VA awards $1.01M BPA Call for burial services, highlighting need for cemetery support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $100,925 ($100.9K)

Contractor: Polyguard LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 85 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.2K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: POLYLINERS FOR BURIAL SERVICES CONUS AND OCONIS. OY2 BPA CALL ORDER FOR FT. BLISS NATIONAL CEMETERY | POP: 04-06-2026 THROUGH 06-30-2026

Place of Performance

Location: EL PASO, EL PASO County, TEXAS, 79906

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $100,925 to POLYGUARD LLC for work described as: POLYLINERS FOR BURIAL SERVICES CONUS AND OCONIS. OY2 BPA CALL ORDER FOR FT. BLISS NATIONAL CEMETERY | POP: 04-06-2026 THROUGH 06-30-2026 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Polyguard LLC for essential cemetery services. 2. Short-term contract duration of 85 days indicates immediate need. 3. Competition under SAP suggests a streamlined procurement process. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty. 5. National scope (CONUS and OCONUS) for burial services. 6. Focus on cemetery maintenance and support services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.01 million for an 85-day period for burial services appears reasonable given the scope. However, without specific details on the services rendered (e.g., number of burials, types of services), a direct comparison to similar contracts is difficult. The award to Polyguard LLC, a company specializing in plastics, raises questions about its core competency in providing burial services, suggesting potential reliance on subcontractors or a niche service offering within the broader cemetery support domain. Benchmarking value would require more granular data on service delivery.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders and a less formal solicitation process compared to full and open competition. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP is generally used for procurements under the micro-purchase threshold or for specific circumstances allowing for limited competition. This approach aims for efficiency but may not always yield the lowest possible price due to reduced market visibility.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP can mean taxpayers may not benefit from the most aggressive pricing achievable through broader market engagement. However, it can also lead to faster delivery of essential services when time is critical.

Public Impact

Veterans and their families will benefit from the continued operation and maintenance of national cemeteries. Essential burial and cemetery support services will be delivered. Services will impact national cemeteries across CONUS and OCONUS. Potential workforce implications for local support staff and subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contractor's primary NAICS code (326121 - Unlaminated Plastics Profile Shape Manufacturing) does not align with core services (burial services), raising concerns about expertise and potential subcontracting reliance.
Short contract duration (85 days) may indicate a reactive procurement rather than strategic planning, potentially leading to higher costs.
Limited competition under SAP might not have secured the best value for taxpayers.

Positive Signals

Award ensures continuity of essential services for national cemeteries.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides budget certainty for the VA.
Contract covers both CONUS and OCONUS locations, indicating broad support.

Sector Analysis

The market for cemetery services, including burial and maintenance, is often characterized by specialized providers and government contracts, particularly for national cemeteries. While Polyguard LLC's primary industry is plastics manufacturing, their involvement suggests a niche or subcontracting role in providing specific support functions for cemetery operations. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more detailed service descriptions, but government contracts for cemetery operations can range significantly based on size and scope.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Given the limited competition under SAP, it's possible small businesses were involved, but this cannot be confirmed without further data. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless Polyguard LLC actively engages small businesses for subcontracted services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As a BPA Call Order, it is a task order against an existing Blanket Purchase Agreement, implying that the BPA itself likely has established oversight mechanisms. Transparency is moderate, as the award is public, but detailed service breakdowns and performance metrics are not readily available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration
Funeral and Burial Services
Cemetery Maintenance Contracts
Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs)

Risk Flags

Contractor's primary industry (plastics manufacturing) does not align with core service (burial services).
Limited competition under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP).
Short contract duration (85 days) may indicate reactive procurement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $100,925 to POLYGUARD LLC. POLYLINERS FOR BURIAL SERVICES CONUS AND OCONIS. OY2 BPA CALL ORDER FOR FT. BLISS NATIONAL CEMETERY | POP: 04-06-2026 THROUGH 06-30-2026

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is POLYGUARD LLC.

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 $100,925.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-06-30.

What specific services does Polyguard LLC provide under this BPA Call Order, and how do they align with their stated industry (Unlaminated Plastics Profile Shape Manufacturing)?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'POLYLINERS FOR BURIAL SERVICES CONUS AND OCONIS.' This suggests Polyguard LLC is likely supplying specialized products, such as burial liners, rather than performing direct burial services. Their expertise in plastics manufacturing would be directly relevant to producing such liners. The 'FT. BLISS NATIONAL CEMETERY' mention implies a primary location or point of contact, but the scope is broader (CONUS and OCONUS). The alignment is therefore through product supply rather than direct service provision, which is a critical distinction for assessing contractor capability and value.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar burial liner products or cemetery support services?

Benchmarking the pricing for this contract is challenging without specific details on the quantity, specifications, and types of 'polyliners' or other services provided. The total award is $1.01 million over approximately 85 days. If 'polyliners' are the primary deliverable, the per-unit cost would need to be compared against market rates for such specialized products. Given the limited competition under SAP, it's possible the price is not as competitive as it might be under a broader solicitation. A thorough benchmark would require obtaining quotes for comparable products from other manufacturers or suppliers in the cemetery services sector.

What is the track record of Polyguard LLC in fulfilling government contracts, particularly those related to cemetery services or specialized product manufacturing?

The provided data does not include specific details on Polyguard LLC's past performance or track record with government contracts. Their primary NAICS code (326121) points to plastics manufacturing, suggesting this might be their core business. To assess their track record for this specific contract, one would need to review their contract history, past performance evaluations (if available through sources like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any previous awards related to cemetery support or similar product manufacturing. Without this information, it's difficult to gauge their reliability and experience in this domain.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding a contract for burial services to a company primarily identified with plastics manufacturing?

The primary risk lies in the potential mismatch between the contractor's core expertise and the service requirements. If Polyguard LLC is indeed performing direct burial services, there's a risk of inadequate performance, lack of specialized knowledge, and potential non-compliance with stringent cemetery protocols. However, if they are supplying 'polyliners,' the risk is reduced, provided they have the manufacturing capability and quality control for such products. Other risks include potential over-reliance on subcontractors (which introduces its own set of risks), potential delays if manufacturing or supply chain issues arise, and the possibility that the limited competition may have led to a less optimal price.

How does this contract fit into the broader spending patterns of the Department of Veterans Affairs for cemetery operations and support?

This contract represents a relatively small portion of the VA's overall budget for cemetery operations. The VA manages a vast network of national cemeteries, and spending on maintenance, operations, and direct services like burials is substantial. This $1.01 million BPA Call Order, covering a short period, likely addresses a specific, immediate need, possibly related to liner supplies or a gap in services at specific locations. It should be viewed as a tactical procurement rather than a strategic, long-term investment in cemetery infrastructure or comprehensive service provision. Broader spending patterns would involve larger, multi-year contracts for grounds maintenance, full-service burial operations, and capital improvements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Plastics Product Manufacturing › Unlaminated Plastics Profile Shape Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MISCELLANEOUS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 167 TWIN SPRUCE, AFTON, WY, 83110

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $100,925

Exercised Options: $100,925

Current Obligation: $100,925

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C78623A0002

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline