SSA Spends $10.3M on Janitorial Services for Baltimore Complex, Lacking Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,332,394 ($10.3M)
Contractor: Chimes District of Columbia Incorporated
Awarding Agency: Social Security Administration
Start Date: 2002-11-15
End Date: 2009-02-18
Contract Duration: 2,287 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: JANITORIAL/CUSTODIAL SERVICES AT THE SSA METRO WEST COMPLEX IN BALTIMORE, MD.
Place of Performance
Location: BALTIMORE, BALTIMORE (CITY) County, MARYLAND, 21215
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Social Security Administration obligated $10.3 million to CHIMES DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA INCORPORATED for work described as: JANITORIAL/CUSTODIAL SERVICES AT THE SSA METRO WEST COMPLEX IN BALTIMORE, MD. Key points: 1. The contract awarded to Chimes District of Columbia Incorporated represents a significant expenditure for janitorial services. 2. Lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpayment and reduced service quality. 3. The long duration of the contract (2002-2009) suggests a need for regular re-evaluation of service needs and pricing. 4. The sector is janitorial services, a common area for government contracting with varying price points.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
Pricing is difficult to assess without competitive bids or a clear benchmark. The total value of over $10 million for janitorial services over approximately 6 years warrants scrutiny.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not available for competition, indicating a limited source award. This significantly impacts price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition likely resulted in higher costs than a competitive process would have yielded, impacting taxpayer funds.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may have overpaid for janitorial services due to the absence of competitive bidding. The long-term nature of the contract could mean outdated service standards or pricing. Government agencies rely on these services, but the procurement method here is suboptimal.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of Competition
- Potential Overpricing
- Long Contract Duration
Positive Signals
- Essential Service Provided
- Contract Awarded
Sector Analysis
Janitorial services are a standard government procurement category. Benchmarks vary widely based on facility size, location, and service scope. This contract's value suggests a large facility or extensive services.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business, nor does it specify any small business subcontracting requirements.
Oversight & Accountability
The limited competition and lack of transparency in pricing raise oversight concerns. Further review of the justification for the limited source award is recommended.
Related Government Programs
- Janitorial Services
- Social Security Administration Contracting
- Social Security Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition raises concerns about fair pricing.
- Potential for overpayment due to lack of competitive pressure.
- Long contract duration may not reflect current market rates or needs.
- Lack of transparency regarding the justification for limited competition.
Tags
janitorial-services, social-security-administration, md, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Social Security Administration awarded $10.3 million to CHIMES DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA INCORPORATED. JANITORIAL/CUSTODIAL SERVICES AT THE SSA METRO WEST COMPLEX IN BALTIMORE, MD.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CHIMES DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA INCORPORATED.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Social Security Administration (Social Security Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $10.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2002-11-15. End: 2009-02-18.
What was the justification for awarding this contract on a limited source basis?
The provided data states the contract was 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION'. This implies a specific justification, such as a sole-source requirement or a prior determination that competition was not feasible or practical. Understanding this justification is crucial for assessing the validity of the procurement method and its impact on value for money.
How does the per-square-foot cost of these janitorial services compare to industry benchmarks for similar government facilities?
Without specific details on the square footage of the SSA Metro West Complex and the exact scope of services provided, a precise per-square-foot cost comparison is challenging. However, given the total contract value of over $10 million and the lack of competition, it is prudent to investigate if the pricing aligns with or exceeds typical government janitorial service contracts for facilities of comparable size and complexity.
What mechanisms were in place to ensure service quality and cost-effectiveness throughout the contract's long duration?
The contract spanned from 2002 to 2009, a significant period. It is important to understand if performance metrics, regular service reviews, and mechanisms for price adjustments or contract modifications were utilized. The absence of competition suggests that market pressures for quality and cost improvements were likely limited.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Services to Buildings and Dwellings › Janitorial Services
Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Contractor Details
Address: 4815 SETON DR, BALTIMORE, MD, 90
Business Categories: AbilityOne Program Participant, Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $10,280,486
Exercised Options: $10,280,486
Current Obligation: $10,332,394
Timeline
Start Date: 2002-11-15
Current End Date: 2009-02-18
Potential End Date: 2009-02-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2009-10-31
More Contracts from Chimes District of Columbia Incorporated
- Custodial and Related Services 5 Federal Buildings Baltimore MD — $23.5M (General Services Administration)
- Custodial Services North/East Buildings — $21.6M (Department of the Treasury)
- Janitorial Services — $17.2M (Department of Commerce)
- Federal Contract — $17.1M (Department of Defense)
- Base Custodial — $14.4M (Department of Defense)
View all Chimes District of Columbia Incorporated federal contracts →
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