VA awards $6.4M for ambulance services in California, a non-competed delivery order

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,417 ($6.4K)

Contractor: American Medical Response West

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2023-10-01

End Date: 2023-12-31

Contract Duration: 91 days

Daily Burn Rate: $71/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: ALS/BLS/CCT AMBULANCE TRANSPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: MATHER, SACRAMENTO County, CALIFORNIA, 95655

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $6,416.78 to AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE WEST for work described as: ALS/BLS/CCT AMBULANCE TRANSPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Spending: $6.4 million for ambulance services. 2. Competition: Contract was not competed under SAP. 3. Risk: Potential for higher costs due to lack of competition. 4. Sector: Healthcare services.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract was awarded as a delivery order without competition. Without a competitive process, it's difficult to assess if the $6.4 million price is reasonable compared to similar services.

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 lack of open competition may have hindered price discovery and potentially led to a higher price than could have been achieved through a competitive bidding process.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may have paid more than necessary due to the absence of competitive bidding for these essential ambulance services.

Public Impact

Ensures critical ambulance services for veterans in California. Lack of competition raises concerns about cost-effectiveness for taxpayers. Potential for improved pricing if future contracts are competed.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 71 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpayment
Limited transparency in pricing

Positive Signals

Provides essential healthcare service
Timely delivery of services

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the healthcare sector, specifically emergency medical services. Benchmarks for ambulance services can vary significantly by region and service level, but competitive procurement typically drives better value.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if opportunities for small business participation were missed.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was a delivery order under an unspecified contract, and the lack of competition suggests limited oversight in the initial award decision. Future oversight should focus on ensuring competitive practices for similar services.

Related Government Programs

Ambulance Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for inflated pricing
Limited transparency in award justification
No clear small business participation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $6,416.78 to AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE WEST. ALS/BLS/CCT AMBULANCE TRANSPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE WEST.

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 $6,416.78.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-10-01. End: 2023-12-31.

What was the justification for not competing this contract under SAP?

The provided data states the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP.' This implies a limited competition strategy was employed. The specific justification for this approach, such as urgency, unique capabilities, or existing contract vehicles, is not detailed in the provided information and would require further investigation into the contract's acquisition history.

How does the $6.4 million cost compare to market rates for similar ambulance services in California?

Without competitive bidding data, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the lack of competition raises a red flag. Market rates for ambulance services are highly variable based on location, response times, and types of transport. A competitive process would have provided a clearer benchmark against other providers in the California region.

What is the potential risk to taxpayer funds given the non-competed nature of this award?

The primary risk to taxpayer funds is the potential for paying a premium due to the absence of competition. When contracts are not competed, there is less pressure on the contractor to offer the lowest possible price. This could result in funds being spent inefficiently compared to what might have been achieved through a competitive solicitation.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Other Ambulatory Health Care Services › Ambulance Services

Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRAVEL, LODGING, RECRUITMENT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: BMC Software, Inc.

Address: 6363 S FIDDLERS GREEN CIR STE 1400, GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO, 80111

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,417

Exercised Options: $6,417

Current Obligation: $6,417

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C26123D0012

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline