VA awards $1.3M for rodent ventilated racks at Seattle VAMC to Technical Safety Services, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,040 ($13.0K)

Contractor: Technical Safety Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-09-01

End Date: 2025-08-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $36/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

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 $13,040 to TECHNICAL SAFETY SERVICES, LLC for work described as: EO14042 SERVICE/MAINTENANCE RODENT VENTILATED RACK, SEATTLE VAMC, SEATTLE, WA. Key points: 1. The contract is for essential service/maintenance of rodent ventilated racks. 2. Competition was limited, raising potential concerns about price discovery. 3. The award value is $1.3 million over one year. 4. The sector is primarily IT/equipment maintenance within the healthcare domain.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.3 million for a one-year service and maintenance agreement for specialized equipment appears reasonable given the niche nature of the equipment. Benchmarking is difficult without more specific cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a limited competition approach. This method may not yield the best possible price for taxpayers as it restricts the pool of potential bidders.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition could lead to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a fully open and competitive process.

Public Impact

Ensures critical research infrastructure is maintained at a VA medical center. Supports ongoing research activities by providing necessary equipment. Potential for increased costs due to limited competition.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Lack of detailed cost breakdown for benchmarking

Positive Signals

Essential service for research infrastructure
Clear performance period

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader category of electronic equipment repair and maintenance, specifically for specialized laboratory equipment used in research settings. Spending benchmarks for such niche items are not readily available, but the value is moderate for a single-year service contract.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Technical Safety Services, LLC. There is no indication that small businesses were specifically solicited or involved in this procurement, suggesting a missed opportunity for small business engagement.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for oversight. The limited competition approach warrants scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and value for taxpayer funds.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Limited competition may result in higher costs.
Lack of transparency in the procurement process.
Potential for vendor lock-in.
No clear indication of small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $13,040 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 $13,040.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-01. End: 2025-08-31.

What is the justification for limiting competition on this contract?

The justification for limiting competition is not provided in the data. Typically, limited competition is used when only one or a few sources are capable of meeting the government's needs, or in specific circumstances like urgent and compelling needs. Further investigation would be required to understand the specific rationale behind this decision for the rodent ventilated racks.

How does the price compare to similar service contracts for specialized lab equipment?

Direct comparison is challenging without access to a broader market analysis or data on similar contracts. The $1.3 million price tag for a one-year service contract for rodent ventilated racks is substantial. A more thorough review of the contract's pricing structure and comparison with industry standards for specialized equipment maintenance would be necessary to assess its competitiveness.

What is the potential impact on research continuity if this vendor is unable to perform?

If Technical Safety Services, LLC is unable to perform, it could significantly disrupt research continuity at the Seattle VAMC. Rodent ventilated racks are critical for maintaining a controlled research environment. A lapse in service or maintenance could lead to equipment failure, compromised research integrity, and potential delays or loss of valuable scientific data.

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: $13,040

Exercised Options: $13,040

Current Obligation: $13,040

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C26020D0045

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline