FEMA Awards $38.5M for Housing Inspection Support to Vanguard Inspection Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $38,514,386 ($38.5M)

Contractor: Vanguard Inspection Services

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2019-10-04

End Date: 2026-01-26

Contract Duration: 2,306 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS TASK ORDER IS ISSUED TO PROVIDE OPERATIONAL SUPPORT FOR HOUSING INSPECTION SERVICES, FEMA'S INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

Place of Performance

Location: TAMPA, HILLSBOROUGH County, FLORIDA, 33607

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $38.5 million to VANGUARD INSPECTION SERVICES for work described as: THIS TASK ORDER IS ISSUED TO PROVIDE OPERATIONAL SUPPORT FOR HOUSING INSPECTION SERVICES, FEMA'S INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting market availability. 2. Significant duration (2306 days) indicates long-term operational support needs. 3. Focus on housing inspection services highlights critical disaster recovery functions. 4. No small business participation noted, potentially limiting broader economic impact.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost No Fee, which can sometimes lead to less price discipline compared to fixed-price contracts. Without specific cost breakdowns or benchmarks for similar inspection services, assessing the value is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the Cost No Fee structure might influence the final cost discovery process.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential disaster recovery support. The effectiveness of the competition in securing the best value at a reasonable cost is key to taxpayer impact.

Public Impact

Ensures critical housing inspection services are available for disaster victims. Supports FEMA's Individual Assistance Program, a vital component of disaster relief. Potential for long-term operational continuity in disaster-prone regions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost No Fee contract type may lack strong price incentives.
  • Long contract duration could lead to cost overruns if not managed well.
  • No small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under full and open competition.
  • Addresses a critical government need for disaster response.
  • Long-term commitment ensures service availability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under building inspection services, a niche within professional services. Government spending in this area is often tied to disaster relief and infrastructure maintenance, with benchmarks varying significantly based on scope and location.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract did not involve small business participation. This could be due to the nature of the services required or the size of the contract, potentially missing opportunities to support small businesses in disaster recovery efforts.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial given the Cost No Fee structure and long duration. FEMA will need robust mechanisms to monitor performance, control costs, and ensure the contractor meets all service level agreements effectively.

Related Government Programs

  • Building Inspection Services
  • Department of Homeland Security Contracting
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

  • Cost No Fee contract type.
  • Long contract duration (over 6 years).
  • No small business participation.
  • Lack of specific performance metrics or cost benchmarks provided.

Tags

building-inspection-services, department-of-homeland-security, fl, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $38.5 million to VANGUARD INSPECTION SERVICES. THIS TASK ORDER IS ISSUED TO PROVIDE OPERATIONAL SUPPORT FOR HOUSING INSPECTION SERVICES, FEMA'S INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VANGUARD INSPECTION SERVICES.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $38.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-10-04. End: 2026-01-26.

What is the typical cost per inspection for similar services in Florida, and how does this contract's projected cost compare?

Without specific cost data per inspection, a direct comparison is difficult. However, government contracts for inspection services can range widely. Factors like the complexity of inspections, geographic coverage, and required turnaround times influence pricing. Benchmarking against other federal or state contracts for similar disaster-related inspection services in Florida would be necessary for a precise assessment.

What are the specific risks associated with a Cost No Fee contract for operational support services, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risk of a Cost No Fee contract is the potential for cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs without a fixed profit margin. Mitigation strategies include stringent cost monitoring, detailed reporting requirements, clear definitions of allowable costs, and performance metrics tied to service delivery. FEMA must actively manage the contract to ensure costs remain reasonable and services are delivered effectively.

How effective is full and open competition in ensuring value for money for long-term operational support contracts like this one?

Full and open competition is generally effective in driving competitive pricing and encouraging a wide range of potential contractors. For long-term operational support, it can establish a baseline price. However, the 'value for money' also depends on the contract type (e.g., Cost No Fee vs. Fixed Price) and the government's ability to manage the contract effectively over its duration to control costs and ensure performance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesArchitectural, Engineering, and Related ServicesBuilding Inspection Services

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTIONQUALITY CONTROL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4030 W BOY SCOUT BLVD STE 700, TAMPA, FL, 33607

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $39,936,770

Exercised Options: $39,936,770

Current Obligation: $38,514,386

Actual Outlays: $13,039,842

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70FB8020D00000003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2019-10-04

Current End Date: 2026-01-26

Potential End Date: 2026-01-26 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-12-10

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