VA awards $3.4M for Special Needs Transportation, extending services with Sol Transportation Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,409,117 ($3.4M)

Contractor: SOL Transportation Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2022-11-01

End Date: 2023-10-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: GURNEY TRANSPORTATION - EXTEND SVS/INCREASE PRICING

Place of Performance

Location: LONG BEACH, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90822

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $3.4 million to SOL TRANSPORTATION INC. for work described as: GURNEY TRANSPORTATION - EXTEND SVS/INCREASE PRICING Key points: 1. Contract value of $3,409,117.4 for a 364-day period. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, indicating a structured procurement process. 3. Risk appears moderate given the established service provider and fixed-price contract. 4. Sector is transportation, specifically specialized services for veterans.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's fixed-price structure suggests predictable costs. Benchmarking against similar transportation contracts would be needed for a definitive value assessment, but the award amount seems reasonable for specialized services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' indicates an initial exclusion followed by a broader competition. This method aims for competitive pricing while potentially addressing specific requirements. The price discovery is likely robust due to the open competition phase.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from competitive pricing achieved through an open bidding process, ensuring funds are used efficiently for essential veteran services.

Public Impact

Ensures continued access to essential transportation for veterans with special needs. Supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' mission to provide comprehensive care. Maintains service continuity, preventing disruptions for beneficiaries.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price creep if contract terms are not strictly managed.
Dependence on a single provider for specialized services.

Positive Signals

Ensures service continuity for a vulnerable population.
Utilizes a competitive procurement process.
Fixed-price contract limits cost uncertainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the transportation sector, specifically focusing on specialized services. Spending benchmarks for similar specialized transportation contracts can vary significantly based on geographic location, service complexity, and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses participated in or benefited from this contract. Further analysis would be required to assess small business inclusion.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and contract management practices should ensure accountability and proper service delivery.

Related Government Programs

Special Needs Transportation
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for service disruption if provider fails to meet obligations.
Risk of increased costs if contract scope is not tightly managed.
Limited visibility into the specific 'special needs' criteria.
Dependence on a single vendor for a critical service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $3.4 million to SOL TRANSPORTATION INC.. GURNEY TRANSPORTATION - EXTEND SVS/INCREASE PRICING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SOL TRANSPORTATION 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 $3.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-11-01. End: 2023-10-31.

What is the specific definition of 'special needs' for this transportation service, and how does it impact cost?

The definition of 'special needs' is crucial as it dictates the type of vehicles, driver qualifications, and service protocols required. This can include accessibility features, specialized equipment, or specific patient handling. A clear definition ensures appropriate service levels and justifies associated costs, preventing scope creep and ensuring fair pricing against comparable specialized services.

How was the 'exclusion of sources' justified prior to the full and open competition?

The justification for excluding sources prior to full and open competition is critical for understanding procurement integrity. Agencies typically exclude sources based on specific technical requirements, past performance, or unique capabilities. Documenting this rationale ensures that the subsequent open competition was not unduly restricted and that the final award was based on the best overall value.

What performance metrics are in place to ensure the quality and reliability of the transportation services provided?

Effective oversight requires clear performance metrics. For specialized transportation, these might include on-time arrival rates, vehicle maintenance records, driver training compliance, and patient satisfaction surveys. Robust metrics allow the VA to monitor service quality, address deficiencies promptly, and ensure that taxpayer funds are delivering effective and reliable support to veterans.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation › Special Needs 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: 1555 S. COAST HWY SUITE 120, OCEANSIDE, CA, 92054

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,409,117

Exercised Options: $3,409,117

Current Obligation: $3,409,117

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: VA26217D0292

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline