VA awards $177K for niche covers and wall markers, highlighting a specific need for veteran cemetery supplies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $177,447 ($177.4K)

Contractor: Columbus Marble Works, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2021-10-01

End Date: 2023-09-30

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $243/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: BLANK NICHE COVERS AND WALL MARKERS FOR RIO GRAND VALLEY STATE VETS CEMETERY OPTION YEAR 2.

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBUS, LOWNDES County, MISSISSIPPI, 39705

State: Mississippi Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $177,447 to COLUMBUS MARBLE WORKS, INC. for work described as: BLANK NICHE COVERS AND WALL MARKERS FOR RIO GRAND VALLEY STATE VETS CEMETERY OPTION YEAR 2. Key points: 1. The contract value appears modest, suggesting a focused procurement for specialized cemetery items. 2. Competition dynamics are unclear due to the 'exclusion of sources' clause, warranting further investigation. 3. The fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty for the government. 4. Performance is tied to a specific veteran cemetery, indicating a localized impact. 5. The product category falls under stone manufacturing, a niche industrial sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $177,447 for niche covers and wall markers is specific to the needs of the Rio Grand Valley State Vets Cemetery. Benchmarking this against similar contracts is challenging without more detailed specifications of the items procured. However, the price appears reasonable for custom stone products, assuming quality materials and craftsmanship. The fixed-price nature of the contract helps control costs for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be open, specific sources were excluded for reasons not detailed in the provided data. The number of bidders is not specified, making it difficult to fully assess the level of competition. This procurement method suggests potential justifications for excluding certain vendors, which could impact price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The exclusion of sources may limit the number of competitive bids, potentially leading to higher prices than if all qualified vendors could participate. Taxpayers may not benefit from the most competitive pricing possible in such scenarios.

Public Impact

This contract directly benefits the Rio Grand Valley State Vets Cemetery by providing essential items for the final resting places of veterans. The services delivered include the manufacturing and supply of niche covers and wall markers, ensuring dignified memorialization. The geographic impact is localized to the Rio Grand Valley region, serving the needs of veterans and their families in that area. The contract supports the stone product manufacturing industry, potentially sustaining jobs within that sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of transparency regarding the 'exclusion of sources' could mask potential issues with fair competition.
Limited data on the number of bidders prevents a thorough assessment of price competitiveness.
The specific nature of the items (niche covers, wall markers) makes direct cost comparison difficult.

Positive Signals

The contract is awarded to a single vendor, Columbus Marble Works, Inc., suggesting a potentially established relationship or specialized capability.
The fixed-price contract type provides budget certainty for the VA.
The contract duration of 729 days indicates a sustained need for these supplies.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the 'Cut Stone and Stone Product Manufacturing' sector, a specialized area of the broader construction and materials industry. This sector often involves custom fabrication and adherence to specific design and material standards, particularly for public works and memorial projects. Spending in this area is typically project-driven and can be influenced by government initiatives for infrastructure and veteran services. Benchmarking requires comparison with similar custom stone fabrication contracts for public facilities.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract involved small business set-asides or subcontracting opportunities. The award to Columbus Marble Works, Inc. does not specify their size status. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' procurement and contract management divisions. Accountability measures are inherent in the fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified goods. Transparency is limited by the 'exclusion of sources' clause and the lack of detailed bidding information. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Veterans Affairs Cemetery Maintenance
Veteran Memorial Construction
Stone Product Manufacturing Contracts
Government Cemetery Supplies

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Lack of Transparency in Source Exclusion
Potential for Non-Competitive Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $177,447 to COLUMBUS MARBLE WORKS, INC.. BLANK NICHE COVERS AND WALL MARKERS FOR RIO GRAND VALLEY STATE VETS CEMETERY OPTION YEAR 2.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COLUMBUS MARBLE WORKS, 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 $177,447.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-10-01. End: 2023-09-30.

What is the track record of Columbus Marble Works, Inc. with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

The provided data indicates that Columbus Marble Works, Inc. was awarded this specific contract (ID 327991) by the Department of Veterans Affairs. To assess their broader track record, a review of other VA contracts awarded to this company would be necessary. This would involve searching federal procurement databases for past performance information, including contract values, types, and any reported issues or successes. A company's history with the VA can provide insights into their reliability, quality of work, and ability to meet government requirements, which are crucial factors in evaluating future contract awards and overall value for taxpayer money.

How does the value of this contract compare to similar procurements for cemetery markers?

Directly comparing the $177,447 value for 'BLANK NICHE COVERS AND WALL MARKERS' is challenging without detailed specifications of the materials, dimensions, and complexity of the items. Cemetery markers and niche covers can vary significantly in cost based on material (e.g., granite, marble, bronze), customization, and quantity. To benchmark effectively, one would need to identify comparable contracts for similar items awarded by the VA or other federal agencies. Factors such as the number of units, specific design requirements, and the geographic location of the cemetery can influence pricing. A thorough comparison would involve analyzing unit costs and total contract values for similar procurements to determine if this award represents good value for money.

What are the specific risks associated with the 'exclusion of sources' in this procurement?

The primary risk associated with 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' is the potential for reduced competition, which can lead to higher prices for the government and taxpayers. When specific sources are excluded without clear justification, it raises concerns about fairness and whether the government is obtaining the best possible value. This exclusion could stem from requirements for highly specialized capabilities, proprietary technology, or specific past performance criteria. However, if the exclusion is not well-justified or transparent, it could indicate potential favoritism or a lack of diligence in seeking out all qualified vendors. This practice warrants scrutiny to ensure it serves a legitimate government interest and does not unduly restrict market access.

How effective is the fixed-price contract type in managing costs for this specific type of supply?

The Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type is generally effective in managing costs for supplies like niche covers and wall markers, as the price is set at the time of award and does not change regardless of the contractor's actual costs. This shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, providing the government with budget certainty. For standardized or well-defined products, FFP contracts are ideal. In this case, assuming the specifications for the niche covers and wall markers are clear and unambiguous, the FFP structure should ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs pays the agreed-upon amount. Potential risks include the contractor potentially cutting corners on quality to maintain profit margins if not adequately monitored, but the overall cost control is strong.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar cemetery supplies by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for similar cemetery supplies by the Department of Veterans Affairs is crucial for context. This would involve examining past contracts for grave markers, niche covers, headstones, and related memorial items awarded over several fiscal years. Key metrics to track would include the total annual spending on such items, the average contract value, the number of awards, and the primary contractors. Understanding these patterns can reveal trends in demand, pricing fluctuations, and the VA's reliance on specific types of suppliers or contract vehicles. It also helps in identifying whether spending has increased or decreased, and if this particular award aligns with or deviates from historical norms.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing › Cut Stone and Stone Product Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MISCELLANEOUS

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: 2415 HIGHWAY 45 N, COLUMBUS, MS, 39705

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $177,447

Exercised Options: $177,447

Current Obligation: $177,447

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C78621D0027

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline