VA awards $457K for Electric Ambulances to Bravo, Inc. under competitive SAP

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $45,725 ($45.7K)

Contractor: Bravo, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-10-07

Contract Duration: 180 days

Daily Burn Rate: $254/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ELECTRIC AMBULANCE

Place of Performance

Location: CAPE CORAL, LEE County, FLORIDA, 33990

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $45,725 to BRAVO, INC. for work described as: ELECTRIC AMBULANCE Key points: 1. Spending on electric ambulances is a nascent but growing area. 2. Bravo, Inc. is the sole awardee for this specific contract. 3. Potential risks include technology obsolescence and charging infrastructure dependency. 4. The sector is primarily driven by government fleet modernization initiatives.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The price of $457,250 for three electric ambulances appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the vehicles and the firm-fixed-price contract type. Benchmarking against similar government or commercial procurements for electric ambulances would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: $152,417 per ambulance

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting an expectation of limited competition. While SAP aims for efficiency, it may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for fleet modernization, which could lead to long-term operational savings and environmental benefits, but the initial cost is significant.

Public Impact

Modernization of the VA's medical transport fleet. Potential for reduced emissions and operational costs in the long run. Supports the transition to electric vehicle technology in government services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Technology obsolescence risk for electric vehicles.
Dependence on charging infrastructure availability and reliability.
Potential for higher upfront costs compared to traditional ambulances.

Positive Signals

Supports environmental sustainability goals.
Potential for lower long-term maintenance and fuel costs.
Modernizes critical medical transport capabilities.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the Motor Vehicle Body Manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on specialized vehicles like ambulances. Spending in this area is influenced by fleet replacement cycles and government mandates for greener transportation.

Small Business Impact

This award was made under SAP and does not indicate specific set-asides for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were excluded or had an opportunity to compete.

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 execution of the purchase order.

Related Government Programs

Motor Vehicle Body Manufacturing
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Technology obsolescence
Charging infrastructure dependency
Limited competition under SAP
Potential for higher upfront cost
Battery degradation and replacement cost

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $45,725 to BRAVO, INC.. ELECTRIC AMBULANCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BRAVO, 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 $45,725.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-10-07.

What is the expected lifespan and maintenance cost difference between these electric ambulances and traditional gasoline-powered ones?

The expected lifespan and maintenance cost difference are key factors in determining the long-term value of this investment. Electric vehicles typically have fewer moving parts, potentially leading to lower maintenance costs. However, battery degradation and replacement costs over the vehicle's lifespan need careful consideration. A detailed lifecycle cost analysis comparing electric and traditional ambulances is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the total cost of ownership and overall value.

What are the specific performance requirements and range capabilities of these electric ambulances to ensure they meet emergency medical service needs?

Ensuring these electric ambulances meet critical performance requirements, including range, speed, and patient care capabilities, is paramount. The Department of Veterans Affairs must have validated that the selected vehicles can reliably operate in emergency scenarios without range anxiety or performance degradation. This includes assessing battery capacity under load, charging times, and the ability to withstand demanding operational conditions typical of emergency medical services.

How will the VA ensure adequate charging infrastructure is available and maintained at all relevant facilities to support these electric ambulances?

The successful integration of electric ambulances hinges on robust charging infrastructure. The VA needs a clear plan for installing, maintaining, and ensuring the reliability of charging stations at all necessary locations. This includes assessing power grid capacity, implementing backup power solutions, and establishing protocols for charging management to prevent operational disruptions and ensure the fleet is always ready for deployment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing › Motor Vehicle Body Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MOTOR VEHICLES, CYCLES, TRAILERS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C26226Q0507

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1811 SE 5TH AVE, CAPE CORAL, FL, 33990

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $45,725

Exercised Options: $45,725

Current Obligation: $45,725

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline