness of the vehicles post-delivery.
The specific medical capabilities and equipment within the vehicles are not detailed, raising questions about their full utility.
Limited information on maintenance and operational support plans for the vehicles.

Positive Signals

The use of mobile medical vehicles directly addresses potential access-to-care gaps for veterans.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarding under full and open competition suggests a robust market response and potential for competitive pricing.

Sector Analysis

The manufacturing of specialized vehicles, particularly for medical purposes, falls within the broader automotive and healthcare equipment sectors. The market for mobile medical units is driven by the need for flexible and accessible healthcare delivery, especially in remote or underserved areas. This contract represents a specific investment by the VA to modernize its outreach capabilities, aligning with trends in telehealth and remote patient monitoring.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract included specific small business set-asides. The prime contractor, NOMAD GLOBAL COMMUNICATION SOLUTIONS, INCORPORATED, is not identified as a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the manufacturing or service delivery aspects of this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight mechanisms. The Department of Veterans Affairs' Office of Inspector General may conduct audits or investigations into contract performance and financial management. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, though detailed operational performance data may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

VA Mobile Health Programs
Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Services
Medical Equipment Procurement
Specialized Vehicle Manufacturing

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if detailed specifications are not meticulously managed.
Risk of delivery delays impacting veteran access to care.
Ensuring the technological integration within the vehicles meets evolving medical standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.0 million to NOMAD GLOBAL COMMUNICATION SOLUTIONS, INCORPORATED. NOMAD IC45 MOBILE MEDICAL VEHICLE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NOMAD GLOBAL COMMUNICATION SOLUTIONS, INCORPORATED.

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: 2023-09-28. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the track record of NOMAD GLOBAL COMMUNICATION SOLUTIONS, INCORPORATED with federal contracts, particularly for mobile medical units?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that NOMAD GLOBAL COMMUNICATION SOLUTIONS, INCORPORATED has received federal contracts primarily related to communication solutions and specialized vehicles. While specific details on their experience with mobile medical units are not immediately apparent from the provided data, their award for these vehicles suggests they possess the capability or have partnered to meet the requirements. Further investigation into their past performance on similar complex vehicle manufacturing or integration projects would be beneficial to assess their reliability and expertise in delivering these critical assets for the VA.

How does the cost per vehicle compare to industry benchmarks for similar mobile medical units?

The contract value of $2,041,408.58 for two mobile medical vehicles equates to approximately $1,020,704 per vehicle. Benchmarking this cost requires detailed specifications of the vehicles' features, equipment, and customization. Mobile medical units can vary significantly in price based on size, medical technology integrated (e.g., imaging equipment, lab facilities), and specialized chassis. Generally, highly customized and technologically advanced mobile clinics can range from several hundred thousand to over a million dollars each. Without specific details on the NOMAD IC45's configuration, a precise comparison is difficult, but the price appears to be within the upper range for such specialized assets, underscoring the need for detailed justification of costs.

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

Key risks for this contract include potential delays in manufacturing and delivery, unforeseen technical issues during vehicle outfitting, and ensuring the vehicles meet the specific clinical needs of the VA. The mitigation strategies include the use of a Firm Fixed Price contract, which incentivizes the contractor to control costs and adhere to the schedule. The contract duration of over two years allows for phased delivery and potential adjustments. However, the VA's oversight of the manufacturing process, quality assurance checks, and clear performance standards are crucial for mitigating risks related to vehicle functionality and compliance with medical standards.

What is the expected impact of these mobile medical vehicles on veteran healthcare access in Montana?

These mobile medical vehicles are expected to significantly improve healthcare access for veterans in Montana, a state known for its large geographic areas and dispersed population. By bringing healthcare services directly to veterans' communities, the vehicles can reduce travel time and costs, overcome transportation barriers, and provide timely medical attention. This initiative is particularly valuable for veterans living in rural or remote areas who may face long distances to reach fixed VA medical centers. The deployment of these units aims to enhance preventative care, chronic disease management, and general health screenings, thereby improving overall health outcomes for the veteran population in the state.

How does this spending compare to previous VA investments in mobile healthcare solutions?

Analyzing this $2 million contract in the context of the VA's overall spending on mobile healthcare requires a broader look at historical data. The VA has been increasingly investing in innovative healthcare delivery models, including mobile clinics and telehealth, to reach veterans nationwide. While this specific award is substantial for two vehicles, it represents a component of a larger strategic effort. Previous VA initiatives may have involved different types or numbers of mobile units, or focused on different service lines. Understanding the trend requires comparing the number of units, their capabilities, and the total investment over several fiscal years to gauge the scale and evolution of the VA's mobile health strategy.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing › Motor Vehicle Body Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MOTOR VEHICLES, CYCLES, TRAILERS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Nomad Global Communication Solutions Incorporated

Address: 5414 US HWY 2 W, COLUMBIA FALLS, MT, 59912

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,041,409

Exercised Options: $2,041,409

Current Obligation: $2,041,409

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS30F027BA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline