VA awards $1.6M engineering contract to DUBOIS & KING INC for RRTP DESIGN services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,609,187 ($1.6M)

Contractor: Dubois & King Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2020-04-02

End Date: 2031-01-30

Contract Duration: 3,955 days

Daily Burn Rate: $407/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: RRTP DESIGN

Place of Performance

Location: LEEDS, HAMPSHIRE County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01053

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $1.6 million to DUBOIS & KING INC for work described as: RRTP DESIGN Key points: 1. Contract value of $1.6M over its period of performance. 2. Services procured through full and open competition. 3. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating predictable costs. 4. Performance period extends through January 2031. 5. Task order awarded under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 6. NAICS code 541330 points to engineering services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.6M appears reasonable for engineering services, especially considering the long performance period extending to 2031. Benchmarking against similar VA engineering contracts would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure helps manage cost uncertainty for the government. Without specific details on the scope of 'RRTP DESIGN', a direct comparison of per-unit costs is challenging, but the overall award size is within typical ranges for specialized engineering support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES', suggesting that while the competition was open, specific sources may have been excluded prior to the solicitation. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' nature generally promotes a competitive environment. This approach aims to ensure the government receives the best value by considering a broad range of qualified offerors, which can lead to more competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at a fair market price, preventing potential overspending associated with limited competition.

Public Impact

Veterans will benefit from the design services provided under this contract, likely related to facilities or programs. Engineering design services are delivered to support the Department of Veterans Affairs' mission. The geographic impact is likely focused on VA facilities within Massachusetts, where the contractor is based. The contract supports specialized engineering roles, contributing to the technical workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep given the long performance period and 'DESIGN' nature of the work.
Reliance on a single contractor for a specific design function could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
The 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants further investigation into the rationale behind limiting the initial pool of potential bidders.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
Awarded through a competitive process, suggesting a baseline level of value.
Long-term contract allows for sustained support and relationship building.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically under NAICS code 541330. This sector is crucial for government infrastructure projects and specialized technical support. The market for engineering services is competitive, with numerous firms capable of providing design and consulting. The $1.6M award is a moderate-sized contract within this sector, likely representing a specific project or phase of a larger initiative for the VA.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary set-aside consideration for this specific contract. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses mandated by this award. The focus appears to be on securing specialized engineering expertise, and the prime contractor is not a small business.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed budget. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics and specific oversight activities are often internal to the agency.

Related Government Programs

VA Facilities Engineering Contracts
Architectural and Engineering Services
Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contracts
Design Services for Government Projects

Risk Flags

Long performance period may increase risk of scope creep or obsolescence.
Potential for performance degradation over extended contract duration.
Need to clarify the 'exclusion of sources' rationale for competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $1.6 million to DUBOIS & KING INC. RRTP DESIGN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DUBOIS & KING 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 $1.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-04-02. End: 2031-01-30.

What is the specific nature of the 'RRTP DESIGN' services being procured?

The provided data abbreviates the service as 'RRTP DESIGN'. Without further context, 'RRTP' could stand for various program or facility types within the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is likely related to a specific initiative, facility renovation, or new construction project requiring specialized engineering design. Understanding the full acronym would clarify the scope of work, the technical expertise required, and the potential impact on veteran services or facilities. Further investigation into VA project nomenclature or direct inquiry to the agency would be necessary to ascertain the precise nature of these design services.

How does the $1.6M contract value compare to similar engineering design contracts awarded by the VA?

The $1.6M contract value for engineering design services over a period extending to 2031 is a moderate award size. To benchmark effectively, one would need to compare it against other VA contracts for similar engineering disciplines (e.g., civil, structural, mechanical, electrical) and project scopes. Factors such as project complexity, geographic location, and the specific type of design (e.g., conceptual, detailed, construction-phase) significantly influence pricing. A comprehensive analysis would involve reviewing historical contract data for comparable projects, considering inflation, and assessing the number of bidders involved in those procurements to gauge if this award represents competitive pricing.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how is performance being monitored?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this 'RRTP DESIGN' contract. Typically, for engineering design services, KPIs might include adherence to design schedules, quality of design deliverables (e.g., compliance with codes and standards), accuracy of cost estimates, and responsiveness to agency feedback. Performance monitoring is usually conducted by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or a designated program manager within the VA. They would review design submittals, track progress against milestones, and ensure the contractor meets the technical requirements outlined in the contract Statement of Work (SOW).

What is the track record of DUBOIS & KING INC with the Department of Veterans Affairs and similar federal agencies?

DUBOIS & KING INC has secured this $1.6M contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs. To assess their track record, a review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly with the VA and other agencies requiring engineering services, would be necessary. This would involve examining contract histories for on-time delivery, quality of work, adherence to budget, and any past performance issues or disputes. Information on their experience with similar types of design projects would also be valuable in understanding their capabilities and reliability for the 'RRTP DESIGN' requirement.

What are the potential risks associated with a long-term contract (ending 2031) for design services?

A long-term contract for design services, such as this one ending in 2031, carries several potential risks. Firstly, the scope of work might evolve significantly over the years, potentially leading to scope creep and cost overruns if not managed carefully through contract modifications. Secondly, technological advancements or changes in regulatory requirements could render initial designs obsolete or necessitate costly revisions. Thirdly, maintaining consistent quality and performance from the contractor over an extended period can be challenging. Finally, the government's needs might change, making the originally contracted design less relevant or requiring a different approach, potentially leading to contract termination or renegotiation.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - CONSTRUCTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Dubois & King, Inc.

Address: 28 N MAIN ST, RANDOLPH, VT, 05060

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,609,187

Exercised Options: $1,609,187

Current Obligation: $1,609,187

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: VA24115D0171

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline