VA awards $1.1M for Georgia National Cemetery grounds maintenance to Native Contractors, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $111,867 ($111.9K)

Contractor: Native Contractors, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2021-10-01

End Date: 2025-07-02

Contract Duration: 1,370 days

Daily Burn Rate: $82/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ADD FY22 FUNDING FOR SED-922 - TOTAL GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR GEORGIA NATIONAL CEMETERY

Place of Performance

Location: CANTON, CHEROKEE County, GEORGIA, 30114

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $111,866.53 to NATIVE CONTRACTORS, INC. for work described as: ADD FY22 FUNDING FOR SED-922 - TOTAL GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR GEORGIA NATIONAL CEMETERY Key points: 1. Contract awarded for grounds maintenance services at Georgia National Cemetery. 2. Native Contractors, Inc. is the awardee for this delivery order. 3. The contract has a firm fixed price structure. 4. Services are expected to be delivered over a period of approximately 3.7 years. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 561730 (Landscaping Services). 6. This contract was competed under simplified acquisition procedures.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award amount of $1.12 million for grounds maintenance over nearly four years appears reasonable for a national cemetery. Benchmarking against similar landscaping contracts for federal facilities of comparable size and scope would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price contract type suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under simplified acquisition procedures, indicating that it was likely open to a broad range of potential offerors. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, simplified acquisition is designed to promote competition for smaller dollar value procurements. This approach generally leads to fair market pricing and ensures that the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of simplified acquisition procedures for this contract likely resulted in competitive pricing, benefiting taxpayers by ensuring the government did not overpay for essential grounds maintenance services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the visitors and families who utilize the Georgia National Cemetery, ensuring a well-maintained and respectful environment. The contract delivers essential grounds maintenance services, including landscaping, upkeep of burial areas, and general site beautification. The geographic impact is localized to the Georgia National Cemetery in Georgia. The contract supports jobs within the landscaping and grounds maintenance sector, potentially benefiting local workers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if maintenance requirements are not clearly defined and monitored.
Dependence on contractor performance for maintaining the aesthetic and functional integrity of the cemetery grounds.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Longer performance period allows for consistent service delivery and relationship building.
Competition under simplified acquisition procedures suggests a focus on obtaining value.

Sector Analysis

The landscaping services sector is a significant part of the broader facilities management industry. Federal agencies, particularly those managing large public spaces like national cemeteries, rely on these services to maintain infrastructure and public-facing areas. Spending in this sector often involves recurring contracts for maintenance and upkeep, with competition driving pricing. The $1.12 million award is a moderate-sized contract within this service category.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans is not explicitly detailed in the provided data. However, competition under simplified acquisition procedures can sometimes include opportunities for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were specifically targeted or participated in this procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard VA procurement regulations and contract management practices would apply. Oversight would likely involve regular performance reviews, site inspections, and adherence to the terms and conditions of the delivery order to ensure satisfactory service delivery and taxpayer value.

Related Government Programs

National Cemetery Administration Grounds Maintenance
Department of Veterans Affairs Facility Management
Federal Landscaping and Groundskeeping Contracts

Risk Flags

Performance Risk: Success hinges on the contractor's ability to consistently deliver high-quality maintenance services.
Cost Risk: While fixed-price, unforeseen site conditions or material cost fluctuations could impact contractor profitability, potentially leading to future claims if not managed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $111,866.53 to NATIVE CONTRACTORS, INC.. ADD FY22 FUNDING FOR SED-922 - TOTAL GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR GEORGIA NATIONAL CEMETERY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NATIVE CONTRACTORS, 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 $111,866.53.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-10-01. End: 2025-07-02.

What is the track record of Native Contractors, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

A review of federal procurement databases would be necessary to fully assess Native Contractors, Inc.'s track record. This would involve examining past performance on similar contracts, including their timeliness, quality of work, and any history of disputes or contract modifications. Understanding their experience with the Department of Veterans Affairs specifically would provide insight into their familiarity with VA requirements and operational standards. Without this specific data, it's difficult to definitively assess their reliability and past performance on government contracts.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar grounds maintenance services in Georgia?

To benchmark the awarded price, one would need to compare it against market rates for similar grounds maintenance services in the specific geographic region of Georgia. This involves researching average hourly rates for landscaping crews, equipment rental costs, and typical pricing for services like mowing, trimming, and general upkeep of large public grounds. Factors such as the size of the area to be maintained, the complexity of the terrain, and the specific services required would influence the comparison. A detailed market analysis or consultation with industry experts would be needed for a precise comparison.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the contractor's performance under this contract?

Key performance indicators (KPIs) for this grounds maintenance contract would likely focus on the quality and timeliness of services delivered. Examples could include adherence to mowing schedules, the aesthetic appearance of landscaped areas (e.g., neatness of turf, health of plants), promptness in addressing debris or damage, and compliance with safety regulations. The contract specifications would detail these KPIs, and performance would be monitored through regular inspections and reporting by the VA contracting officer's representative (COR). Meeting these KPIs ensures the cemetery grounds are maintained to the required standards.

What is the historical spending pattern for grounds maintenance at the Georgia National Cemetery?

Analyzing historical spending for grounds maintenance at the Georgia National Cemetery would involve reviewing past contracts and awards for similar services. This would reveal trends in annual spending, identify previous contractors, and indicate whether the current award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment. Understanding historical patterns helps in assessing the long-term cost-effectiveness of grounds maintenance and identifying any significant shifts in budget allocation for this function at the cemetery.

Are there any specific environmental considerations or sustainability requirements included in the contract?

The provided data does not specify any particular environmental considerations or sustainability requirements within this contract. Federal contracts are increasingly incorporating such clauses, which could include mandates for water conservation, use of eco-friendly pesticides and fertilizers, or waste reduction practices. A thorough review of the full contract document would be necessary to determine if these elements are present and how they are being monitored.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Services to Buildings and Dwellings › Landscaping Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12720 HILLCREST RD STE 785, DALLAS, TX, 75230

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, 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: $111,867

Exercised Options: $111,867

Current Obligation: $111,867

Actual Outlays: $111,811

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C78618D0065

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline