VA Awards $3.4M Grounds Maintenance Contract to AbilityOne Program

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,395,302 ($3.4M)

Contractor: ON OUR OWN Services Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2023-09-01

End Date: 2026-08-31

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DALLAS VA GROUNDS MAINTENANCE (ABILITYONE)

Place of Performance

Location: DALLAS, DALLAS County, TEXAS, 75216

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $3.4 million to ON OUR OWN SERVICES INC for work described as: DALLAS VA GROUNDS MAINTENANCE (ABILITYONE) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to AbilityOne program, a source for employing individuals with disabilities. 2. No competition reported under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 3. Risk of limited price discovery due to non-competitive award. 4. Sector is Landscaping Services, a common municipal and federal need.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a firm-fixed-price purchase order. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to assess if the $3.4M price represents optimal value for landscaping services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under SAP, indicating a limited competition approach. This method may not yield the best price discovery compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for landscaping services. The lack of competition raises questions about cost-effectiveness and potential overspending.

Public Impact

Supports employment for individuals with disabilities through the AbilityOne program. Ensures grounds maintenance for a VA facility, contributing to a safe and presentable environment. Potential for higher costs due to limited competition, impacting overall taxpayer value.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpricing

Positive Signals

Supports AbilityOne program
Firm fixed price contract

Sector Analysis

The landscaping services sector involves routine maintenance and beautification of federal properties. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on facility size and specific service requirements.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to directly benefit small businesses, as it is awarded under the AbilityOne program, which prioritizes employment for individuals with disabilities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The lack of competition warrants close monitoring to ensure fair pricing and service delivery.

Related Government Programs

Landscaping Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for cost overruns
Lack of transparent pricing benchmarks
Sole source justification unclear

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $3.4 million to ON OUR OWN SERVICES INC. DALLAS VA GROUNDS MAINTENANCE (ABILITYONE)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ON OUR OWN SERVICES 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 $3.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-01. End: 2026-08-31.

What is the typical cost for similar grounds maintenance contracts in Texas?

Benchmarking grounds maintenance costs requires detailed scope of work, acreage, and service frequency. However, contracts of this size, especially when not competitively bid, can sometimes exceed market rates. Further analysis would involve comparing specific service line items against industry averages for similar-sized federal or municipal contracts in the region.

What are the risks associated with non-competed contracts for landscaping services?

The primary risk is the potential for inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive pressure. Without multiple bids, the government may not secure the most cost-effective solution. Additionally, there's a risk of reduced service quality if the sole provider faces no incentive to excel. Transparency in pricing justification becomes crucial.

How effective is the AbilityOne program in delivering value for grounds maintenance?

The AbilityOne program is highly effective in its social mission of creating employment opportunities. Its effectiveness in delivering cost-competitive services can vary. While it provides valuable employment, the procurement structure might not always align with pure market-driven cost efficiency, necessitating careful contract management to ensure both mission and value.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Services to Buildings and Dwellings › Landscaping Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C25723Q0783

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2310 MCALLISTER RD, HOUSTON, TX, 77092

Business Categories: AbilityOne Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,702,105

Exercised Options: $3,395,302

Current Obligation: $3,395,302

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline