VA awards $425K for ALS/BLS Ambulance Services in Rhode Island to Alert Ambulance Service, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $425,338 ($425.3K)

Contractor: Alert Ambulance Service, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2020-10-01

End Date: 2021-06-30

Contract Duration: 272 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: ALS/BLS AMBULANCE TRANSPORT SERVICES PROVIDENCE VAMC

Place of Performance

Location: PROVIDENCE, PROVIDENCE County, RHODE ISLAND, 02908

State: Rhode Island Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $425,337.5 to ALERT AMBULANCE SERVICE, INC. for work described as: ALS/BLS AMBULANCE TRANSPORT SERVICES PROVIDENCE VAMC Key points: 1. Spending is relatively low for this type of service, suggesting a localized or specific need. 2. Alert Ambulance Service, Inc. is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition breadth. 3. The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources', indicating a specific justification for limiting initial bidders. 4. The sector is Healthcare, specifically emergency medical services, which are critical for veteran care.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $425,337.50 appears reasonable for a single delivery order for ambulance services over a 9-month period. Benchmarking against similar VA contracts for ambulance services would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'. While this indicates competition occurred, the exclusion of sources suggests specific criteria were applied, potentially limiting the pool of eligible bidders and impacting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential healthcare services. The value for money depends on the efficiency and effectiveness of the services provided and the competitive nature of the award process.

Public Impact

Ensures critical emergency medical transport for veterans at the Providence VA Medical Center. Supports local healthcare infrastructure and employment within Rhode Island. Provides a vital service that directly impacts patient outcomes and access to care.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to exclusion of sources.
Potential for price escalation if competition is not robust.
Reliance on a single provider for a critical service.

Positive Signals

Addresses a clear need for specialized medical transport.
Awarded under a competitive process, albeit with exclusions.
Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Healthcare sector, specifically emergency medical services. Spending benchmarks for ambulance services can vary significantly based on geographic location, service level (ALS/BLS), and contract duration. The $425K award for a 9-month period is moderate.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Accountability would involve monitoring service delivery, adherence to contract terms, and ensuring value for taxpayer money.

Related Government Programs

Ambulance Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
Lack of transparency on the specific reasons for source exclusion.
Need for further benchmarking to confirm value for money.
Reliance on a single provider for critical services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $425,337.5 to ALERT AMBULANCE SERVICE, INC.. ALS/BLS AMBULANCE TRANSPORT SERVICES PROVIDENCE VAMC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALERT AMBULANCE SERVICE, 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 $425,337.5.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-10-01. End: 2021-06-30.

What was the specific justification for excluding certain sources in the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' process, and how did this impact the final price?

The justification for excluding sources typically relates to specific technical requirements, past performance, or unique capabilities needed for the service. Understanding this rationale is crucial to assess if the exclusion was necessary and if it led to a fair price. Without this information, it's difficult to definitively state if the price achieved was optimal.

How does the per-unit cost of these ambulance services compare to industry benchmarks or other VA contracts for similar services in comparable regions?

Benchmarking the per-unit cost is essential for evaluating value. If the costs are significantly higher than benchmarks, it could indicate potential overpricing or inefficiencies. Conversely, if they are lower, it might suggest a good deal for the government. This comparison is key to assessing the financial effectiveness of the contract.

What is the track record of Alert Ambulance Service, Inc. in fulfilling similar government contracts, particularly regarding reliability and quality of service?

Assessing the contractor's past performance is vital for understanding the risk associated with this award. A strong track record suggests a higher likelihood of successful service delivery and fewer potential issues. Conversely, a history of performance problems could indicate a risk to the continuity and quality of care for veterans.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Other Ambulatory Health Care Services › Ambulance Services

Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRAVEL, LODGING, RECRUITMENT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1290 WILSON RD, FALL RIVER, MA, 02720

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $425,338

Exercised Options: $425,338

Current Obligation: $425,338

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: VA24116D0070

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline