FEMA awards $31.8M for Hurricane Ian housing inspections, with Vanguard Inspection Services securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,781,834 ($31.8M)

Contractor: Vanguard Inspection Services

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2022-09-30

End Date: 2023-07-29

Contract Duration: 302 days

Daily Burn Rate: $105.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: HOUSING INSPECTION SERVICES FOR INSPECTIONS IN SUPPORT OF HURRICANE IAN IN FLORIDA, DR-4673-FL

Place of Performance

Location: HAGAMAN, MONTGOMERY County, NEW YORK, 12086

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $31.8 million to VANGUARD INSPECTION SERVICES for work described as: HOUSING INSPECTION SERVICES FOR INSPECTIONS IN SUPPORT OF HURRICANE IAN IN FLORIDA, DR-4673-FL Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in disaster recovery efforts. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process. 3. Performance period of 302 days indicates a focused, time-sensitive mission. 4. The contract supports essential housing inspection services in a disaster-stricken area. 5. Geographic focus on Florida highlights targeted disaster relief. 6. The contract type (Delivery Order) implies it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $31.8 million for housing inspections in response to Hurricane Ian appears reasonable given the scale of the disaster and the critical need for timely assessments. Benchmarking against similar disaster response contracts is challenging due to unique event-driven demands, but the cost per day of performance is approximately $105,238. This figure needs to be evaluated against the number of inspections performed and the complexity of the damage assessed to determine true value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the competitive nature of the award suggests that FEMA sought the best value from a range of qualified providers. This approach generally leads to more competitive pricing and a wider selection of capabilities.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs and encourages innovation among contractors.

Public Impact

Homeowners and residents in Florida affected by Hurricane Ian benefit from timely housing inspections, crucial for insurance claims and rebuilding efforts. Essential housing inspection services are delivered to assess damage and ensure safety standards. The geographic impact is concentrated in Florida, specifically areas affected by Hurricane Ian. The contract supports a workforce of inspectors, contributing to local employment in the affected region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial damage assessments underestimate the full extent of repairs needed.
Ensuring consistent quality and accuracy of inspections across a large geographic area.
Timeliness of reporting and data submission to FEMA for efficient processing of aid.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing structure.
Clear performance period (302 days) indicates a defined scope and timeline.
Focus on a critical disaster recovery need demonstrates alignment with federal emergency management priorities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Building Inspection Services sector, a critical component of the construction and professional services industry. The market for disaster response services is highly specialized and often surges in demand following natural disasters. While specific market size data for hurricane-related inspection services is not readily available, the federal government frequently procures such services through various contract vehicles to manage the aftermath of significant events. This contract represents a substantial, albeit event-specific, investment in that capability.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans for this specific contract is not provided in the data. As it was awarded under full and open competition, it's possible that small businesses participated directly or indirectly. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement and its impact on the broader small business ecosystem in the construction and inspection services sector.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures would be tied to the delivery order's terms and conditions, including inspection quality, timeliness, and reporting. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like SAM.gov. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Hurricane Recovery Contracts
Disaster Assistance Programs
FEMA Housing Assistance
Building Inspection Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Performance Risk
Logistical Challenges in Disaster Zones
Data Accuracy and Reporting Timeliness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $31.8 million to VANGUARD INSPECTION SERVICES. HOUSING INSPECTION SERVICES FOR INSPECTIONS IN SUPPORT OF HURRICANE IAN IN FLORIDA, DR-4673-FL

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 $31.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-30. End: 2023-07-29.

What is the track record of Vanguard Inspection Services with federal contracts, particularly in disaster response?

Vanguard Inspection Services has a history of performing inspection services for federal agencies. While specific details on their disaster response track record require deeper database searches, their selection for this significant FEMA contract suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience. Federal procurement data often reveals patterns of successful past performance, including contract values, agencies served, and types of services rendered. A review of their contract history would indicate their capacity to handle large-scale, time-sensitive operations like those following Hurricane Ian, assessing their ability to meet quality standards and delivery timelines.

How does the cost of this contract compare to similar disaster housing inspection efforts?

Direct cost comparisons for disaster housing inspections are complex due to the highly variable nature of natural disasters, geographic scope, and the specific services required. This contract's total value of $31.8 million over 302 days averages to approximately $105,238 per day. To benchmark effectively, one would need to analyze the number of inspections conducted, the average complexity of damage assessed, and the prevailing market rates for inspection services in the affected region during the contract period. Without these granular details, a precise value-for-money assessment against comparable contracts is difficult, though the full and open competition suggests an effort to secure competitive pricing.

What are the primary risks associated with a contract of this nature and scale?

Key risks for this contract include potential delays in inspection completion due to unforeseen logistical challenges in disaster zones, inaccuracies in damage assessments leading to disputes or improper aid allocation, and contractor performance issues if the workload overwhelms their capacity. There's also a risk of scope creep if the initial damage assessment is incomplete. Ensuring the quality and consistency of inspections across a wide area and managing the rapid mobilization and demobilization of inspection teams are significant operational risks. Furthermore, maintaining data integrity and timely reporting to FEMA is critical for the efficient disbursement of recovery funds.

How effective is FEMA in managing large-scale inspection contracts during disaster recovery?

FEMA's effectiveness in managing large-scale inspection contracts during disaster recovery is generally considered robust, though challenges are inherent. The agency utilizes established procurement processes, including full and open competition, to select qualified contractors. Success hinges on clear contract terms, diligent oversight, and the contractor's ability to scale operations rapidly. FEMA employs program managers and contracting officers to monitor performance, ensure quality control, and address issues promptly. While specific contract performance metrics are not detailed here, FEMA's continuous involvement in disaster response suggests ongoing refinement of its management strategies for such critical services.

What are the historical spending patterns for housing inspection services related to major hurricanes?

Historical spending on housing inspection services following major hurricanes can vary significantly based on the storm's intensity, geographic reach, and the number of affected properties. Federal agencies, primarily FEMA, allocate substantial funds for these services post-disaster. For instance, following major events like Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, billions have been spent on various recovery efforts, including inspections. Contracts for these services are often awarded through competitive processes, with values ranging from millions to tens of millions of dollars per event, depending on the scale. Tracking these patterns reveals a consistent need for such services and highlights the significant financial commitment required for disaster recovery.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Building Inspection Services

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › QUALITY CONTROL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 70FBR422R00000020

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: $31,781,834

Exercised Options: $31,781,834

Current Obligation: $31,781,834

Actual Outlays: $1,657,693

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