VA awards $2.3M contract for ambulance services to Able Ambulance, Inc. in Indiana

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,300,000 ($2.3M)

Contractor: Able Ambulance, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-09-15

End Date: 2026-09-14

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.3K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: AMBULANCE SERVICE FOR NORTHERN INDIANA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (NIHCS) OP WAGE INCREASE/FUNDING

Place of Performance

Location: MARION, GRANT County, INDIANA, 46952

State: Indiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2.3 million to ABLE AMBULANCE, INC for work described as: AMBULANCE SERVICE FOR NORTHERN INDIANA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (NIHCS) OP WAGE INCREASE/FUNDING Key points: 1. Contract value of $2.3 million for one year of ambulance services. 2. Awarded to Able Ambulance, Inc. under a competitive process. 3. Potential risk related to wage increases impacting service cost. 4. Sector is Healthcare, specifically ambulance services for a VA system.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract is a firm-fixed-price delivery order. The base price is $2.3 million for a 364-day period. The contract includes an option for a potential increase, suggesting some flexibility for unforeseen costs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a competitive process for awards under a certain threshold. This method generally promotes price discovery and fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The contract value of $2.3 million represents taxpayer funds allocated for essential healthcare services, ensuring veterans receive necessary medical transportation.

Public Impact

Ensures critical ambulance services for veterans in Northern Indiana. Supports local healthcare infrastructure and employment. Provides timely medical transport for emergency and non-emergency situations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for wage increases to drive up costs beyond initial estimates.
Dependence on a single provider for essential services.

Positive Signals

Competitive award process.
Firm-fixed-price contract structure.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare sector, particularly emergency medical services, is vital for public health. Ambulance service contracts often involve complex pricing due to operational costs, personnel, and equipment, with benchmarks varying by region and service level.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if Able Ambulance, Inc. is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation in this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract to ensure timely and effective delivery of ambulance services to veterans. Performance monitoring and compliance checks are standard oversight mechanisms.

Related Government Programs

Ambulance Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential cost escalation due to wage increase provision.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical service.
Contract duration is just under one year, requiring potential re-competition soon.
Simplified Acquisition Procedures may limit the depth of competition compared to larger contract vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.3 million to ABLE AMBULANCE, INC. AMBULANCE SERVICE FOR NORTHERN INDIANA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (NIHCS) OP WAGE INCREASE/FUNDING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ABLE AMBULANCE, 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 $2.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-15. End: 2026-09-14.

What is the projected impact of the wage increase provision on the final cost of the contract?

The contract includes a provision for wage increases, which could potentially raise the final cost above the initial $2.3 million. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to contain costs, but the extent of the wage adjustment and its pass-through to the government will determine the actual taxpayer impact. Further details on the wage indexation mechanism are needed for a precise forecast.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this ambulance service contract?

Key performance indicators for ambulance service contracts typically include response times, patient care quality, vehicle maintenance, and compliance with medical protocols. The VA likely has specific metrics defined in the contract to ensure Able Ambulance, Inc. meets the required standards for veteran care and service delivery.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar ambulance service contracts in the region or for other federal agencies?

Benchmarking this contract's price requires comparison with similar firm-fixed-price ambulance service contracts for federal agencies or regional healthcare providers. Factors like service scope (e.g., ALS vs. BLS), geographic coverage, and included services (e.g., non-emergency transport) significantly influence pricing. Without specific comparable data, a definitive assessment is challenging.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Other Ambulatory Health Care Services › Ambulance Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Able Ambulance Inc

Address: 119 S WASHINGTON ST, MARION, IN, 46952

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,300,000

Exercised Options: $2,300,000

Current Obligation: $2,300,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C25022D0078

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline