VA awards $2.8M contract for snow removal and groundskeeping to Yard Chief Yard Care, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,831,403 ($2.8M)

Contractor: Yard Chief Yard Care, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2021-04-01

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,855 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.5K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SNOW REMOVAL AND GROUNDSKEEPING - ANCHORAGE VAMC DOMICILIARY AND TR HOUSING

Place of Performance

Location: ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE County, ALASKA, 99504

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2.8 million to YARD CHIEF YARD CARE, INC. for work described as: SNOW REMOVAL AND GROUNDSKEEPING - ANCHORAGE VAMC DOMICILIARY AND TR HOUSING Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential grounds maintenance services at Anchorage VAMC. 2. Competition method indicates potential for good value, though specific details are limited. 3. Risk is moderate, tied to service quality and potential for weather-related disruptions. 4. Sector is facilities management, a consistent area of government spending.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.8M over five years suggests a reasonable annual spend for the services provided. Benchmarking against similar landscaping and groundskeeping contracts would offer a clearer picture of its cost-effectiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a competitive process for smaller dollar amounts. This method aims for efficiency but may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential facility maintenance, ensuring a safe and functional environment for veterans. The SAP competition aims to balance cost and efficiency.

Public Impact

Ensures operational readiness of VA facilities by maintaining grounds. Supports veteran healthcare access through well-maintained facilities. Provides employment opportunities through the contracted service provider.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for service disruptions due to weather.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical services.

Positive Signals

Supports essential facility operations.
Utilizes a competitive bidding process (SAP).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the facilities management and groundskeeping sector, which is a recurring expenditure for government agencies. Spending benchmarks for similar services can vary significantly based on geographic location and scope of work.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if Yard Chief Yard Care, Inc. is a small business. Analysis of small business participation is not possible with the provided information.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officer's representative to ensure service delivery meets contract requirements. Accountability rests with the vendor for performance and the agency for proper contract administration.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Weather dependency impacting service delivery.
Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen conditions arise.
Vendor performance risk.
Contract scope clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.8 million to YARD CHIEF YARD CARE, INC.. SNOW REMOVAL AND GROUNDSKEEPING - ANCHORAGE VAMC DOMICILIARY AND TR HOUSING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is YARD CHIEF YARD CARE, 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 $2.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-04-01. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the specific scope of services included in 'snow removal and groundskeeping' to ensure comprehensive coverage?

The specific scope of services would be detailed in the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS). This typically includes snow plowing, de-icing, lawn mowing, landscaping, debris removal, and potentially seasonal planting or maintenance. A thorough PWS is crucial for defining expectations and preventing disputes over service adequacy.

How does the pricing compare to other similar VAMC groundskeeping contracts in comparable climates?

Without access to a database of comparable contracts, a precise price-to-performance benchmark is difficult. However, the annual value of approximately $566,000 for a large facility like a VAMC in Alaska, which experiences significant weather, appears within a reasonable range. Further analysis would require detailed cost breakdowns and service level comparisons.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the effectiveness of the snow removal and groundskeeping services?

Key performance indicators likely include response times for snow removal (e.g., clearing within X hours of snowfall), quality of lawn care (e.g., grass height, weed control), landscape appearance, and adherence to safety protocols. The contracting officer's representative would monitor these KPIs to ensure contract compliance and service effectiveness.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C26021Q0177

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1425 N SPAR AVE #2, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99501

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,831,403

Exercised Options: $2,831,403

Current Obligation: $2,831,403

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline