VA Awards $3M Contract for Homeless Veteran Shelters to Father Bill's & Mainspring

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,045,178 ($3.0M)

Contractor: Father Bill's & Mainspring, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2023-03-27

End Date: 2027-03-26

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.1K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: BOSTON HCS RESIDENTIAL EMERGENCY CONTRACT PROGRAM FOR HOMELESS VETERANS

Place of Performance

Location: JAMAICA PLAIN, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02130

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $3.0 million to FATHER BILL'S & MAINSPRING, INC. for work described as: BOSTON HCS RESIDENTIAL EMERGENCY CONTRACT PROGRAM FOR HOMELESS VETERANS Key points: 1. Contract value of $3.05M over 4 years for emergency residential services. 2. Competition method was 'Competed under SAP', indicating a potentially limited but competitive process. 3. Risk is moderate, focusing on service delivery and veteran outcomes. 4. Sector is primarily social services and housing support for veterans.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.05M for 1460 days suggests a daily rate of approximately $2086. This appears reasonable for emergency residential services, especially considering the specialized nature of supporting homeless veterans.

Cost Per Unit: $2086

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically applies to procurements under $250,000. However, the total award is significantly higher, suggesting this may have been a multi-award or a specific application of SAP. Price discovery is likely adequate given the competitive nature, but the full extent of competition is unclear.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to provide essential emergency housing and support services for homeless veterans, addressing a critical social need.

Public Impact

Provides immediate shelter and support for homeless veterans in Massachusetts. Aims to improve the well-being and stability of a vulnerable population. Supports the VA's mission to care for veterans.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in emergency services.
Ensuring consistent quality of care across all services.
Long-term sustainability of services beyond the contract period.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical need for homeless veterans.
Utilizes a dedicated non-profit organization with experience.
Clear contract duration and defined services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the social services and public health sector, specifically focusing on housing and support for vulnerable populations. Benchmarks for similar emergency residential programs can vary widely based on location and service intensity, but the daily rate here seems aligned with specialized care.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific contract award. The focus appears to be on a specialized non-profit provider.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, ensuring the contractor meets performance standards and provides the agreed-upon services. Accountability is tied to the successful delivery of emergency residential support.

Related Government Programs

Temporary Shelters
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Service delivery continuity
Veteran transition success
Cost-effectiveness of emergency services
Provider capacity and responsiveness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $3.0 million to FATHER BILL'S & MAINSPRING, INC.. BOSTON HCS RESIDENTIAL EMERGENCY CONTRACT PROGRAM FOR HOMELESS VETERANS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FATHER BILL'S & MAINSPRING, 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 $3.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-03-27. End: 2027-03-26.

What is the expected outcome for veterans utilizing this program?

The program is expected to provide immediate, safe, and stable emergency residential services for homeless veterans. Key outcomes would include a reduction in homelessness duration, improved access to support services (like healthcare and employment assistance), and a pathway towards more permanent housing solutions. Success will be measured by veteran retention, transition rates, and overall well-being.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

Primary risks include the potential for fluctuating demand for emergency services, requiring flexible resource allocation. There's also a risk related to service quality consistency and ensuring that the provider can adequately address the complex needs of homeless veterans, including mental health and substance abuse issues. Ensuring effective case management and transition planning to permanent housing is also a critical risk area.

How effective is this contract in addressing the broader issue of veteran homelessness?

This contract is effective in addressing an immediate need by providing emergency shelter, which is a crucial first step. However, it is one component of a larger strategy. Its long-term effectiveness in combating veteran homelessness depends on its integration with transitional housing programs, permanent supportive housing initiatives, and comprehensive support services that address the root causes of homelessness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services › Temporary Shelters

Product/Service Code: SOCIAL SERVICES › SOCIAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C24123Q0453

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 430 BELMONT ST, BROCKTON, MA, 02301

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,766,838

Exercised Options: $3,045,178

Current Obligation: $3,045,178

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline