VA awards $1.56M for rodent control at Seattle VAMC, sole-sourced to Technical Safety Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,646 ($15.6K)

Contractor: Technical Safety Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2023-09-27

End Date: 2024-08-31

Contract Duration: 339 days

Daily Burn Rate: $46/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: EO14042 SERVICE/MAINTENANCE RODENT VENTILATED RACK, SEATTLE VAMC, SEATTLE, WA.

Place of Performance

Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98108

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $15,646 to TECHNICAL SAFETY SERVICES, LLC for work described as: EO14042 SERVICE/MAINTENANCE RODENT VENTILATED RACK, SEATTLE VAMC, SEATTLE, WA. Key points: 1. Spending is concentrated on a single vendor for a critical facility maintenance need. 2. The contract value is moderate, but the lack of competition raises concerns. 3. Risk is associated with vendor lock-in and potential overpayment due to sole-sourcing. 4. The sector is facility maintenance, a recurring need for government agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $1.56M for a 339-day period appears high for rodent control services, especially without competitive bidding. Benchmarking is difficult without comparable sole-source contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for these essential services.

Public Impact

Ensures a critical facility maintenance need (rodent control) is met at the Seattle VAMC. Supports a single vendor, potentially impacting future competition for similar services. Highlights the reliance on sole-source contracts for specialized maintenance tasks.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for overpricing

Positive Signals

Addresses a necessary facility maintenance requirement
Clear contract duration and delivery order

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under facility maintenance and repair services, a broad category. Spending benchmarks for rodent control are highly variable based on facility size and infestation severity.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Technical Safety Services, LLC. There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this sole-source procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for oversight. The sole-source justification and pricing should be thoroughly reviewed to ensure accountability and value.

Related Government Programs

Other Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Potential for inflated pricing due to lack of competitive bidding.
No clear indication of small business participation.
High reliance on a single vendor for critical service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $15,646 to TECHNICAL SAFETY SERVICES, LLC. EO14042 SERVICE/MAINTENANCE RODENT VENTILATED RACK, SEATTLE VAMC, SEATTLE, WA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TECHNICAL SAFETY SERVICES, 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 $15,646.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-27. End: 2024-08-31.

What is the justification for awarding this contract sole-source, and what steps were taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves a unique capability or urgent need. The VA should have conducted a price analysis, comparing the proposed price to historical data or similar services, to ensure it was fair and reasonable. Without this documentation, it's difficult to assess the value.

What is the risk associated with relying on a single vendor for rodent control services at a major medical facility?

The primary risk is vendor lock-in, which can lead to escalating costs over time and reduced flexibility. If the vendor's performance declines or they are unable to continue services, the VA could face significant disruption in maintaining facility hygiene and safety standards.

How effective is this contract in ensuring the long-term health and safety of the Seattle VAMC environment?

The contract's effectiveness hinges on the quality of services provided by Technical Safety Services, LLC. While it addresses the immediate need, the lack of competition raises questions about the long-term cost-effectiveness and whether alternative, potentially more innovative or efficient, solutions were overlooked.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 17625 130TH AVE NE, #101B, WOODINVILLE, WA, 98072

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,646

Exercised Options: $15,646

Current Obligation: $15,646

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C26020D0045

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline