VA awards $5.8M contract for wheelchair transport services in Florida, highlighting a competitive bidding process

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,839,802 ($5.8M)

Contractor: Wheelchair Transport Service, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-09-18

End Date: 2025-09-17

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: SPECIAL MODE TRANSPORTATION

Place of Performance

Location: TAMPA, HILLSBOROUGH County, FLORIDA, 33618

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $5.8 million to WHEELCHAIR TRANSPORT SERVICE, INC. for work described as: SPECIAL MODE TRANSPORTATION Key points: 1. Contract aims to ensure reliable transportation for veterans with special needs. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust market for these services. 3. Fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government. 4. Short performance period (one year) allows for flexibility and potential re-competition. 5. Geographic focus on Florida targets a specific regional need. 6. Contractor's previous awards in similar categories warrant review for performance history.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.8 million for a one-year period for wheelchair transport services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the service and the geographic scope. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized transportation services would provide a more definitive assessment of value for money. The firm fixed-price structure is advantageous for managing costs. Without specific per-unit cost data or comparison to market rates for similar services in Florida, a precise value assessment is challenging, but the overall contract size seems aligned with the described service.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and had the opportunity to bid. This method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service quality. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation suggests a healthy level of market interest. The VA's use of this procurement method is standard for services where a broad range of qualified contractors can be expected to compete.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically drives down prices through market forces, ensuring the government receives competitive rates for essential services like veteran transportation.

Public Impact

Veterans in Florida with disabilities or mobility issues requiring wheelchair transport will benefit from reliable and accessible service. The contract ensures the delivery of essential transportation services, facilitating access to medical appointments and other necessary travel. The geographic impact is concentrated in Florida, addressing the specific needs of veterans residing in that state. This contract supports jobs within the transportation sector, particularly for drivers and support staff employed by the awarded contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess service quality.
Potential for service disruptions if the contractor faces operational challenges.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical service in a specific region.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive selection process.
Firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
Focus on a specific, essential service for a vulnerable population.

Sector Analysis

The Special Needs Transportation sector is a critical component of the broader healthcare and social services industry, focusing on providing mobility solutions for individuals with specific requirements. This contract falls within a niche market that demands specialized vehicles, trained personnel, and adherence to strict safety and accessibility standards. The federal government, particularly agencies like the VA, frequently contracts for such services to support beneficiaries. Market size for specialized transportation is substantial, driven by an aging population and increasing awareness of accessibility needs.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract included small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. However, the 'full and open competition' designation suggests that large businesses were likely eligible and potentially the primary bidders. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses participated as prime contractors or subcontractors, and what impact this contract might have on the small business ecosystem within the specialized transportation sector.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures would be outlined in the contract's statement of work, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Care Programs
Veteran Transportation Services
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
Specialized Healthcare Logistics

Risk Flags

Potential performance risk due to lack of detailed performance history in summary data.
Value for money assessment limited without specific per-unit cost data or market benchmarks.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical service in a defined geographic area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $5.8 million to WHEELCHAIR TRANSPORT SERVICE, INC.. SPECIAL MODE TRANSPORTATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WHEELCHAIR TRANSPORT 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 $5.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-18. End: 2025-09-17.

What is the track record of Wheelchair Transport Service, Inc. with VA contracts?

Wheelchair Transport Service, Inc. has received federal contract awards, including from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts, particularly those involving specialized transportation or services for veterans, is crucial. This includes reviewing any documented performance issues, contract modifications, or successful completion metrics. A history of reliable service delivery and adherence to contract terms would indicate a lower risk for this current award. Conversely, past performance issues could raise concerns about the contractor's ability to meet the requirements of this new $5.8 million contract.

How does the per-unit cost of this contract compare to similar VA transportation contracts?

The provided data does not include specific per-unit cost breakdowns (e.g., cost per mile, cost per trip). To benchmark the value for money, a detailed analysis comparing the contract's pricing structure against similar wheelchair or special needs transportation contracts awarded by the VA or other federal agencies in comparable geographic regions would be necessary. Factors such as the type of vehicle, driver qualifications, service hours, and geographic coverage influence per-unit costs. Without this granular data, assessing whether this $5.8 million contract represents a competitive price is difficult, though the firm fixed-price nature provides cost certainty.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

Key risks include potential service quality issues if the contractor fails to maintain adequate staffing or vehicle maintenance, leading to missed appointments for veterans. Operational risks, such as vehicle breakdowns or driver shortages, could disrupt service delivery. There's also a risk related to contractor performance; if Wheelchair Transport Service, Inc. has a history of poor performance on similar contracts, it could jeopardize the reliability of this service. Furthermore, dependence on a single provider for a critical service in Florida creates a vulnerability if the contractor experiences unforeseen business challenges.

How effective is full and open competition in ensuring value for this type of specialized service?

Full and open competition is generally effective in driving value for specialized services like wheelchair transportation by encouraging multiple vendors to offer competitive bids. This process allows the VA to select from a pool of qualified providers, potentially securing lower prices and higher service standards. However, the effectiveness is contingent on the market's competitiveness; if only a few specialized providers exist, the 'open competition' might yield limited price reduction. The VA's use of this method suggests they anticipate sufficient market interest to foster a competitive environment, aiming to maximize value for taxpayer dollars.

What is the historical spending trend for similar transportation services by the VA?

Historical spending data for similar transportation services by the VA would reveal trends in demand, pricing, and contractor utilization. Analyzing past years' spending on non-emergency medical transportation, specialized transport, or wheelchair services can indicate whether this $5.8 million award is consistent with previous investment levels, represents an increase or decrease, and identify any shifts in contracting strategies. Such analysis helps contextualize the current award within the VA's broader budget and service provision efforts for veterans' mobility needs.

Are there specific performance metrics tied to this contract to ensure service quality?

The provided summary data does not detail specific performance metrics. However, standard government contracts, especially for essential services like veteran transportation, typically include a Statement of Work (SOW) with defined performance standards. These might include on-time arrival rates, vehicle cleanliness and accessibility compliance, driver professionalism, and complaint resolution times. The VA contracting officer would monitor adherence to these metrics, and failure to meet them could result in penalties or contract termination. A thorough review of the full contract document is needed to ascertain these specific metrics.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation › Special Needs Transportation

Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRAVEL, LODGING, RECRUITMENT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 14561 58TH ST N, CLEARWATER, FL, 33760

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,839,802

Exercised Options: $5,839,802

Current Obligation: $5,839,802

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24822D0091

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline