VA awards $2.7M contract for wheelchair services to EMS Team LLC, with delivery through August 2026

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,728,827 ($2.7M)

Contractor: EMS Team LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-12-01

End Date: 2026-08-31

Contract Duration: 273 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.0K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: WHEELCHAIR SERVICE FOR CINCINNATI VAMC

Place of Performance

Location: CINCINNATI, HAMILTON County, OHIO, 45220

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2.7 million to EMS TEAM LLC for work described as: WHEELCHAIR SERVICE FOR CINCINNATI VAMC Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized transportation services. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially competitive award process. 3. Performance risk appears low given the nature of the service. 4. Service delivery is critical for patient mobility and access to care. 5. This contract fits within the broader healthcare support services sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.73 million over approximately 21 months for wheelchair transportation services seems aligned with industry standards for specialized medical transport. Benchmarking against similar contracts for patient mobility assistance in other VA facilities or healthcare systems would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract helps control costs for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting it was likely awarded through a competitive process with multiple bidders. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but SAP generally aims to maximize competition for contracts below certain thresholds. The competitive nature of the award is expected to drive fair pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A competed award under SAP suggests that taxpayer dollars were used efficiently by seeking competitive offers, potentially leading to better pricing than a sole-source procurement.

Public Impact

Veterans in the Cincinnati, Ohio area will benefit from reliable wheelchair transportation. Essential services include transport to and from medical appointments at the Cincinnati VAMC. The geographic impact is localized to the Cincinnati metropolitan area. This contract supports local jobs in the transportation and healthcare support sectors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Contract awarded through a competitive process.
Firm Fixed Price contract type helps manage cost certainty.
Service duration is clearly defined with specific start and end dates.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the healthcare support services sector, specifically focusing on patient transportation. The market for medical transportation is significant, driven by the need for patients, particularly those with mobility challenges, to access healthcare facilities. Spending in this area is consistent across federal agencies and private healthcare providers to ensure patient care continuity.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided in the data. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved in the bidding process or if subcontracting opportunities were mandated.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard VA procurement regulations and contract management processes would apply. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, and any issues would likely be addressed through contract modifications, performance reviews, or potentially the VA Office of Inspector General if significant performance failures or fraud were suspected.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Care Transportation Services
Specialized Transportation Contracts
Patient Support Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.7 million to EMS TEAM LLC. WHEELCHAIR SERVICE FOR CINCINNATI VAMC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EMS TEAM LLC.

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 $2.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-01. End: 2026-08-31.

What is the track record of EMS Team LLC in performing similar government contracts?

Without specific contract history data for EMS Team LLC, it is difficult to definitively assess their track record with government contracts. A thorough review would involve examining past performance evaluations, any history of contract disputes or terminations, and the types and values of previous contracts awarded to the company. This information is typically available through federal procurement data systems like SAM.gov or through agency-specific past performance databases. A positive track record with similar services, especially for the VA or other healthcare providers, would indicate a lower performance risk for this new contract.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar wheelchair transportation services?

The awarded contract value of approximately $2.73 million for 21 months suggests an average annual cost of roughly $1.56 million. To benchmark this against market rates, one would need to compare the per-mile rate, per-hour rate, or per-trip rate offered by EMS Team LLC to those charged by other providers in the Cincinnati area and nationally for comparable services. Factors such as the level of care provided (e.g., basic transport vs. specialized medical transport), vehicle type, and geographic coverage would influence these rates. A detailed cost analysis or comparison with publicly available pricing from similar service providers would be necessary for a definitive assessment.

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

The primary risks associated with this wheelchair service contract include potential service disruptions due to vehicle maintenance issues, driver shortages, or unforeseen demand surges. Another risk could be the quality of service, impacting patient experience and timely access to care. Mitigation strategies likely involve the contract's firm fixed-price structure, which incentivizes the contractor to manage operational costs efficiently. The defined service period and performance standards within the contract also provide a framework for oversight. The VA's contract management team would monitor performance metrics and address any deficiencies promptly.

How effective is this contract in ensuring timely and reliable transportation for veterans?

The effectiveness of this contract in ensuring timely and reliable transportation hinges on the contractor's operational efficiency and adherence to service level agreements. The contract's duration (273 days) and defined service period (ending August 31, 2026) provide a clear framework. Success will be measured by metrics such as on-time pickups and drop-offs, patient satisfaction, and the availability of vehicles and qualified personnel. Regular performance reviews by the VA contracting officer's representative (COR) are crucial for monitoring effectiveness and addressing any shortcomings to ensure veterans receive the necessary mobility support.

What has been the historical spending trend for wheelchair transportation services at the Cincinnati VAMC?

Historical spending data for wheelchair transportation services specifically at the Cincinnati VAMC is not provided in the current data extract. To analyze this trend, one would need to access historical contract awards for similar services at this specific facility over previous years. Comparing the current $2.73 million award to past expenditures would reveal whether spending has increased, decreased, or remained stable. This analysis could highlight changes in demand, service scope, or pricing dynamics over time, providing context for the current contract's value and necessity.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2740 W NATIONAL RD, DAYTON, OH, 45414

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,728,827

Exercised Options: $2,728,827

Current Obligation: $2,728,827

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C25025D5392

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline