VA awards $98K task order for PIV card reader installation to SECSOL INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $98,381 ($98.4K)

Contractor: Secsol Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-16

End Date: 2026-10-13

Contract Duration: 180 days

Daily Burn Rate: $547/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 1ST TASK ORDER OF PIV CARD READER INSTALL IDIQ 36C26226D0048

Place of Performance

Location: LOMA LINDA, SAN BERNARDINO County, CALIFORNIA, 92357

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $98,380.73 to SECSOL INC for work described as: 1ST TASK ORDER OF PIV CARD READER INSTALL IDIQ 36C26226D0048 Key points: 1. This is the first task order under a larger IDIQ contract, indicating initial project execution. 2. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which transfers risk to the contractor. 3. The awardee, SECSOL INC, is a new entity in federal contracting, suggesting a need for performance monitoring. 4. The contract duration is 180 days, indicating a short-term, focused project. 5. The geographic location is California, potentially impacting local workforce and supply chains. 6. The NAICS code 238210 points to electrical contractors, a common service category for facility maintenance.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $98,380.73 for a single task order is relatively small. Benchmarking this specific PIV card reader installation against similar contracts is challenging without more detailed scope information. However, the firm-fixed-price nature suggests a defined scope and budget, which can be advantageous for value if executed efficiently. The lack of prior performance data for SECSOL INC on federal contracts introduces some uncertainty regarding cost control and efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This task order was awarded under a sole-source justification. This means that competition was not sought from other vendors. While sole-source awards can be efficient for specific needs, they limit price discovery and may not always result in the most competitive pricing for the government. The rationale for the sole-source award should be carefully reviewed to ensure it was appropriate and that the government did not forgo potential cost savings.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can lead to higher prices for taxpayers as competition is bypassed. Without a competitive bidding process, there is less pressure on the contractor to offer the lowest possible price.

Public Impact

This contract directly benefits the Department of Veterans Affairs by enhancing the security and access control at a federal facility through PIV card reader installation. The services delivered include the installation of electrical wiring and related components for secure access. The geographic impact is localized to California, where the facility requiring the upgrade is located. Workforce implications may include the need for skilled electricians and technicians for the installation, potentially benefiting local labor markets.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potential taxpayer savings.
Awardee has no prior federal contracting history, raising concerns about performance and reliability.
Lack of detailed scope in the provided data makes it difficult to assess true value for money.
Firm Fixed Price contract, while good for budget certainty, can lead to contractor cost-cutting if not closely monitored.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract structure provides budget certainty for this task order.
Award is for a specific, necessary security upgrade (PIV card readers).
Task order is relatively small, limiting potential financial exposure.
Contract duration is short (180 days), allowing for timely project completion and evaluation.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors sector (NAICS 238210). This sector is characterized by a mix of small and large businesses providing essential infrastructure services. Federal spending in this area typically supports facility maintenance, upgrades, and new construction across various agencies. The market size for electrical contracting services is substantial, with government contracts forming a significant portion for specialized firms. This specific task order represents a small component of broader federal investments in physical security and IT infrastructure integration.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded to a small business and there is no indication of small business subcontracting requirements. The sole-source nature of the award further limits opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific contract. Without set-aside provisions or subcontracting goals, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular award is minimal.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this task order would primarily fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and program managers. As a firm-fixed-price contract, performance monitoring will focus on adherence to the scope of work and timely completion. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature and the relatively small award amount, which may not trigger extensive public scrutiny or require a dedicated Inspector General investigation unless significant issues arise. Accountability rests with SECSOL INC to deliver the required services and with the VA to ensure contract compliance.

Related Government Programs

VA PIV Card Reader Installation IDIQ
Federal Building Security Upgrades
Electronic Access Control Systems Contracts
IT Infrastructure Installation Services

Risk Flags

Contractor Performance Risk (New Contractor)
Price Reasonableness Risk (Sole Source)
Scope Definition Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $98,380.73 to SECSOL INC. 1ST TASK ORDER OF PIV CARD READER INSTALL IDIQ 36C26226D0048

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SECSOL 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 $98,380.73.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-16. End: 2026-10-13.

What is the track record of SECSOL INC in federal contracting?

Based on the provided data, SECSOL INC appears to be a new entrant into federal contracting, as this is the first task order awarded to them under the specified IDIQ. There is no historical data available regarding their past performance, contract awards, or payment history with federal agencies. This lack of a track record necessitates close monitoring of their performance on this initial task order to assess their capabilities, reliability, and adherence to contract terms. Future awards to this contractor would likely be contingent on successful completion of this project.

How does the value of this task order compare to similar PIV card reader installations?

Directly comparing the value of this $98,380.73 task order for PIV card reader installation is difficult without a detailed scope of work and the number of readers being installed. However, for a single task order, this amount is relatively modest. Larger, more complex installations involving multiple locations or advanced security features could range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. The firm-fixed-price nature suggests a defined scope, and the value will ultimately be determined by the successful and timely completion of the installation according to specifications.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract award?

The primary risks associated with this contract award stem from the contractor's lack of federal contracting experience. This introduces uncertainty regarding SECSOL INC's ability to meet performance expectations, manage project timelines, and adhere to federal procurement regulations. The sole-source nature of the award also presents a risk of potentially inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive pressure. Additionally, if the scope of work is not precisely defined or managed, there's a risk of cost overruns or scope creep, although the firm-fixed-price structure aims to mitigate this.

How effective is the sole-source award strategy for this type of service?

The effectiveness of a sole-source award strategy for PIV card reader installation depends heavily on the specific circumstances justifying it. If there's a unique capability, an urgent need that precludes competition, or a follow-on effort to a previous contract where only one vendor has the necessary knowledge, it might be effective. However, for standard installation services, it generally reduces effectiveness by eliminating competitive bidding, which is a key mechanism for ensuring fair pricing and optimal value for taxpayers. The VA would need a strong justification to ensure this approach was indeed the most effective and appropriate.

What are the historical spending patterns for PIV card reader installations by the VA?

Historical spending patterns for PIV card reader installations by the VA are not detailed in the provided data. However, the VA, like other federal agencies, invests significantly in physical security and access control systems to protect its facilities and personnel. Spending on such systems can fluctuate based on modernization efforts, security mandates, and budget allocations. This specific task order represents a small, discrete investment within a potentially larger, ongoing program of security upgrades across the VA's vast network of facilities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Building Equipment Contractors › Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10911 BLOOMFIELD ST, LOS ALAMITOS, CA, 90720

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $98,381

Exercised Options: $98,381

Current Obligation: $98,381

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C26226D0048

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline