VA Awards $6.6M Contract for Dallas VAMC Observation Unit Renovations to Wichita Falls Tri-Tech

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,645,664 ($6.6M)

Contractor: Wichita Falls Tri-Tech, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-01-23

End Date: 2026-05-18

Contract Duration: 846 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CONSTRUCTION TO RENOVATE MULTI FUNCTIONAL OBSERVATION UNITS PHASE 2 DALLAS VAMC

Place of Performance

Location: DALLAS, DALLAS County, TEXAS, 75216

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $6.6 million to WICHITA FALLS TRI-TECH, LLC for work described as: CONSTRUCTION TO RENOVATE MULTI FUNCTIONAL OBSERVATION UNITS PHASE 2 DALLAS VAMC Key points: 1. The contract focuses on construction for multi-functional observation units, a critical component of healthcare infrastructure. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a deliberate process to ensure fair pricing. 3. The project duration of 846 days indicates a significant scope of work, potentially impacting facility operations. 4. The award to Wichita Falls Tri-Tech, LLC, highlights a specific contractor's role in federal healthcare facility upgrades.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $6.6 million for renovation work appears within a reasonable range for a project of this scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar VAMC renovation projects would provide a more precise assessment of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This method implies that initial sources were considered, but the final award was made through open competition, aiming for competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers as it promotes competitive bidding, potentially leading to lower costs and better value for the government.

Public Impact

Improved patient care facilities at the Dallas VAMC. Potential for temporary disruptions during renovation phases. Economic impact through construction jobs in the Texas region. Ensuring modern and functional healthcare spaces for veterans.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to unforeseen site conditions in older facilities.
Contract duration may lead to extended impact on hospital operations.
Reliance on a single contractor for a significant renovation phase.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Clear project scope for observation unit renovations.
Firm fixed price contract type helps control costs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Federal spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining and upgrading government facilities, including vital healthcare infrastructure like Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs). Benchmarks for similar VAMC renovation projects would be necessary for a precise comparison.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). While the contract was awarded through full and open competition, it's important to monitor if subcontracting opportunities are made available to small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. The firm fixed price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control, but ongoing monitoring by the agency is essential to ensure quality, adherence to schedule, and budget compliance.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep in renovation projects.
Risk of construction delays impacting facility availability.
Dependency on contractor's ability to manage complex site logistics.
Ensuring compliance with VA healthcare facility standards.
Post-construction defect identification and resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $6.6 million to WICHITA FALLS TRI-TECH, LLC. CONSTRUCTION TO RENOVATE MULTI FUNCTIONAL OBSERVATION UNITS PHASE 2 DALLAS VAMC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WICHITA FALLS TRI-TECH, 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 $6.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-01-23. End: 2026-05-18.

What specific improvements are included in the 'multi-functional observation units' and how do they align with current healthcare best practices?

The contract details do not specify the exact improvements. However, 'multi-functional observation units' typically aim to provide flexible spaces capable of handling various patient needs, from routine monitoring to critical care observation. This could include updated medical gas systems, advanced patient monitoring equipment integration, and adaptable room layouts. Alignment with best practices would require a review of the project's design specifications against current healthcare facility guidelines and clinical needs assessments.

Given the 'exclusion of sources' clause, what was the rationale, and did it limit potential competition or lead to better pricing?

The rationale for 'exclusion of sources' prior to full and open competition is not detailed in the provided data. This clause might have been used if specific pre-qualification criteria were met by a limited number of firms, or if certain technologies or site-specific knowledge were required. While intended to streamline the process, it can sometimes limit the breadth of competition. The impact on pricing would depend on the number and competitiveness of the bidders that ultimately participated in the open competition phase.

How will the 846-day duration impact the ongoing operations and patient care at the Dallas VAMC, and are mitigation strategies in place?

An 846-day (approximately 2.3 years) renovation period is substantial and will likely necessitate phased construction, temporary relocation of services, and potential noise or access disruptions for staff and patients. Mitigation strategies are crucial and typically involve detailed phasing plans, clear communication protocols, patient flow management, and potentially the use of swing spaces or alternative care sites to minimize impact on critical services. The effectiveness of these strategies would be monitored by the VA contracting officer.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: 36C25723B0064

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Wichita Falls Tri-Tech LLC

Address: 1205 WISHING TREE LN, KELLER, TX, 76248

Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,645,664

Exercised Options: $6,645,664

Current Obligation: $6,645,664

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline