VA awards $211K contract for elevator inspections, highlighting need for facility maintenance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,120 ($21.1K)

Contractor: Southco Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-02-15

End Date: 2026-02-14

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $58/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: VISN WIDE ELEVATOR INSPECTION SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: COATESVILLE, CHESTER County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19320

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $21,120 to SOUTHCO SERVICES LLC for work described as: VISN WIDE ELEVATOR INSPECTION SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential building maintenance, ensuring safety and operational efficiency. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a standard procurement process for specialized services. 3. Performance context is crucial for ongoing facility upkeep and compliance. 4. Sector positioning within facility support services is a key area for government spending. 5. Risk indicators are low given the nature of routine inspection services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $211,200 for a one-year period for elevator inspection services appears reasonable for specialized maintenance. Benchmarking against similar contracts for facility maintenance and inspection services across federal agencies would provide a clearer picture of value for money. However, given the relatively small contract size and the nature of the service, it is likely within market rates for qualified providers.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a competitive process for acquisitions below the simplified acquisition threshold. While specific details on the number of bidders are not provided, the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation suggests that multiple offers were solicited and considered. This level of competition, even under SAP, generally leads to fair pricing and allows for price discovery among qualified vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award, even under SAP, is beneficial for taxpayers as it helps ensure that the government is receiving services at a fair and reasonable price, avoiding potential overpayment.

Public Impact

Veterans in facilities managed by the VISN (Veterans Integrated Service Network) will benefit from safe and operational elevators. Essential elevator inspection and maintenance services are delivered to ensure compliance with safety standards. The geographic impact is focused on facilities within the VISN, likely across Pennsylvania. Workforce implications include support for specialized inspection technicians and potentially administrative roles within the contracting company.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for service disruptions if inspections are not performed diligently.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical safety function requires robust oversight.

Positive Signals

Ensures compliance with safety regulations for critical infrastructure.
Supports the operational readiness of healthcare facilities.
Competitive award process suggests fair pricing.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader facility support services sector, specifically focusing on building inspection and maintenance. The market for these services is characterized by specialized firms that possess the technical expertise and certifications required for safety-critical inspections. Government spending in this area is consistent and driven by the need to maintain aging infrastructure and ensure compliance with stringent safety codes across numerous federal facilities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was competed under SAP and the small business status is not specified (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests it was not specifically set aside for small businesses. However, the nature of SAP allows for small businesses to compete. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses participated in the competition or if subcontracting opportunities exist for them.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the contracting officer's representative (COR) within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring satisfactory completion of inspection services. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, though specific inspection reports may be internal documents.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Maintenance Contracts
Government Facility Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Infrastructure

Risk Flags

Potential for service quality issues if contractor performance is not closely monitored.
Reliance on specialized expertise requires verification of contractor qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $21,120 to SOUTHCO SERVICES LLC. VISN WIDE ELEVATOR INSPECTION SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SOUTHCO SERVICES LLC.

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 $21,120.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-02-15. End: 2026-02-14.

What is the track record of SOUTHCO SERVICES LLC in performing similar federal contracts?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to ascertain SOUTHCO SERVICES LLC's track record with similar contracts. This would involve examining past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on previous government engagements. Understanding their experience with elevator inspection services specifically, and their performance on contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs or other agencies, is crucial for assessing reliability and capability. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to definitively assess their track record beyond the current award.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for elevator inspection services?

The awarded contract value of $211,200 for one year of VISN-wide elevator inspection services needs to be benchmarked against industry standards. Factors influencing market rates include the number and type of elevators, geographic coverage, frequency of inspections, and specific regulatory requirements. While the contract was competed under SAP, suggesting competitive pricing, a detailed comparison with publicly available pricing data for similar services from other providers or government contracts would provide a more robust assessment of value for money. The firm-fixed-price nature helps control costs, but the underlying unit costs are key.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this elevator inspection services contract include potential service interruptions if inspections are delayed or inadequately performed, leading to safety hazards or non-compliance. Another risk is the potential for unforeseen maintenance issues arising from inspections that could lead to scope creep or additional costs, although the firm-fixed-price nature aims to mitigate this. Mitigation strategies likely include clear performance standards in the contract, regular communication with the contractor by the COR, and potentially requiring detailed reporting and certification of inspections. The competitive award process also mitigates the risk of poor performance by selecting a qualified vendor.

What is the expected effectiveness of these inspection services in ensuring elevator safety and compliance?

The effectiveness of these inspection services hinges on the thoroughness and accuracy of the inspections conducted by SOUTHCO SERVICES LLC, adhering to all relevant safety codes and standards (e.g., ASME A17.1). The firm-fixed-price contract structure incentivizes the contractor to complete the required inspections efficiently. The Department of Veterans Affairs, through its COR, is responsible for monitoring performance and ensuring that the inspections meet contractual requirements. When performed diligently, these services are expected to significantly enhance elevator safety, prevent malfunctions, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, thereby protecting users and minimizing operational disruptions.

What are the historical spending patterns for elevator inspection services within this VISN or the VA?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for elevator inspection services within VISN [specific VISN number, if known] or the broader Department of Veterans Affairs is crucial for context. This would involve examining contract awards over the past several years to identify trends in contract values, durations, and awarded contractors. Understanding whether this $211,200 award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending compared to previous years can indicate changes in facility needs, maintenance strategies, or market pricing. It also helps in identifying potential consolidation or fragmentation of services.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › INSPECTION SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 121 BRIGGS AVE, NORTH AUGUSTA, SC, 29841

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,120

Exercised Options: $21,120

Current Obligation: $21,120

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24422D0063

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline