VA awards $3.66M plumbing contract to Little's Septic Service Inc. for 364 days

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,660 ($3.7K)

Contractor: Littles Septic Service Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-06-04

End Date: 2025-06-03

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: HYDRO

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTINGTON, CABELL County, WEST VIRGINIA, 25709

State: West Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $3,660.25 to LITTLES SEPTIC SERVICE INC for work described as: HYDRO Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a firm-fixed-price basis, indicating predictable costs for the government. 2. The contract was not competed under simplified acquisition procedures, suggesting potential for higher costs. 3. Awarded as a BPA Call, which can streamline procurement for recurring needs. 4. The single award indicates limited competition, potentially impacting price negotiation. 5. The contract duration is one year, aligning with typical operational needs. 6. The contractor, Little's Septic Service Inc., is the sole awardee for this requirement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $3.66 million for a one-year plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning services contract appears to be within a reasonable range for a federal agency like the VA. However, without specific details on the scope of work, location, and the exact services required, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar contracts for plumbing and HVAC services at VA facilities or other federal agencies would provide a clearer picture of whether this price reflects competitive market rates. The firm-fixed-price structure offers cost certainty, but the lack of competition raises questions about whether the government secured the best possible price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded as a BPA Call under a sole-source designation, meaning it was not openly competed. The data indicates that only one offer was solicited and received. This approach is typically used when a specific contractor is uniquely qualified or when the requirement is so specialized that only one source can fulfill it. The limited competition means that the VA did not benefit from a broader range of proposals, which could have led to more competitive pricing or innovative solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may not have received the benefit of competitive pricing. Without a competitive bidding process, there is a risk that the awarded price is higher than it would have been if multiple vendors had vied for the contract.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving services at VA facilities in West Virginia will benefit from maintained plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning systems. Ensures the operational readiness and comfort of healthcare facilities. Supports the ongoing provision of essential healthcare services by maintaining critical infrastructure. The contract supports local employment through the services provided by Little's Septic Service Inc. in West Virginia.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
Sole-source award raises questions about whether the best value was obtained.
Limited transparency into the justification for a sole-source award.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
BPA Call award can streamline future procurements for similar needs.
Contract ensures essential facility maintenance for VA operations.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Construction and Facilities Maintenance sector, specifically focusing on plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning services. This sector is crucial for the operational continuity of government facilities, including healthcare centers. The market for these services is generally competitive, with numerous small and large businesses offering specialized expertise. Federal spending in this area is consistent, driven by the need to maintain aging infrastructure and ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards. The $3.66 million award is a moderate-sized contract within this domain.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, Little's Septic Service Inc., is not explicitly identified as a small business in this context. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a small business set-aside. The absence of a small business set-aside means that opportunities for small business participation were not prioritized for this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price structure, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified services at the agreed-upon price. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Veterans Affairs Facility Maintenance Contracts
Federal Plumbing and HVAC Services
BPA Call Awards
Sole-Source Federal Contracts

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for cost overruns

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $3,660.25 to LITTLES SEPTIC SERVICE INC. HYDRO

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LITTLES SEPTIC 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 $3,660.25.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-06-04. End: 2025-06-03.

What is the specific scope of work for plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning services covered under this contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific scope of work. However, based on the NAICS code 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors), the services likely include installation, repair, maintenance, and renovation of plumbing systems, heating systems, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This could encompass routine maintenance, emergency repairs, system upgrades, and compliance checks for facilities managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs in West Virginia. A detailed statement of work (SOW) would typically outline the exact deliverables, service level agreements, and performance standards.

How does the $3.66 million contract value compare to similar VA plumbing and HVAC contracts?

Without access to a comprehensive database of all VA contracts and their specific scopes of work, a direct comparison is difficult. However, $3.66 million for a one-year contract for comprehensive plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning services at a federal facility is a significant award. The VA operates numerous large medical centers and facilities, which require substantial maintenance. To benchmark effectively, one would need to compare this contract's value against other firm-fixed-price, sole-source, or limited-competition contracts for similar services at comparable VA facilities, considering factors like facility size, age, and geographic location. The lack of competition here suggests the price might be higher than if it were competed broadly.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' and awarded as a 'BPA CALL'. While 'sole-source' is inferred from the single award, the specific justification for not competing it broadly is not provided in the abbreviated data. Typically, sole-source awards are justified under specific circumstances outlined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), such as when only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services, or when there is a compelling urgency. Without the official justification document, it's impossible to confirm the precise reason, but it suggests that Little's Septic Service Inc. was deemed the only viable option for this particular requirement at the time of award.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for essential facility maintenance?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award for essential facility maintenance is the potential for inflated costs due to the lack of competitive pressure. Without multiple bidders vying for the contract, the awarded price may not reflect the best possible value for the government. Other risks include a potential decrease in service quality if the contractor faces no competitive threat, and limited opportunities for innovation that might arise from a competitive bidding process. Furthermore, reliance on a single source can create vulnerabilities if that contractor experiences financial difficulties or operational issues, potentially disrupting essential services.

What is the historical spending pattern for plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning services at this specific VA facility or region?

The provided data does not include historical spending patterns for this specific contract or facility. To analyze historical spending, one would need to query federal procurement databases (like FPDS or USASpending) for previous contracts awarded to Little's Septic Service Inc. or other contractors for similar services at the relevant VA facility or within West Virginia. Examining past contract values, durations, and competition levels would reveal trends in spending, identify potential cost increases over time, and assess whether this $3.66 million award aligns with historical investment in facility maintenance.

What is the track record of Little's Septic Service Inc. in performing federal contracts, particularly with the VA?

The provided data only includes the current award to Little's Septic Service Inc. It does not offer information on their past performance, contract history, or track record with the VA or other federal agencies. To assess their track record, one would need to research their past federal contract awards, including contract values, types of services rendered, performance ratings (if available), and any past performance issues or disputes. This information is crucial for understanding their reliability and capability in fulfilling government requirements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Building Equipment Contractors › Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 239 CLAY STREET, WHEELERSBURG, OH, 45694

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,660

Exercised Options: $3,660

Current Obligation: $3,660

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24520A0041

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline