VA awards $2.4M contract for Alaska fire alarm monitoring, highlighting security system services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,995 ($24.0K)

Contractor: Guardian Security Systems, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2023-09-30

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FIRE ALARM MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE SERVICE IN SUPPORT OF ALASKA VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

Place of Performance

Location: ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE County, ALASKA, 99504

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $23,995 to GUARDIAN SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: FIRE ALARM MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE SERVICE IN SUPPORT OF ALASKA VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential safety services for a critical healthcare system. 2. Competition dynamics appear favorable given the contract type and number of bids. 3. Performance risk is moderate, tied to the reliability of security systems. 4. This service is crucial for maintaining operational safety at the VA facility. 5. The contract falls within the broader security systems services sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.4 million over three years for fire alarm monitoring and maintenance appears reasonable for supporting a healthcare system. Benchmarking against similar contracts for security systems services in remote or specialized locations would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The firm fixed-price structure helps control costs, but the specific pricing details relative to market rates are not provided.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. With two bids received, the competition level indicates some interest, but it's not a broad-based competition. The SAP process aims for efficiency for smaller purchases, and the level of competition here suggests a potentially fair price discovery, though not as robust as a full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP and two bidders suggests a balance between efficient procurement and ensuring a reasonable price for taxpayers on this specific service.

Public Impact

Veterans and staff at the Alaska VA Health Care System benefit from enhanced safety and security. Ensures continuous operation of fire alarm systems, critical for patient care. Services are geographically focused on Alaska, supporting a specific VA facility. The contract supports the specialized services sector, potentially involving local technicians.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for service disruptions if contractor performance is subpar.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical safety system maintenance.
Limited competition may impact long-term cost-effectiveness.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Contract duration allows for consistent service delivery.
Focus on essential safety services aligns with VA mission.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under the Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) industry, NAICS code 561621. This sector includes the installation and servicing of alarm systems. The market for such services is driven by regulatory requirements and the need for safety and security in various facilities, including healthcare. Spending in this area is consistent across government agencies and private sector entities requiring robust security infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided in the data. As the contract was competed under SAP and awarded to Guardian Security Systems, Inc., further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved in the bidding process or as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting and program management offices. The firm fixed-price nature of the award provides a degree of accountability. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases, and any specific Inspector General (IG) involvement would depend on performance issues or audits related to the service delivery.

Related Government Programs

VA Facilities Maintenance Contracts
Federal Security System Services
Alaska Regional Contracts
Healthcare Infrastructure Support

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition under SAP
Geographic challenges in Alaska impacting service delivery
Reliance on specialized security system services

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $23,995 to GUARDIAN SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC.. FIRE ALARM MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE SERVICE IN SUPPORT OF ALASKA VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GUARDIAN SECURITY SYSTEMS, 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 $23,995.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-30. End: 2026-09-29.

What is the track record of Guardian Security Systems, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the VA?

Guardian Security Systems, Inc. has received federal contracts, including this one from the Department of Veterans Affairs. A deeper dive into their contract history would reveal the volume and types of services previously provided to the VA and other federal agencies. Analyzing past performance, including any reported issues or successes, would offer insight into their reliability and capability to fulfill the requirements of this fire alarm monitoring and maintenance contract. Specific details on their performance metrics and client satisfaction from previous federal engagements are crucial for a comprehensive assessment.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar fire alarm monitoring and maintenance services in Alaska?

The awarded value of $2.4 million over three years for fire alarm monitoring and maintenance services needs to be benchmarked against prevailing market rates in Alaska. Factors such as the size and complexity of the VA facility, the specific types of systems covered, and the geographic remoteness of the service location will influence pricing. Without access to detailed cost breakdowns or comparable contract data for similar services in Alaska, it is difficult to definitively assess if this represents excellent value. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests an attempt to control costs.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential service disruptions due to equipment failure or inadequate maintenance, leading to compromised fire safety. Another risk is the contractor's ability to respond effectively to emergencies in Alaska's challenging environment. Mitigation strategies likely include the firm fixed-price structure, which incentivizes the contractor to maintain systems properly to avoid costly repairs. The VA's oversight, contract performance clauses, and the requirement for timely response are also key mitigation factors. The limited competition, however, could pose a risk if the contractor underperforms and replacement options are scarce.

How effective is the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) process in ensuring competitive pricing for services like this?

The Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are designed for efficiency in procuring goods and services below certain dollar thresholds, aiming to reduce administrative burden and speed up delivery. For services like fire alarm monitoring, which can be specialized, SAP can facilitate competition among a relevant pool of vendors. However, with only two bids received in this instance, the level of competition under SAP might not always yield the most aggressive pricing compared to full and open competition. While SAP balances efficiency with price discovery, its effectiveness in maximizing taxpayer value is contingent on the number and competitiveness of bidders attracted.

What is the historical spending trend for fire alarm monitoring and maintenance services by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Analyzing the historical spending trends for fire alarm monitoring and maintenance services by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is essential for context. This contract of $2.4 million represents a specific investment in the Alaska VA Health Care System. Understanding whether VA spending in this category has been increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable across its facilities nationwide would provide insight into budget priorities and potential market dynamics. Examining past contract awards, durations, and values for similar services across different VA medical centers can reveal patterns and inform future procurement strategies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths)

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › INSPECTION SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C26023Q0898

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2600 SEWARD HWY, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $44,035

Exercised Options: $44,035

Current Obligation: $23,995

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline