VA Awards $2.94M for Ground Ambulance Services in Arizona to Life Line Ambulance Service, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,939,720 ($2.9M)

Contractor: Life Line Ambulance Service, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-10-01

End Date: 2025-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.1K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: GROUND AMBULANCE SERVICE. FUND FY25

Place of Performance

Location: PRESCOTT, YAVAPAI County, ARIZONA, 86313

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2.9 million to LIFE LINE AMBULANCE SERVICE, INC. for work described as: GROUND AMBULANCE SERVICE. FUND FY25 Key points: 1. Contract value of $2.94 million for FY25. 2. Awarded to Life Line Ambulance Service, Inc. 3. Procured under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 4. Service covers ground ambulance operations in Arizona. 5. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.94 million for a one-year period appears reasonable for ground ambulance services in Arizona. Benchmarking against similar contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP, suggesting a limited competition environment. While SAP aims for efficiency, it may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty for taxpayers, but the limited competition might mean a slightly higher price than could be achieved through broader solicitation.

Public Impact

Ensures critical emergency medical transportation for veterans in Arizona. Supports local healthcare infrastructure and emergency response capabilities. Provides essential services to a vulnerable population. Potential for service disruptions if provider fails to meet contract obligations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP.
Potential for price not being fully optimized due to limited competition.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Award to an established provider for essential services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Healthcare sector, specifically emergency medical services. Spending on ambulance services can vary significantly by region and the specific needs of the population served.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this procurement. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard contract management practices should ensure performance and accountability.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Limited competition.
Potential for price not being fully optimized.
Reliance on a single provider for essential services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.9 million to LIFE LINE AMBULANCE SERVICE, INC.. GROUND AMBULANCE SERVICE. FUND FY25

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LIFE LINE AMBULANCE SERVICE, 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 $2.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-01. End: 2025-09-30.

What is the historical cost of similar ambulance services procured by the VA or other federal agencies in comparable regions?

Benchmarking historical costs for similar ambulance services is crucial for validating the $2.94 million award. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to definitively assess if this price is optimal. However, given the firm fixed price and the nature of emergency services, the cost appears within a reasonable range for a one-year contract in Arizona, assuming standard service levels.

What are the specific performance metrics and service level agreements tied to this contract to ensure effectiveness?

The contract likely includes specific performance metrics and service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure the effectiveness of the ground ambulance services. These typically cover response times, patient care standards, vehicle maintenance, and staffing levels. Adherence to these metrics is critical for ensuring veterans receive timely and appropriate emergency medical transportation, directly impacting the effectiveness of the service.

What is the risk associated with relying on a single provider for essential ambulance services, especially under limited competition?

The primary risk of relying on a single provider, particularly under limited competition, is the potential for service disruption if the contractor fails to perform or faces financial difficulties. This could leave veterans without essential transportation. While the VA likely has contingency plans, the limited competition aspect means fewer immediate alternatives, potentially increasing the impact of any contractor failure.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1099 W IRON SPRINGS RD, PRESCOTT, AZ, 86305

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,939,720

Exercised Options: $2,939,720

Current Obligation: $2,939,720

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C25821D0024

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline