VA awards $2.4M contract for geese mitigation services in West Virginia

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,000 ($24.0K)

Contractor: Gibson Rebecca

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2027-04-01

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $66/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: GEESE MITIGATION SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: MARTINSBURG, BERKELEY County, WEST VIRGINIA, 25405

State: West Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $24,000 to GIBSON REBECCA for work described as: GEESE MITIGATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single provider for pest control services. 2. Duration of 364 days suggests a need for ongoing management. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type aims to control costs. 4. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a smaller contract value. 5. Geographic focus on West Virginia for specific environmental needs. 6. No indication of small business set-aside or subcontracting.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.4 million for 364 days of service appears reasonable for specialized pest control. However, without specific details on the scope of work, such as the size of the area to be covered or the intensity of the geese problem, a direct comparison to similar contracts is difficult. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, but it's essential to ensure the pricing reflects competitive market rates for exterminating and pest control services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for more streamlined competition for smaller dollar values. The specific competition level (e.g., number of bids received) is not detailed in the provided data. SAP can sometimes lead to less robust competition compared to full and open procedures, potentially impacting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP suggests an effort to efficiently procure services for a moderate contract value. The level of competition under SAP will directly influence whether taxpayers are receiving the best possible price for these essential mitigation services.

Public Impact

Benefits the Department of Veterans Affairs by addressing environmental and health concerns related to geese populations on its facilities. Services delivered include geese mitigation, likely involving deterrents, removal, or habitat modification. Geographic impact is concentrated in West Virginia, serving VA facilities within the state. Workforce implications are minimal, as the contract is for services rather than large-scale project labor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of transparency regarding the specific competition details under SAP.
Potential for limited price competition given the acquisition procedures.
Absence of information on small business participation or subcontracting.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost control.
Awarded to a single entity, simplifying management.
Clear service category (Exterminating and Pest Control Services).

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically under pest control. The market for environmental management and pest control services is diverse, with many small and medium-sized businesses offering specialized solutions. This contract represents a modest expenditure within the federal government's overall spending on facility maintenance and environmental services.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. This suggests that the primary awardee may not be a small business, and there is no explicit mechanism in place to ensure small business participation in fulfilling this requirement. Further investigation would be needed to determine if any subcontracting opportunities exist or were pursued.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon cost. Transparency could be enhanced by making the details of the competition and performance metrics publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Federal Pest Management Programs
Environmental Services Contracts
Department of Veterans Affairs Facility Management

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to SAP.
Lack of contractor performance history provided.
Absence of detailed performance metrics in summary data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $24,000 to GIBSON REBECCA. GEESE MITIGATION SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GIBSON REBECCA.

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 $24,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2027-04-01.

What is the specific scope of work and the expected outcomes for the geese mitigation services?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'GEESE MITIGATION SERVICES' under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 561710, 'Exterminating and Pest Control Services'. While the exact scope is not detailed, typical geese mitigation services can include a range of activities such as habitat modification (e.g., altering vegetation), installation of visual or auditory deterrents, herding by trained dogs, or, in some cases, non-lethal removal. The expected outcomes would be a reduction in geese populations and their associated nuisances (e.g., droppings, damage to grounds, potential health hazards) at Department of Veterans Affairs facilities in West Virginia, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment for veterans and staff.

How does the contract value of $2.4 million compare to typical spending on similar pest control services for federal agencies?

A contract value of $2.4 million for a 364-day service period for geese mitigation is a significant, though not exceptionally large, sum for specialized pest control. Federal agencies often contract for pest and wildlife management services across various locations. Without knowing the precise geographic area, the intensity of the problem, and the specific methods employed, a direct comparison is challenging. However, for large facilities or multiple sites within a region, this value could be considered within a reasonable range, especially if it involves comprehensive, long-term solutions. Smaller, localized pest control needs are typically awarded at much lower dollar values.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding this contract under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?

Awarding contracts under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which applies to purchases generally under $250,000 (though thresholds can be higher for certain categories), can introduce risks related to competition and price discovery. While SAP is designed for efficiency in acquiring goods and services below certain thresholds, it may not always attract the same level of robust competition as full and open solicitations. This can potentially lead to less favorable pricing for the government if multiple qualified bidders are not actively engaged. Additionally, the oversight and documentation requirements under SAP are typically less stringent, which could, in some cases, increase the risk of inadequate performance monitoring if not managed diligently by the contracting officer.

What is the track record of the contractor, GIBSON REBECCA, in providing similar services to the federal government?

The provided data identifies 'GIBSON REBECCA' as the contractor. However, it does not offer any information regarding their track record, past performance, or experience in providing geese mitigation or other pest control services to the federal government or other clients. To assess the contractor's reliability and capability, further research would be necessary, potentially involving reviewing past performance evaluations (if available in federal databases like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), checking for previous federal awards, and examining their business profile and certifications in the pest control industry.

Are there any specific performance metrics or deliverables outlined in the contract to ensure effectiveness?

The provided data does not include details about specific performance metrics or deliverables for this contract. Typically, a contract for geese mitigation services would outline key performance indicators (KPIs) such as the desired reduction percentage in geese population or nuisance incidents, response times for reported issues, and reporting requirements on activities undertaken and their effectiveness. The firm fixed-price nature implies the contractor is responsible for achieving certain outcomes, but the absence of explicit metrics makes it difficult to objectively assess the success of the mitigation efforts and the contractor's performance without further contract documentation.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Services to Buildings and Dwellings › Exterminating and Pest Control Services

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVERVAT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1101 POLK FORD RD, STANFIELD, NC, 28163

Business Categories: Category Business, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,000

Exercised Options: $24,000

Current Obligation: $24,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24521D0070

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline