VA awards $452K for counseling services to Synergy Counseling Services, P.C. in Utah

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $45,200 ($45.2K)

Contractor: Synergy Counseling Services, P.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-04-01

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $62/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROVO READJUSTMENT COUNSELING SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: SALT LAKE CITY, SALT LAKE County, UTAH, 84148

State: Utah Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $45,200 to SYNERGY COUNSELING SERVICES, P.C. for work described as: PROVO READJUSTMENT COUNSELING SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded for individual and family services, indicating a focus on direct support. 2. The firm fixed-price contract type suggests predictable costs for the government. 3. A single award for this purchase order implies a specific need or limited vendor pool. 4. The duration of the contract is two years, aligning with typical service delivery cycles. 5. The contract falls under the 'Other Individual and Family Services' NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $452,000 over two years for counseling services appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for individual and family services would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The firm fixed-price structure helps manage cost certainty, but the absence of detailed performance metrics makes a comprehensive value assessment challenging without further data.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves a less extensive competition process than full and open competition. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP can sometimes lead to fewer offers, potentially impacting price discovery. The 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation suggests that while competition was sought, it may have been within a more restricted environment.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competition under SAP may result in less aggressive pricing compared to a full and open competition, though it can also offer faster procurement timelines for smaller value contracts.

Public Impact

Veterans in Utah will benefit from the provision of individual and family counseling services. The services aim to support the mental and emotional well-being of beneficiaries. The geographic impact is concentrated in Utah, where the contractor is located. The contract supports the delivery of essential social services within the VA's mission.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP could potentially lead to higher prices than a broader competition.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the services.
The specific nature of 'readjustment counseling' requires specialized expertise, and the contractor's track record in this niche needs verification.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the duration of the award.
The contract duration of two years allows for consistent service delivery to beneficiaries.
Awarding to a specific provider ensures a dedicated resource for these critical services.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the 'Other Individual and Family Services' sector, which encompasses a broad range of support services. This sector is crucial for social welfare and includes providers offering counseling, case management, and support for various life challenges. Government spending in this area often focuses on vulnerable populations, including veterans, to ensure access to necessary care and assistance.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. The award to 'SYNERGY COUNSELING SERVICES, P.C.' suggests a focus on a specific provider rather than a broad small business initiative for this particular procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price structure, requiring the contractor to deliver services as specified. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases, though detailed performance reporting may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Services
Mental Health Services Contracts
Individual and Family Support Programs
Department of Veterans Affairs Procurement

Risk Flags

Limited competition under SAP
Lack of detailed performance metrics
Contractor's federal track record not specified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $45,200 to SYNERGY COUNSELING SERVICES, P.C.. PROVO READJUSTMENT COUNSELING SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SYNERGY COUNSELING SERVICES, P.C..

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 $45,200.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.

What is the specific nature of the 'PROVO READJUSTMENT COUNSELING SERVICES' and what outcomes are expected?

Readjustment counseling services for veterans typically address the challenges associated with transitioning from military to civilian life. This can include mental health support for issues like PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and difficulties with family reintegration. The expected outcomes are improved mental well-being, successful adaptation to civilian life, and enhanced quality of life for veterans and their families. The specific services provided under this contract would likely involve individual therapy, group counseling, family support sessions, and potentially case management, tailored to the unique needs of veterans experiencing readjustment difficulties. The Department of Veterans Affairs aims to ensure veterans receive comprehensive care to support their overall health and readiness.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar VA counseling service contracts?

A direct comparison of the pricing for this $452,000 contract over two years requires access to a database of similar VA counseling service contracts, including their scope, duration, and provider type. However, given the firm fixed-price structure, the government has a defined cost. To assess value, one would benchmark the per-session or per-client cost against market rates and other VA contracts. Factors like geographic location (Utah), the specific expertise required for readjustment counseling, and the number of potential providers influence pricing. Without specific benchmark data, it's difficult to definitively state if this contract represents excellent or questionable value, but it falls within a typical range for specialized services procured via simplified acquisition.

What is Synergy Counseling Services, P.C.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly with the VA?

Information regarding Synergy Counseling Services, P.C.'s specific track record with federal contracts, especially with the Department of Veterans Affairs, is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough assessment would require reviewing their past performance history, including any previous VA awards, contract performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS), and any history of disputes or issues. Understanding their experience with similar services, their capacity to handle government contracts, and their overall reliability is crucial for evaluating the risk associated with this award. Further investigation into federal procurement databases would be necessary to ascertain their full federal contracting history.

What are the potential risks associated with a contract competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?

Contracts competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) carry certain potential risks compared to those procured through full and open competition. One primary risk is reduced price competition, as SAP is designed for smaller dollar value procurements (typically under the SAT, or Simplified Acquisition Threshold) and may involve fewer bidders or less rigorous solicitation processes. This can potentially lead to higher prices than might be achieved in a broader competition. Another risk is the possibility of overlooking innovative solutions or highly qualified vendors who may not be aware of or able to participate in the more streamlined SAP process. Additionally, oversight and documentation requirements under SAP can sometimes be less stringent, potentially increasing administrative or performance risks if not managed carefully by the contracting agency.

How does the geographic location (Utah) influence the cost and delivery of these counseling services?

The geographic location of Utah can influence the cost and delivery of counseling services through several factors. Cost of living and labor rates in Utah may affect the salaries Synergy Counseling Services, P.C. needs to offer its counselors, which in turn impacts the overall contract price. Market competition for mental health professionals within Utah also plays a role; a more competitive market might drive up labor costs. Furthermore, the accessibility of services for veterans in Utah, including potential travel time or the need for telehealth infrastructure, could influence delivery models and associated costs. The VA's specific needs within Utah, such as the prevalence of certain veteran issues or the availability of existing community resources, would also shape the service requirements and potentially the contract's value.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Individual and Family Services › Other Individual and Family Services

Product/Service Code: SOCIAL SERVICES › SOCIAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C25925Q0197

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 388 W 100 N, VERNAL, UT, 84078

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $119,150

Exercised Options: $45,200

Current Obligation: $45,200

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline