VA awards $133K contract for hood inspections, with potential for significant future spending

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $133,033 ($133.0K)

Contractor: Allometrics, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2023-05-15

End Date: 2027-05-13

Contract Duration: 1,459 days

Daily Burn Rate: $91/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HOOD INSPECTION

Place of Performance

Location: AMARILLO, POTTER County, TEXAS, 79106

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $133,033 to ALLOMETRICS, INC. for work described as: HOOD INSPECTION Key points: 1. The contract value appears modest, but the duration suggests a potential for substantial follow-on work or a framework for ongoing services. 2. The award was made under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a focus on smaller value procurements. 3. The fixed-price nature of the contract shifts performance risk to the contractor. 4. The specific service, hood inspection, is critical for maintaining safety and operational standards in facilities. 5. The contractor, ALLOMETRICS, INC., is relatively new to federal contracting based on available data, warranting close performance monitoring.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The awarded amount of $133,033 for a 4-year period suggests a low annual expenditure. Without more data on the scope of 'hood inspections' (e.g., number of hoods, frequency, complexity), it's difficult to benchmark against similar contracts. However, the duration for this value might indicate a need for ongoing, but perhaps infrequent, service. The firm fixed-price structure is standard for services where scope is well-defined.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which allows for a broader range of competition than micro-purchase thresholds but is less formal than full and open competition for larger contracts. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a degree of market interest for this specific service within the relevant geographic area. The competition level is adequate for this contract value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competition, while not the most extensive, likely resulted in a fair market price for the government, preventing excessive costs for these essential inspections.

Public Impact

Veterans Affairs facilities in Texas will benefit from ensured safety and operational compliance through regular hood inspections. The contract supports the maintenance of critical infrastructure within VA healthcare or administrative buildings. The service ensures compliance with health and safety regulations, contributing to a secure environment for staff and beneficiaries. This contract supports a specialized service provider, potentially creating or sustaining jobs within the inspection and maintenance sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited contract history for the awardee may present performance uncertainties.
The specific scope and deliverables of 'hood inspection' require clear definition to ensure consistent service quality.
Potential for scope creep or change orders if initial requirements are not precisely defined.

Positive Signals

The contract is firm fixed-price, providing cost certainty for the government.
Competition was sought, indicating an effort to obtain market-based pricing.
The contract duration allows for a stable service provider relationship.

Sector Analysis

The facility maintenance and repair sector is a significant component of government spending, encompassing a wide array of services from janitorial to specialized technical support. Hood inspections fall under this broad category, often related to HVAC, kitchen exhaust, or laboratory safety systems. The market for such services is typically fragmented, with many small to medium-sized businesses capable of performing the work. Government contracts in this space often utilize simplified acquisition procedures for smaller requirements, as seen here.

Small Business Impact

This contract was competed under SAP and does not indicate a specific small business set-aside. While the awardee is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data, the nature of SAP procurements often allows for participation by small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a Purchase Order, which is a common instrument for simplified acquisitions. Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer and potentially a contract specialist or COR (Contracting Officer's Representative) within the VA. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Facility Maintenance Services
HVAC Services
Safety and Compliance Inspections
Commercial Equipment Maintenance

Risk Flags

Contractor Performance Risk (New Entrant)
Scope Definition Clarity
Service Quality Assurance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $133,033 to ALLOMETRICS, INC.. HOOD INSPECTION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALLOMETRICS, 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 $133,033.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-05-15. End: 2027-05-13.

What is the specific type of hood being inspected, and what are the key performance metrics for this contract?

The provided data does not specify the type of hood (e.g., kitchen exhaust, laboratory fume hood, industrial ventilation hood). This detail is crucial for understanding the technical requirements and potential risks associated with the inspection. Key performance metrics are also not detailed but would typically include adherence to inspection checklists, timely reporting of findings, and compliance with relevant safety standards (e.g., NFPA, OSHA). The firm fixed-price nature suggests that the contractor is responsible for meeting these undefined metrics within the agreed price.

How does the $133,033 award amount compare to typical spending for similar hood inspection services by the VA or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking this specific award is challenging without more granular data on the scope of services. A $133,033 contract over four years averages approximately $33,258 per year. This could represent inspections for a single large facility or multiple smaller ones, depending on frequency and complexity. Federal spending on facility maintenance is vast, but specific 'hood inspection' contracts are often bundled within larger maintenance agreements or awarded under simplified acquisition procedures for smaller, localized needs. Without knowing the number of units inspected, geographic spread, or specific standards, direct comparison is difficult. However, the annual value appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized maintenance tasks under SAP.

What is the track record of ALLOMETRICS, INC. with federal contracts, particularly in providing inspection or maintenance services?

Based on the provided data, ALLOMETRICS, INC. is listed as the contractor. A review of federal procurement databases would be necessary to ascertain their full contract history. If this is one of their initial federal awards, it suggests a limited track record with the government. Agencies often monitor new contractors closely, especially during the initial performance period, to assess reliability, quality of service, and adherence to contractual terms. A lack of extensive federal experience might introduce a higher performance risk compared to established federal contractors.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Potential risks include inadequate performance by the contractor, leading to non-compliance with safety regulations or operational disruptions. Scope definition is another risk; if the requirements are not clearly articulated, it could lead to disputes or unmet needs. Given the firm fixed-price structure, the primary risk mitigation is the contractor's incentive to perform correctly to ensure profitability. The VA's oversight, through a COR and contract administration, is crucial for monitoring performance and addressing issues proactively. Clear performance standards and regular communication are key mitigation strategies.

How does the duration of the contract (4 years) align with the expected lifecycle or maintenance schedule for the types of hoods being inspected?

A four-year contract duration for hood inspections suggests that these are likely part of a recurring maintenance schedule rather than a one-time inspection. Many types of hoods, particularly those in commercial kitchens or laboratories, require regular inspections (e.g., annually or semi-annually) to ensure continued safety and functionality. A multi-year contract provides stability for both the agency and the contractor, potentially leading to better service quality through familiarity with the specific site and equipment. It also reduces the administrative burden of frequent re-procurement.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance › Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C25723Q0499

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Allometrics Inc.

Address: 1425 ATLANTIS DR STE B, WEBSTER, TX, 77598

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $177,559

Exercised Options: $135,322

Current Obligation: $133,033

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline