VA Spends $35.4M on Mail Manifesting Services with Tri-Starr Management

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $35,436,449 ($35.4M)

Contractor: Tri-Starr Management Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2010-10-01

End Date: 2011-10-14

Contract Duration: 378 days

Daily Burn Rate: $93.7K/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: NORTH CHARLESTON, CHARLESTON County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29405

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $35.4 million to TRI-STARR MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. for work described as: MAIL MANIFESTING Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $35.4 million for mail manifesting. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk appears moderate given the fixed-price contract type. 4. Sector is IT/Services, specifically couriers and express delivery.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $35.4 million for mail manifesting services appears reasonable given the duration and scope. Benchmarking against similar contracts for courier and express delivery services would provide further context on pricing efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a wide range of potential bidders. This method is ideal for ensuring the government receives fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to maximize taxpayer value by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs and improves service quality.

Public Impact

Ensures efficient processing and tracking of mail for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Supports critical administrative functions within the VA. Potential impact on veterans' access to information and services if mail processing is disrupted.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract duration of 378 days is relatively short for a large value contract, potentially leading to increased administrative burden for renewals.
Small business participation is not indicated, which could be a missed opportunity for economic development.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract type helps control costs and provides budget certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a robust market and potential for good value.

Sector Analysis

The IT/Services sector, specifically couriers and express delivery, is essential for government operations. Spending benchmarks for similar services can vary widely based on volume, geographic reach, and specific service requirements.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication of small business participation in this contract. Opportunities for small businesses in the courier and express delivery sector may have been overlooked.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, suggesting internal oversight processes were followed. Further review of performance reports and payment histories would be needed to assess accountability.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Lack of small business participation.
Contract duration vs. value requires further scrutiny.
Potential for administrative overhead in managing a large contract.
No explicit mention of performance metrics or outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $35.4 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 $35.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-10-01. End: 2011-10-14.

What was the specific volume of mail processed under this contract to justify the $35.4 million expenditure?

The provided data does not specify the mail volume. To assess value, one would need to analyze the quantity of mail handled, the complexity of the manifesting process, and the specific services rendered by Tri-Starr Management Services, Inc. This information is crucial for determining if the per-unit cost was competitive and if the overall expenditure aligned with operational needs.

Were there any performance issues or contract disputes during the contract period?

The data does not contain information on performance issues or disputes. A thorough risk assessment would require examining contract performance reports, any modifications, and records of contractor performance evaluations. Lack of reported issues could indicate satisfactory performance, but absence of data does not confirm it.

How does the cost of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar mail manifesting services?

Without specific details on the services provided and mail volume, a direct cost comparison is difficult. However, a $35.4 million expenditure over approximately one year for manifesting services is substantial. Benchmarking would involve comparing the cost per piece or per pound against industry averages for similar government or commercial contracts.

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: $35,436,449

Exercised Options: $35,436,449

Current Obligation: $35,436,449

Timeline