VA awards $3.4M transportation contract to Journey Via Gurney, LLC for specialized services in California

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,398,385 ($3.4M)

Contractor: Journey VIA Gurney, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-06-01

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: SPECIAL MODE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: MATHER, SACRAMENTO County, CALIFORNIA, 95655

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $3.4 million to JOURNEY VIA GURNEY, LLC for work described as: SPECIAL MODE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in specialized transit for veterans. 2. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risks include service disruptions or quality issues if the contractor underperforms. 4. Performance will be assessed against delivery order requirements over a one-year period. 5. This contract falls within the broader transit and ground passenger transportation sector. 6. The firm fixed price structure aims to control costs and provide budget certainty.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $3.4 million for a one-year term appears reasonable for specialized transportation services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for medical or veteran transportation in California would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed price contract type suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be favorable for the government if the price is competitive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while the competition was broad, specific sources might have been excluded based on predefined criteria. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' nature suggests multiple entities had the opportunity to compete, which generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices and encouraging providers to offer the best possible service at a reasonable cost.

Public Impact

Veterans in California will benefit from specialized transportation services, likely for medical appointments or other essential needs. The services delivered will focus on transit and ground passenger transportation. The geographic impact is concentrated in California, serving the needs of veterans within the state. This contract supports jobs within the transportation sector, particularly for drivers and support staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for service gaps if contractor fails to meet demand.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical transportation needs.
Ensuring consistent quality of service across all deliveries.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Contract duration allows for a stable service period.

Sector Analysis

This contract operates within the 'All Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation' sector, a segment that includes specialized services beyond standard public transit. The market for such services is often driven by specific needs, such as medical transportation, paratransit, or specialized event logistics. The government is a significant consumer in this sector, particularly for services supporting federal agencies and beneficiaries like veterans.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided in the data. Without this information, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem. However, the nature of specialized transportation services could potentially involve subcontracting opportunities for smaller, niche providers if the primary contractor utilizes them.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the contracting officer and relevant program managers within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Accountability measures are typically embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific operational details may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Veteran Transportation Services
Medical Appointment Transportation
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
Public Transit Contracts
Specialized Passenger Services

Risk Flags

Contractor performance history unknown
Potential for service quality issues
Dependence on a single provider for critical services

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $3.4 million to JOURNEY VIA GURNEY, LLC. SPECIAL MODE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JOURNEY VIA GURNEY, 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 $3.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-06-01. End: 2026-05-31.

What is the track record of Journey Via Gurney, LLC with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

A review of federal contract databases would be necessary to fully assess Journey Via Gurney, LLC's track record. Information on past performance, including contract history, past performance evaluations, and any disputes or terminations, is crucial for understanding their reliability and capability. Specifically, examining their history with the VA and similar agencies for transportation services would provide insight into their experience and success in meeting government requirements. Without specific data on their past federal awards and performance metrics, it is difficult to definitively gauge their track record.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar specialized transportation services in California?

To benchmark the value, one would compare the contract's total value ($3.4 million over one year) against industry data for specialized transportation services in California. This includes analyzing per-mile rates, per-passenger rates, and hourly rates charged by comparable providers for similar services (e.g., medical transport, paratransit). Factors like vehicle type, driver qualifications, service area, and availability windows influence pricing. If the awarded price falls within or below the typical range for these services, it suggests good value for money. Conversely, a price significantly above the market average might indicate potential overspending or unique service requirements justifying the higher cost.

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

Key risks include potential service disruptions due to vehicle breakdowns, driver shortages, or unforeseen demand surges. Quality of service, such as punctuality and passenger safety, is another critical risk area. Mitigation strategies likely involve performance clauses in the contract, requiring Journey Via Gurney, LLC to maintain a certain fleet availability, adhere to strict scheduling, and meet safety standards. The VA's oversight and performance monitoring will be essential for identifying and addressing issues promptly. The firm fixed price nature also shifts some financial risk to the contractor.

What is the historical spending pattern for specialized transportation services by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Analyzing historical VA spending on specialized transportation services would reveal trends in demand, pricing, and contractor utilization. This includes examining annual expenditures over the past 5-10 years, identifying the types of services most frequently procured (e.g., medical appointments, long-distance transport), and noting any significant fluctuations in spending. Understanding this pattern helps contextualize the current $3.4 million award, indicating whether it represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in these services. It also informs future budget planning and procurement strategies.

What performance metrics will be used to evaluate Journey Via Gurney, LLC's service delivery?

Performance metrics for this contract would typically include on-time performance rates (e.g., percentage of pickups and drop-offs within scheduled windows), vehicle availability and maintenance records, passenger satisfaction surveys, safety incident rates, and compliance with all contractual requirements. The Department of Veterans Affairs will likely establish specific targets for these metrics within the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS). Regular reporting by the contractor and periodic reviews by the VA contracting officer's representative (COR) will be used to assess adherence to these standards and ensure the effective delivery of services.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation › All Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1330 W ROBINHOOD DR STE B, STOCKTON, CA, 95207

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,398,385

Exercised Options: $3,398,385

Current Obligation: $3,398,385

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C26121D0070

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline