VA awards $3.16M contract for headstones, with Pinter Memorials Inc. selected via full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,159,339 ($3.2M)

Contractor: Pinter Memorials Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-10-01

End Date: 2025-12-15

Contract Duration: 440 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: U1/U1 MARBLE HEADSTONES WITH INSCRIPTIONS FOR THE CONTINENTAL DISTRICT

Place of Performance

Location: BESSEMER, JEFFERSON County, ALABAMA, 35022

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $3.2 million to PINTER MEMORIALS INC for work described as: U1/U1 MARBLE HEADSTONES WITH INSCRIPTIONS FOR THE CONTINENTAL DISTRICT Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the scope of memorial services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. No immediate risk indicators are apparent from the contract details. 4. This contract supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' mission to honor veterans. 5. The award falls within the 'Cut Stone and Stone Product Manufacturing' sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.16 million for headstones and inscriptions is within a typical range for such services, especially considering the duration and scope. Benchmarking against similar VA contracts for memorial items suggests this pricing is competitive. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that while the process was open, specific sources may have been excluded initially before a broader competition was opened. This suggests a deliberate effort to ensure fair competition while potentially addressing specific requirements. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open nature implies multiple interested parties.

Taxpayer Impact: This competitive approach is beneficial for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best possible pricing and quality by allowing multiple qualified vendors to submit proposals.

Public Impact

Veterans and their families will benefit from the provision of inscribed headstones. Services include the manufacturing and delivery of headstones for the Continental District. The contract supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' commitment to honoring service members. Workforce implications are likely within the stone product manufacturing and memorial services industry.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability.
Contract duration of 440 days allows for steady service delivery.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'Cut Stone and Stone Product Manufacturing' sector, a niche industry focused on producing and supplying stone products. The market for memorial services, including headstones, is often driven by government contracts, particularly from agencies like the VA. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar memorial projects indicate that this award is in line with typical expenditures for large-scale veteran commemoration efforts.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses as prime contractors is unlikely. However, the prime contractor, Pinter Memorials Inc., may engage small businesses for subcontracting opportunities related to material sourcing or specialized services, though this is not explicitly detailed in the award notice.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Oversight mechanisms would typically include regular performance reviews, quality control checks, and adherence to delivery schedules. Accountability is ensured through the firm fixed-price contract terms, which obligate the contractor to deliver specified goods and services at the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements.

Related Government Programs

VA National Cemetery Administration
Federal Cemetery Grants Program
Military Funeral Honors Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $3.2 million to PINTER MEMORIALS INC. U1/U1 MARBLE HEADSTONES WITH INSCRIPTIONS FOR THE CONTINENTAL DISTRICT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PINTER MEMORIALS 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 $3.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-01. End: 2025-12-15.

What is the historical spending pattern of the Department of Veterans Affairs on headstones and memorial markers?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) consistently allocates significant funds towards providing headstones and markers for deceased veterans, a core component of its mission to honor their service. Historical spending data reveals a steady demand, influenced by factors such as the number of veterans passing away annually and the VA's commitment to ensuring proper commemoration. While specific annual figures fluctuate, the overall trend indicates a sustained investment in this area. For instance, in recent fiscal years, the VA has awarded numerous contracts for headstones, inscriptions, and related services, collectively amounting to tens of millions of dollars annually. This contract, valued at $3.16 million, aligns with these historical spending patterns, representing a portion of the VA's ongoing commitment to this essential service. Analyzing past awards helps in understanding the typical contract values, durations, and the competitive landscape for these services.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar contracts awarded by the VA or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking the pricing of this $3.16 million contract requires comparing it against similar awards for headstones and memorial inscriptions. While a precise per-unit cost comparison is difficult without detailed service specifications (e.g., type of stone, size, complexity of inscription), the overall contract value appears reasonable for the scope and duration (440 days). The VA frequently awards contracts in this range for similar needs across different districts. For example, other recent awards for headstone services have ranged from a few hundred thousand to several million dollars, depending on the quantity and specific requirements. The firm fixed-price nature of this award also suggests that the contractor has factored in all potential costs, and the competitive bidding process should have driven the price towards a fair market value. Without access to the specific bids received, a definitive statement on whether this is the absolute lowest price is challenging, but it falls within expected parameters for such federal procurements.

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

Potential risks in a contract for headstones and inscriptions include delivery delays, quality control issues (e.g., inscription errors, material defects), and contractor performance failures. Mitigation strategies are embedded within the contract's structure and oversight. The firm fixed-price (FFP) nature of the contract shifts much of the cost risk to the contractor, incentivizing them to manage expenses effectively. The specified delivery period (440 days) provides a clear timeline, and penalties for non-compliance or delays can be stipulated. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will likely implement quality assurance surveillance plans (QASPs) to monitor the work, inspect materials, and verify the accuracy of inscriptions. Furthermore, the use of 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' suggests a thorough vetting process for the selected contractor, Pinter Memorials Inc., potentially reducing the risk of selecting an underqualified vendor. The contract's duration also allows for a phased approach to service delivery, potentially mitigating risks associated with large, upfront production demands.

What is the track record of Pinter Memorials Inc. in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly with the VA?

Assessing the track record of Pinter Memorials Inc. is crucial for understanding their reliability in fulfilling this $3.16 million contract. While the provided data confirms Pinter Memorials Inc. as the awardee, it does not detail their past performance history with the VA or other federal agencies. A comprehensive review would involve examining contract databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for previous awards to Pinter Memorials Inc., including contract values, types, durations, and performance ratings if available. Specifically, looking for prior VA contracts related to memorial services or stone product manufacturing would provide the most relevant insights. If Pinter Memorials Inc. has a history of successful contract completion, timely delivery, and adherence to quality standards, it indicates a lower risk for this current award. Conversely, any past performance issues, such as defaults, disputes, or negative past performance reviews, would raise concerns and warrant closer scrutiny of their capacity to meet the current contract's requirements.

How does the geographic scope ('Continental District') impact the logistics and cost of this contract?

The designation 'Continental District' for this contract implies a broad geographic area within the United States, likely encompassing multiple states or regions where the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates national cemeteries or provides services. This broad scope significantly impacts logistics and cost. Transporting large, heavy headstones across potentially long distances requires robust supply chain management, including coordination with shipping providers and ensuring secure delivery to designated locations. The cost of transportation, fuel, and labor associated with delivery will be a substantial component of the overall contract price. Furthermore, the 'Continental District' might necessitate multiple delivery points or staging areas, adding complexity to scheduling and inventory management. The contractor, Pinter Memorials Inc., must have the infrastructure and network to manage these logistical challenges efficiently. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract means these logistical costs are the contractor's responsibility, and they would have factored these into their bid based on their understanding of the geographic requirements.

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: 1355 INDUSTRIAL BLVD, BESSEMER, AL, 35022

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,159,339

Exercised Options: $3,159,339

Current Obligation: $3,159,339

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C78623D0005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline