VA awards $36.6M contract for mail manifesting services to TRI-STARR MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $36,606,631 ($36.6M)

Contractor: Tri-Starr Management Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2013-10-01

End Date: 2014-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $100.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF MAIL MANIFESTING

Place of Performance

Location: NORTH CHARLESTON, CHARLESTON County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29405

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $36.6 million to TRI-STARR MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF MAIL MANIFESTING Key points: 1. Contract value of $36.6M for mail manifesting services. 2. TRI-STARR MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. is the sole awardee. 3. Awarded under full and open competition. 4. Service period runs from October 1, 2013, to September 30, 2014.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $36.6M for a one-year period appears high for mail manifesting services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for this service is necessary to assess pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the high value for a single year raises questions about price discovery and potential for better pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for this contract. The effectiveness of the competition in securing the best possible price for the government is a key consideration.

Public Impact

Veterans benefit from efficient mail processing through this service. The contract supports a private company providing essential government services. Transparency in pricing and service delivery is important for public trust.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

High contract value for a one-year term.
Potential for better pricing through extended contract duration or different service models.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Service supports critical government operations.

Sector Analysis

Mail manifesting services fall under the broader category of logistics and administrative support. The benchmark for this sector can vary significantly based on the scope and volume of mail handled.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to TRI-STARR MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. Information regarding small business participation or subcontracting is not provided in the data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would involve monitoring the performance of TRI-STARR MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. to ensure service delivery meets requirements and that the pricing remains competitive over time.

Related Government Programs

Internet Service Providers
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

High annual cost.
Short contract duration (one year).
Lack of detailed service scope for benchmarking.
Potential for price inflation due to limited competition over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $36.6 million to TRI-STARR MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF MAIL MANIFESTING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRI-STARR MANAGEMENT SERVICES, 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 $36.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-10-01. End: 2014-09-30.

What is the typical cost range for mail manifesting services of this scale?

The typical cost range for mail manifesting services can vary widely depending on factors such as mail volume, types of mail, geographic scope, and the specific technology used. Without detailed service requirements, it's difficult to provide a precise benchmark. However, a $36.6 million contract for a single year suggests a very high volume or complex set of services.

What are the risks associated with a high-value, single-year contract for mail manifesting?

A significant risk is paying a premium due to the short contract duration, as vendors may factor in the uncertainty of future work. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in if the service is critical and switching providers becomes difficult or costly. Inefficient service delivery or cost overruns could also impact the VA's budget and operational efficiency.

How effective is full and open competition in ensuring value for money in this type of service?

Full and open competition is generally effective in driving value for money by encouraging multiple vendors to offer competitive bids. However, the effectiveness can be diminished if the solicitation requirements are not well-defined, or if the market for such specialized services is limited. For a high-value contract, rigorous evaluation of proposals and price analysis is crucial to ensure the government receives the best possible value.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Internet Service Providers and Web Search Portals › Internet Service Providers

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1941 CITRONA DR, FERNANDINA BEACH, FL, 32034

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $36,606,631

Exercised Options: $36,606,631

Current Obligation: $36,606,631

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS25F0037S

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline