VA awards $258K for door repair and testing to Vortex Industries LLC, a sole-source contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,837 ($25.8K)

Contractor: Vortex Industries LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-11-24

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 310 days

Daily Burn Rate: $83/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: VORTEX FIRE TESTED DOOR REPAIR AND TESTING FOR VA PALO ALTO HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

Place of Performance

Location: IRVINE, ORANGE County, CALIFORNIA, 92618

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $25,836.63 to VORTEX INDUSTRIES LLC for work described as: VORTEX FIRE TESTED DOOR REPAIR AND TESTING FOR VA PALO ALTO HEALTH CARE SYSTEM Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential building maintenance for a specific VA facility. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about potential cost efficiencies and market alternatives. 3. Limited competition may impact price discovery and value for taxpayer dollars. 4. Contract duration of 310 days suggests a focused scope of work. 5. The award falls under 'Other Building Equipment Contractors' category. 6. Geographic focus on Palo Alto, California, indicates localized service delivery.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $258,366.63 for door repair and testing appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized facility maintenance. However, without a competitive bidding process, it is difficult to benchmark against market rates or assess if the most cost-effective solution was secured. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the government, but the absence of competition limits the ability to evaluate value for money comprehensively.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning Vortex Industries LLC was the only vendor considered. The justification for this approach is not provided in the data. Sole-source awards typically occur when only one vendor can meet the specific requirements, or in emergency situations. The lack of competition means there was no opportunity for other qualified contractors to bid, potentially leading to higher prices than if multiple bids were received.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not have received the benefit of competitive pricing, as the government did not explore alternative offers. This could result in a higher overall expenditure for the services rendered compared to a competed contract.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the patients and staff at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, who will receive improved safety and functionality of doors. The services delivered include repair and testing of doors, crucial for facility security and operational efficiency. The geographic impact is localized to the VA Palo Alto Health Care System in California. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving a small team from Vortex Industries LLC for the duration of the contract.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition for a sole-source award could lead to inflated pricing.
Absence of a competitive process limits transparency in vendor selection.
Potential for missed opportunities to engage with a broader range of specialized contractors.

Positive Signals

Contract addresses essential maintenance needs for a critical healthcare facility.
Firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the VA.
Specific vendor (Vortex Industries LLC) may possess unique expertise required for the task.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader 'Building Equipment Contractors' sector, specifically focusing on maintenance and repair services for facility infrastructure. The market for such services is typically fragmented, with many specialized providers. While the dollar amount is relatively small, it represents a necessary expenditure for maintaining operational integrity and safety within a government healthcare facility. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more detail on the specific door systems and repair scope.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. Vortex Industries LLC is the prime contractor. The data does not provide information on whether Vortex Industries LLC itself is a small business. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless Vortex Industries LLC engages in small business subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting and facility management departments. As a purchase order, it is subject to standard government procurement regulations and internal review processes. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

VA Facility Maintenance Contracts
Building Repair and Maintenance Services
Healthcare Facility Infrastructure Support

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive justification.
Potential for non-competitive pricing.
Limited transparency in vendor selection process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $25,836.63 to VORTEX INDUSTRIES LLC. VORTEX FIRE TESTED DOOR REPAIR AND TESTING FOR VA PALO ALTO HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VORTEX INDUSTRIES 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 $25,836.63.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-11-24. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the specific nature of the door repair and testing required under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'VORTEX FIRE TESTED DOOR REPAIR AND TESTING FOR VA PALO ALTO HEALTH CARE SYSTEM'. This suggests the work involves maintenance, repair, and potentially certification or inspection of fire-rated doors within the VA facility. Fire doors are critical safety components that must function correctly to compartmentalize fires and prevent their spread. The 'Vortex Fire Tested' designation implies these doors may be a specific brand or type that requires specialized knowledge for repair and testing, potentially justifying a sole-source award if Vortex Industries LLC is the sole authorized service provider or possesses unique certifications.

Why was this contract awarded on a sole-source basis instead of through full and open competition?

The data explicitly states the contract was 'NOT COMPETED' and is a 'SOLE-SOURCE' award. The specific justification for this sole-source determination is not included in the provided data. Typically, sole-source awards are made when only one responsible source is available to satisfy the agency's needs. This could be due to proprietary technology, unique expertise, critical urgency, or specific certifications held by the contractor. Without the official justification document (e.g., a Justification and Approval - J&A), it is impossible to definitively state the reason, but it implies the VA determined that Vortex Industries LLC was the only viable option for this particular service.

How does the contract value of $258,366.63 compare to similar door repair and testing contracts?

Benchmarking this contract's value of $258,366.63 is challenging without more specific details on the scope of work, the number and type of doors, and the complexity of the required repairs and testing. However, for a single facility's door maintenance over a period of approximately 10 months (start date implied by award, end date 2026-09-30), this value suggests a significant scope or specialized nature of the work. Contracts for large-scale facility maintenance can range widely, but this amount for door-specific services indicates a substantial project. The lack of competition makes direct value-for-money comparisons difficult, as a competitive process would likely yield a more precise market-based price.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for facility maintenance?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award for facility maintenance is the potential for paying a premium price due to the lack of competition. Without competing bids, the government may not achieve the best possible price. Another risk is the potential for complacency from the sole provider, as they face no immediate threat from competitors. This could potentially impact the quality or timeliness of service delivery, although contract performance clauses aim to mitigate this. Furthermore, it limits the opportunity to discover and engage with other capable vendors who might offer innovative solutions or better value in the future.

What is the track record of Vortex Industries LLC in performing similar services for the government?

The provided data identifies Vortex Industries LLC as the contractor for this specific award. However, it does not contain historical information about their past performance, including previous government contracts, client satisfaction, or specific experience with door repair and testing. To assess their track record, one would need to consult federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for past awards to Vortex Industries LLC, review their performance evaluations (if available), and potentially seek references. Without this additional data, their suitability and past performance remain unevaluated based solely on the information given.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the VA Palo Alto Health Care System's operations?

This contract is expected to ensure the proper functioning and safety of doors within the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. Doors, particularly fire-rated doors, are critical for maintaining security, controlling access, and ensuring patient and staff safety by preventing the spread of fire and smoke. By awarding this contract for repair and testing, the VA aims to maintain the integrity of its facility infrastructure, prevent potential safety hazards, and ensure compliance with relevant building codes and safety regulations. This contributes to the overall operational efficiency and reliability of the healthcare facility.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Building Equipment Contractors › Other Building Equipment Contractors

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS TESTING

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 20 ODYSSEY, IRVINE, CA, 92618

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,837

Exercised Options: $25,837

Current Obligation: $25,837

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline