VA awards $4.7M for Physical Access Control Systems, with 1 award to Trofholz Technologies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,707,561 ($4.7M)

Contractor: Trofholz Technologies, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2022-03-30

End Date: 2027-03-29

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: PHYSICAL ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS PM

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBIA, RICHLAND County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29209

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $4.7 million to TROFHOLZ TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: PHYSICAL ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS PM Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a firm-fixed-price basis, indicating clear cost expectations. 2. Competition level was full and open, suggesting a potentially competitive pricing environment. 3. The contract duration of 1825 days (5 years) provides long-term service stability. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541519 points to IT services. 5. The award was made as a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a larger contract vehicle. 6. The contract is not set aside for small businesses, indicating larger prime contractors are eligible. 7. The contract is not a small business subcontracting goal, suggesting no specific small business participation is mandated.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total contract value of $4.7 million over five years averages to approximately $940,000 annually. Without specific benchmarks for physical access control systems, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. However, the firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty. Further analysis would require comparison to similar VA or other agency contracts for comparable systems and services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all eligible responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. This typically leads to a more robust selection of vendors and potentially better pricing due to market forces. The data indicates one award was made, suggesting that while competition was open, one vendor ultimately provided the most advantageous offer.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down prices and encourage innovation, leading to better value for government spending.

Public Impact

Veterans and VA staff benefit from enhanced physical security at facilities. Services delivered include the provision and management of physical access control systems. The contract has a geographic impact in South Carolina, where the awardee is located. The contract supports the IT services sector, contributing to the technology workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if the system is proprietary and difficult to switch from.
Reliance on a single awardee for a critical security function could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
The long contract duration might not keep pace with rapidly evolving access control technology without proper modification clauses.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability for the VA.
Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive pricing structure.
The award to an established company like Trofholz Technologies, Inc. may indicate a track record of performance.
The contract duration of five years offers stability in security system management.

Sector Analysis

The physical access control systems market is a segment of the broader security and IT services industry. This contract falls under IT services, specifically related to security infrastructure. The market is characterized by a mix of large, established security firms and specialized technology providers. Spending in this area is driven by the need for facility security, compliance with regulations, and the integration of physical security with digital systems.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific small business subcontracting goals. This suggests that the prime contractor, Trofholz Technologies, Inc., is likely a larger entity capable of fulfilling the contract requirements independently. The absence of set-asides means that opportunities for small businesses to participate as prime contractors were not prioritized for this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified goods or services at an agreed-upon price. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, which provide public access to award details. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Physical Security Systems
IT Services Contracts
Department of Veterans Affairs IT Procurement
Access Control Solutions
Federal Security Infrastructure

Risk Flags

Potential for technological obsolescence over the contract's 5-year term.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical security infrastructure.
Cybersecurity risks associated with networked access control systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $4.7 million to TROFHOLZ TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. PHYSICAL ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS PM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TROFHOLZ TECHNOLOGIES, 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 $4.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-03-30. End: 2027-03-29.

What is the track record of Trofholz Technologies, Inc. with the Department of Veterans Affairs and similar federal agencies?

Trofholz Technologies, Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts, including with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Analyzing their past performance on similar IT and security system contracts is crucial. This includes examining contract values, durations, any reported issues or contract modifications, and overall performance ratings if available. A review of their award history can indicate their experience level and reliability in delivering complex technological solutions to government entities. For instance, prior VA contracts would provide direct insight into their familiarity with VA's specific operational needs and procurement processes. Understanding their broader federal footprint can also reveal their capacity to handle large-scale projects across different agencies.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar physical access control systems and services?

Benchmarking the $4.7 million contract value against market rates for comparable physical access control systems and services is essential for assessing value for money. This involves researching pricing from other vendors for similar system capabilities, installation, and maintenance over a five-year period. Factors such as the scale of facilities, the type of technology (e.g., biometric, card-based), and the level of integration with existing IT infrastructure will influence costs. If the VA's price is significantly higher than market averages for equivalent solutions, it could indicate potential overspending or a lack of competitive pressure. Conversely, a price below market rates might suggest a favorable negotiation or a highly efficient solution.

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

Key risks for this physical access control systems contract include technological obsolescence, vendor performance issues, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. As technology evolves rapidly, the system procured may become outdated before the contract's end date, requiring costly upgrades or replacements. Poor performance by Trofholz Technologies, Inc. could compromise facility security. Furthermore, any access control system connected to a network is a potential target for cyberattacks. Mitigation strategies should include robust performance clauses in the contract, clear service level agreements (SLAs), provisions for technology refresh, and stringent cybersecurity requirements. The VA's oversight and regular performance reviews are critical to identifying and addressing these risks proactively.

How effective are physical access control systems in enhancing security within VA facilities?

Physical access control systems are a fundamental component of overall facility security, significantly enhancing it by regulating entry and exit. They provide a documented audit trail of who accessed specific areas and when, which is crucial for investigations and accountability. By limiting access to authorized personnel only, these systems reduce the risk of unauthorized entry, theft, and potential harm to staff and visitors. For VA facilities, which often house sensitive information and serve vulnerable populations, robust access control is paramount. The effectiveness is maximized when integrated with other security measures like surveillance cameras and alarm systems, and when managed through well-defined policies and procedures.

What has been the historical spending trend for physical access control systems by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Analyzing the VA's historical spending on physical access control systems provides context for the current $4.7 million award. Understanding past investment levels, the number and types of contracts awarded, and the primary vendors utilized can reveal trends and potential shifts in procurement strategy. For example, a significant increase in spending might indicate a modernization initiative or expansion of security measures across more facilities. Conversely, a decrease could suggest a shift towards different security approaches or consolidation of existing systems. Examining this historical data helps in evaluating whether the current contract represents a typical investment or an outlier, and whether spending aligns with evolving security needs and technological advancements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Contractor Details

Address: 1014 N MARKET BLVD, SACRAMENTO, CA, 95834

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,583,667

Exercised Options: $4,707,561

Current Obligation: $4,707,561

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F0400R

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline