VA awards $82,000 for obstacle course events, raising questions about value and competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $82,000 ($82.0K)

Contractor: Spartan Race Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-05-09

End Date: 2026-05-11

Contract Duration: 2 days

Daily Burn Rate: $41.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 2026 NVSSC OBSTACLE COURSE

Place of Performance

Location: ORLANDO, ORANGE County, FLORIDA, 32827

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $82,000 to SPARTAN RACE INC for work described as: 2026 NVSSC OBSTACLE COURSE Key points: 1. The contract's value appears high for a short-duration event, suggesting potential overspending. 2. Limited competition raises concerns about price discovery and potential for inflated costs. 3. The short performance period may indicate a pilot program or a less critical need. 4. The award to a single vendor without a competitive process warrants scrutiny. 5. The use of a purchase order for this type of service is noted. 6. The contract is for event promotion, not direct healthcare services, which is a key distinction.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The award of $82,000 for a two-day obstacle course event seems disproportionately high. Comparable events for promotional purposes or athletic competitions typically cost significantly less, especially when considering the short duration. Without further details on the scope and scale of the 'obstacle course,' it is difficult to benchmark effectively, but the price point raises concerns about value for money. The fixed-price nature of the contract does not inherently guarantee good value if the initial price is not competitive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a sole-source award. The absence of a competitive bidding process means that multiple vendors were not given the opportunity to offer their services, potentially leading to a higher price than if the contract had been competed. The Department of Veterans Affairs did not provide justification for the lack of competition, which is a significant oversight.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may have paid a premium due to the lack of competitive pressure to drive down costs. The absence of competition prevents an objective assessment of fair market price.

Public Impact

Veterans may benefit indirectly through morale-boosting or therapeutic recreational activities facilitated by the event. The services delivered are event promotion and execution of an obstacle course. The geographic impact is limited to Florida, where the event is scheduled to take place. There are no immediate workforce implications directly tied to this contract award.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition for an $82,000 award.
High apparent cost for a short-duration event.
Unclear justification for sole-source award.
Potential for inflated pricing due to no bidding.

Positive Signals

The contract is for a fixed price, providing cost certainty.
The event is scheduled to occur, indicating vendor capability.
The award is to a known entity in event promotion (Spartan Race).

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under the 'Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities' industry code (NAICS 711310). This sector involves organizing and promoting live entertainment events. While the value is relatively small in the broader federal contracting landscape, it represents spending on non-core services. Comparable federal spending in this specific niche is difficult to pinpoint without more context on the event's purpose and scale.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract involved small business set-asides or subcontracting opportunities. The award was made directly to Spartan Race Inc., and no information is provided regarding their small business utilization plans or if they are a small business themselves. This contract does not appear to contribute to the small business contracting goals.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight mechanisms for this specific purchase order are not detailed in the provided data. As a purchase order, it would typically fall under the agency's internal procurement policies and oversight. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature and lack of detailed justification. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if fraud or waste were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Veterans Affairs Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Programs
Federal Event and Conference Services
Recreational and Sports Program Support

Risk Flags

Lack of Competition
High Unit Cost
Unclear Justification for Sole Source
Short Performance Period for High Cost

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $82,000 to SPARTAN RACE INC. 2026 NVSSC OBSTACLE COURSE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SPARTAN RACE 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 $82,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-05-09. End: 2026-05-11.

What is the specific purpose of this obstacle course event for the Department of Veterans Affairs?

The provided data does not explicitly state the specific purpose of the obstacle course event. However, given the vendor (Spartan Race Inc.) and the nature of the service (event promotion), it is likely intended for recreational, morale-boosting, or therapeutic purposes for veterans. It could be part of a wellness initiative or a special event designed to engage veterans in physical activity and community building. Without further clarification from the agency, the exact objective remains speculative, but it is positioned as a service supporting veteran well-being rather than direct medical care.

How does the $82,000 award compare to similar obstacle course events or promotional activities funded by the federal government?

Benchmarking this $82,000 award is challenging without more specific details on the event's scope, duration, participant numbers, and location. However, for a two-day event, this figure appears high, especially if it's primarily for promotional or recreational purposes. Federal contracts for event management and promotion vary widely, but typically, large-scale public events with significant infrastructure and participant engagement would command higher prices. For a localized, short-term activity, $82,000 suggests either a very high-quality or extensive setup, or potentially an inflated price due to the lack of competition. Further investigation into the specific deliverables would be needed for a precise comparison.

What are the risks associated with awarding an $82,000 contract without competition?

The primary risk associated with awarding an $82,000 contract without competition is the potential for paying an inflated price. When a contract is sole-sourced, there is no competitive pressure to ensure the vendor offers the best possible price for the goods or services. This can lead to a loss of taxpayer funds. Additionally, a lack of competition can mask inefficiencies or a lack of capability on the part of the awarded contractor, as there is no benchmark against which to measure their performance. It also raises concerns about fairness and equal opportunity for other potential vendors who were not given a chance to bid.

What is Spartan Race Inc.'s track record with federal government contracts, particularly with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

The provided data indicates that Spartan Race Inc. is the contractor for this specific award. A comprehensive review of their federal contracting history, including past performance with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies, would be necessary to assess their track record. This would involve examining previous contract values, performance reviews, any past disputes or issues, and their experience with similar types of events. Without access to a broader contract database or agency performance records, it's difficult to definitively assess their overall federal track record beyond this single award.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar services by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

The provided data does not include historical spending patterns for similar services by the Department of Veterans Affairs. To assess this, one would need to query federal procurement databases (like USASpending.gov or FPDS) for contracts awarded under NAICS code 711310 or similar codes related to event promotion and recreational activities, specifically by the VA. Analyzing past awards would reveal the typical price range, competition levels, and duration for such services, allowing for a more informed assessment of the current $82,000 award's appropriateness and value.

Could this contract be considered a 'no-bid' contract, and what are the implications?

Yes, this contract can be considered a 'no-bid' contract because it was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed. The data explicitly states it was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which is a common pathway for competitive bidding for smaller dollar amounts. The implications of a no-bid contract are significant: it bypasses the competitive process designed to ensure fair pricing and identify the best value for the government. This can lead to higher costs for taxpayers, reduced transparency, and potential favoritism towards the awarded contractor. Agencies are generally required to justify sole-source awards, and the absence of such justification here is a concern.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation › Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events › Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities

Product/Service Code: SOCIAL SERVICES › SOCIAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C77626Q0118

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 234 CONGRESS STREET, 5TH FLOOR, BOSTON, MA, 02110

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $246,000

Exercised Options: $246,000

Current Obligation: $82,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline