VA awards $18.9M for Mail Manifesting to Tri-Starr Management Services, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,989,004 ($19.0M)

Contractor: Tri-Starr Management Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2010-10-01

End Date: 2011-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $52.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MAIL MANIFESTING

Place of Performance

Location: LEAVENWORTH, LEAVENWORTH County, KANSAS, 66048

State: Kansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $19.0 million to TRI-STARR MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. for work described as: MAIL MANIFESTING Key points: 1. The contract value is $18.9 million. 2. The award was made under full and open competition. 3. The service falls under the Couriers and Express Delivery Services NAICS code. 4. The contract duration is 364 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract was awarded using a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) type, which is standard for services. The total award amount of $18.9M for a 364-day period suggests a significant per-diem cost, but without specific service level details or benchmarks for mail manifesting services, a precise value assessment is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the agency to select the best value offer.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for mail manifesting services, a necessary administrative function. The competitive award process aims to ensure efficient use of these funds.

Public Impact

Ensures efficient processing and tracking of mail for the VA. Supports the operational needs of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Provides employment opportunities through the awarded contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited contract duration (364 days) may lead to recurring procurement costs.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it hard to assess efficiency.
Potential for price increases in subsequent contract renewals.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
Service supports a critical government function.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under the Couriers and Express Delivery Services sector. Spending in this sector is driven by the need for efficient logistics and mail handling across government agencies. Benchmarks for similar contracts would typically consider volume, speed, and security requirements.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to TRI-STARR MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC., and there is no indication of small business subcontracting in the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was a requirement or if opportunities were missed.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and contract management practices would apply to ensure performance and accountability.

Related Government Programs

Couriers and Express Delivery Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Limited contract duration.
Lack of detailed performance metrics.
Potential for price escalation in future contracts.
No clear indication of small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $19.0 million to TRI-STARR MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.. 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 $19.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-10-01. End: 2011-09-30.

What is the specific volume of mail handled under this contract, and how does the cost per piece compare to industry averages?

The provided data does not specify the volume of mail handled or offer a per-piece cost. To assess value, this information would be crucial. Comparing the total contract value ($18.9M) against the expected mail volume and industry benchmarks for similar services would reveal if the pricing is competitive and efficient for the taxpayer.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this mail manifesting service, and how is contractor performance being measured?

The data does not detail the specific KPIs or performance measurement methods for this contract. Effective oversight requires clearly defined metrics such as delivery timeliness, accuracy, tracking success rates, and damage/loss rates. Without these, it's challenging to assess the contractor's effectiveness and ensure the VA receives optimal service.

Given the 364-day duration, what is the VA's strategy for ensuring continuity of service and competitive pricing in future procurements?

The 364-day duration suggests a single-year contract, potentially with options. The VA's strategy likely involves planning for follow-on contracts, possibly through competitive re-procurement or extensions if permitted. Ensuring continuity and competitive pricing will depend on market research, robust solicitation processes, and potentially longer-term contract vehicles.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Couriers and Express Delivery Services › Couriers and Express Delivery Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1941 CITRONA DR STE 1, FERNANDINA BEACH, FL, 04

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,989,004

Exercised Options: $18,989,004

Current Obligation: $18,989,004

Timeline