VA Awards $934K Contract for Canteen Design and Expansion in Utah

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $934,822 ($934.8K)

Contractor: Rdc+ea, L.l.l.p.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-07-23

End Date: 2027-05-01

Contract Duration: 1,012 days

Daily Burn Rate: $924/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: AE DESIGN TO RELOCATE AND EXPAND CANTEEN

Place of Performance

Location: SALT LAKE CITY, SALT LAKE County, UTAH, 84148

State: Utah Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $934,822 to RDC+EA, L.L.L.P. for work described as: AE DESIGN TO RELOCATE AND EXPAND CANTEEN Key points: 1. Contract awarded for engineering services related to canteen relocation and expansion. 2. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources', suggesting a specific justification for limiting initial bidders. 3. The contract is a Firm Fixed Price type, providing cost certainty. 4. The project duration is over 1000 days, indicating a significant scope.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $934,822 for engineering services appears reasonable for a project of this scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar VA facility renovation or expansion projects 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' implies that initial sources were identified and potentially excluded before a broader competition. This could impact price discovery if the initial pool was not sufficiently competitive.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is the direct cost of the contract, $934,822, for the canteen facility upgrade. The long-term value depends on improved facility functionality and employee morale.

Public Impact

Improved employee facilities at the VA facility. Potential for enhanced operational efficiency with a relocated and expanded canteen. Supports local economy through contract work. Ensures compliance with facility standards for food service areas.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Competition method requires further scrutiny for potential price impacts.
Long project duration could introduce cost escalation risks if not managed tightly.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost predictability.
Project addresses a clear need for facility improvement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330). Spending in this sector for government facilities often involves design, renovation, and expansion projects. Benchmarks vary widely based on project complexity and location.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to RDC+EA, L.L.L.P. Information on whether this is a small business is not provided, nor is there specific set-aside language in the data, suggesting it may not have been targeted towards small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for oversight. The 'Exclusion of Sources' clause warrants attention to ensure proper justification and adherence to procurement regulations.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
Long project duration increases risk of cost overruns or delays.
Lack of clarity on small business participation.
Need for detailed justification of the competition method.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $934,822 to RDC+EA, L.L.L.P.. AE DESIGN TO RELOCATE AND EXPAND CANTEEN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RDC+EA, L.L.L.P..

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 $934,822.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-07-23. End: 2027-05-01.

What was the specific justification for excluding sources in the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method, and how did this impact the final price?

The justification for excluding sources is critical. If specific technical requirements or prior relationships dictated the initial pool, it could limit competition. A thorough review of the solicitation documents and award justification would reveal if this exclusion led to a higher price than a truly open competition might have yielded.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this project, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure value for taxpayer money?

Key performance indicators should focus on project completion within budget and schedule, adherence to design specifications, and post-construction functionality of the canteen. Measuring user satisfaction and operational efficiency post-completion will further validate the project's value and ensure taxpayer funds were used effectively.

Given the long duration (1012 days), what risk mitigation strategies are in place to manage potential cost increases due to inflation or unforeseen site conditions?

Mitigation strategies for long-duration projects typically include robust contingency planning, regular cost reviews, and clear contract clauses addressing escalation. The firm fixed price nature suggests the contractor bears much of this risk, but the VA must ensure contract terms adequately protect against significant unforeseen issues.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 36C77623R0186

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 524 FERNWOOD DR, ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL, 32701

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, 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: $1,382,296

Exercised Options: $934,822

Current Obligation: $934,822

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline