VA awards $2M for Half-Way Housing Services to Three Hots & A Cot

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,017,420 ($2.0M)

Contractor: Three Hots & a COT

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2022-09-04

End Date: 2025-09-03

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.8K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HALF-WAY HOUSING SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: BIRMINGHAM, JEFFERSON County, ALABAMA, 35206

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2.0 million to THREE HOTS & A COT for work described as: HALF-WAY HOUSING SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded for temporary shelters, indicating a need for transitional housing. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential price discovery. 3. Long duration (3 years) suggests a sustained need for these services. 4. Focus on Alabama suggests a regional approach to veteran housing support.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $2,007,419.50 for 1095 days (3 years) is difficult to assess without specific per-unit cost data. The lack of competition makes it hard to benchmark against similar services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in a higher cost to taxpayers than a competitive process would yield.

Taxpayer Impact: Without competitive bidding, taxpayers may be paying more than necessary for these essential housing services.

Public Impact

Veterans in Alabama will receive temporary housing support. The contract addresses a critical need for transitional housing for veterans. The duration of the contract ensures continuity of services for a significant period.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Sole-source award
No clear justification for sole-source

Positive Signals

Addresses veteran housing needs
Long-term contract provides stability

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under general services, specifically temporary shelters. Benchmarking is difficult without more specific service details, but housing services for vulnerable populations are a common government expenditure.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business, as 'sb' is false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were considered or had the capability to perform this service.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants further oversight to ensure the price is fair and reasonable and that there was no viable competitive alternative. The VA should provide a clear justification for the sole-source decision.

Related Government Programs

Temporary Shelters
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
Sole-source award
Potential for overpayment
Limited transparency on pricing
No clear justification for sole-source

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.0 million to THREE HOTS & A COT. HALF-WAY HOUSING SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THREE HOTS & A COT.

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 $2.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-04. End: 2025-09-03.

What is the specific per-unit cost for housing a veteran under this contract, and how does it compare to market rates?

The provided data does not include specific per-unit cost details for housing a veteran. To assess value, a breakdown of costs per veteran per night or per month would be necessary. This information would allow for comparison against local market rates for similar temporary housing solutions and determine if the $2,007,419.50 contract value represents a fair price for the services rendered.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and were alternative providers considered?

The contract was awarded as 'NOT COMPETED' and 'sole-source,' indicating no other providers were solicited. A justification for this sole-source award is crucial for accountability. Without it, it's impossible to assess if the VA explored all reasonable avenues for competition or if this decision potentially excluded more cost-effective solutions for taxpayers.

How effectively will these temporary shelters contribute to the long-term housing stability and reintegration of veterans?

The effectiveness of these temporary shelters in achieving long-term housing stability depends on the program's design and supportive services offered beyond just lodging. While providing immediate shelter is critical, the contract's success will be measured by its impact on veterans' transition to permanent housing and their overall well-being. Further details on wraparound services are needed for a complete assessment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services › Temporary Shelters

Product/Service Code: SOCIAL SERVICES › SOCIAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 36C24722Q0988

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7353 KIMBERLY AVE, BIRMINGHAM, AL, 35206

Business Categories: Category Business, Domestic Shelter, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,516,740

Exercised Options: $2,017,420

Current Obligation: $2,017,420

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline