VA awards $4.2M for creative writing services to independent artist Kurt Pitzer

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,200 ($4.2K)

Contractor: Kurt Pitzer

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-05-14

End Date: 2026-07-30

Contract Duration: 77 days

Daily Burn Rate: $55/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CREATIVE WRITING FOR MEN

Place of Performance

Location: ASHEVILLE, BUNCOMBE County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28805

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $4,200 to KURT PITZER for work described as: CREATIVE WRITING FOR MEN Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting potential cost savings from competition. 2. The fixed-price contract structure shifts performance risk to the contractor. 3. Short performance period suggests a focused, potentially specialized need. 4. Independent artist award may indicate a niche requirement or specific expertise sought. 5. Geographic location of awardee in North Carolina is noted.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $4.2 million for creative writing services is difficult to benchmark without more specific details on the scope of work. As a sole-source award, there was no direct comparison to other vendors to assess pricing competitiveness. The fixed-price nature of the contract means the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be a positive for the government if the price is fair. However, the lack of competitive bidding raises concerns about whether the government secured the best possible value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and was awarded on a sole-source basis. This means that only one vendor, Kurt Pitzer, was solicited for this requirement. The lack of competition limits the government's ability to explore a wider range of potential solutions and pricing structures. It suggests that the agency may have identified a unique capability or a specific individual deemed essential for this task.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can potentially lead to higher prices for taxpayers as there is no competitive pressure to drive down costs. It also raises questions about the thoroughness of the market research conducted to ensure no other qualified vendors could meet the need.

Public Impact

Veterans may benefit from creative writing programs or materials developed under this contract. Services delivered are likely related to artistic expression and potentially therapeutic or educational content. The geographic impact is primarily tied to the contractor's location in North Carolina, though the services may be delivered remotely or to a national veteran population. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving the sole contractor as an independent artist.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and potential for cost savings.
Lack of detailed scope of work makes value assessment challenging.
No clear indication of performance metrics or evaluation criteria.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Award to an independent artist may indicate specialized expertise.
Clear contract end date provides a defined performance period.

Sector Analysis

The creative writing sector encompasses a wide range of services, from content creation and editing to scriptwriting and literary development. This contract appears to fall within the 'Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers' category (NAICS 711510). Spending in this area can vary significantly based on agency needs, with government agencies often procuring writing services for public affairs, educational materials, or internal communications. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables, but $4.2 million suggests a substantial project or a long-term engagement for an independent artist.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to an independent artist and does not appear to have a small business set-aside component. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans. The award to a single individual suggests that small business participation, beyond the primary contractor if they qualify as a small business, is unlikely for this specific procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting officer and program managers. As a purchase order, it may have less formal oversight than a larger, more complex contract. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature and lack of publicly available detailed scope of work. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Veteran Affairs Creative Arts Program
Government Public Relations and Communications Contracts
Independent Contractor Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive justification.
Limited transparency on scope of work and performance metrics.
High dollar value for services from an independent artist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $4,200 to KURT PITZER. CREATIVE WRITING FOR MEN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KURT PITZER.

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 $4,200.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-05-14. End: 2026-07-30.

What specific creative writing services are being procured under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'CREATIVE WRITING FOR MEN' and falls under the NAICS code 711510 for Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers. However, the specific deliverables, such as the type of content (e.g., articles, books, scripts, therapeutic writing prompts), the intended audience beyond 'men,' and the expected output format are not detailed in the provided information. This lack of specificity makes it challenging to fully assess the scope and value of the contract.

Why was this contract awarded on a sole-source basis?

The data explicitly states the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' and was awarded as a sole-source purchase order. Agencies typically pursue sole-source contracts when only one vendor is known to possess the unique capability, qualifications, or specialized knowledge required for a specific requirement, or in cases of urgent and compelling need where competition is not feasible. Without further documentation from the VA, the precise justification for this sole-source award remains unclear, but it implies a belief that Kurt Pitzer was the only viable option.

What is the track record of Kurt Pitzer with the Department of Veterans Affairs or similar government contracts?

Information regarding Kurt Pitzer's prior track record with the Department of Veterans Affairs or other government agencies is not included in the provided data. As an independent artist, their experience may lie primarily in the private sector or non-profit realm. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, previous contract history, and any relevant professional portfolios or testimonials to gauge their suitability and past success in delivering similar services.

How does the $4.2 million value compare to similar creative writing contracts?

Benchmarking the $4.2 million value for 'CREATIVE WRITING FOR MEN' is difficult without a detailed scope of work. Creative writing services can range from small content creation tasks to large-scale literary projects. If this contract involves extensive content development, research, and publication over its duration, the value might be reasonable for a specialized need. However, compared to typical government contracts for general writing or public affairs content, $4.2 million is a significant sum, especially for a sole-source award to an independent artist, warranting scrutiny regarding the specific services and expected outcomes.

What are the potential risks associated with this sole-source contract?

The primary risks associated with this sole-source contract include a lack of price competition, potentially leading to a higher cost for the government than if multiple vendors had bid. There's also a risk that the government may not have explored all available talent or innovative solutions that a competitive process could have uncovered. Furthermore, the reliance on a single individual increases the risk of project delays or failure if the contractor encounters unforeseen issues or is unable to fulfill the contract requirements. The limited information also poses a risk in assessing the overall value and effectiveness of the procured services.

What is the expected impact or outcome of these creative writing services?

The contract title 'CREATIVE WRITING FOR MEN' suggests the services are intended to engage or benefit a male veteran population through creative writing. Potential impacts could include improved mental well-being, enhanced communication skills, a sense of community, or the development of artistic expression among veterans. The specific outcomes would depend on the nature of the writing activities, whether they are therapeutic, educational, or recreational. Without a detailed statement of work, the precise intended impact and how it will be measured remain undefined.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation › Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers › Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

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: 235 BERRY ST # 3, BROOKLYN, NY, 11249

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,200

Exercised Options: $4,200

Current Obligation: $4,200

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline