FEMA awards $8.7M for 10,000 housing inspections in South Carolina post-Hurricane Helene

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,698,604 ($8.7M)

Contractor: Vanguard Inspection Services

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-10-01

End Date: 2025-08-31

Contract Duration: 334 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HOUSING INSPECTION SERVICES IN RESPONSE TO DR-4829-SC. 10,000 INSPECTIONS IN SUPPORT OF PRESIDENTIAL DECLARED DISASTER IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AS A RESULT OF HURRICANE HELENE.

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, DEKALB County, GEORGIA, 30341

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $8.7 million to VANGUARD INSPECTION SERVICES for work described as: HOUSING INSPECTION SERVICES IN RESPONSE TO DR-4829-SC. 10,000 INSPECTIONS IN SUPPORT OF PRESIDENTIAL DECLARED DISASTER IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AS A RESULT OF HURRICANE HELENE. Key points: 1. Contract addresses critical post-disaster housing needs, supporting recovery efforts. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 4. Short performance period (334 days) indicates an urgent need for services. 5. Contract awarded to Vanguard Inspection Services, a single entity. 6. Geographic focus on South Carolina for disaster response.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of approximately $8.7 million for 10,000 inspections equates to roughly $870 per inspection. This rate appears reasonable given the specialized nature of disaster housing inspections, which often require rapid deployment, specific expertise, and adherence to strict reporting protocols. Benchmarking against similar disaster response contracts would provide a more precise value assessment, but the per-inspection cost seems within an expected range for emergency services.

Cost Per Unit: Approximately $870 per inspection.

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service quality. The agency's decision to use full and open competition suggests confidence in the market's ability to meet the demand for these specialized inspection services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at competitive prices, maximizing the efficient use of federal funds for disaster relief.

Public Impact

Homeowners and residents in South Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene will benefit from timely housing inspections, facilitating their recovery process. The contract delivers essential housing inspection services, crucial for assessing damage and determining eligibility for aid. Geographic impact is concentrated in South Carolina, specifically within areas declared disaster zones. The contract supports a workforce of inspectors, likely requiring skilled personnel for specialized tasks.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for surge pricing given the emergency nature of disaster response.
Dependence on a single contractor for a large volume of critical inspections.
Ensuring consistent quality and adherence to standards across all 10,000 inspections.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust market response.
Fixed-price contract type helps manage budget predictability.
Clear definition of services (10,000 inspections) and defined performance period.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on building inspection services. The market for disaster response services is often characterized by a need for rapid mobilization and specialized expertise. FEMA frequently procures such services following major natural disasters. The value of this contract is modest within the broader context of federal disaster relief spending, but critical for the immediate needs of affected communities.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (sb) is false for this contract. There is no explicit mention of small business set-asides or subcontracting plans. This suggests that the primary awardee, Vanguard Inspection Services, is likely not a small business, and the contract was not specifically targeted towards small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily reside with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a component of the Department of Homeland Security. FEMA is responsible for ensuring that the contractor meets the terms and conditions of the contract, including the delivery of 10,000 quality inspections within the specified timeframe. Transparency is expected through regular reporting from the contractor and potentially through FEMA's public records. Inspector General oversight from DHS would also apply to ensure accountability and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.

Related Government Programs

FEMA Disaster Relief Fund
Housing Assistance Programs
Post-Hurricane Recovery Efforts
Emergency Management Services

Risk Flags

Potential for performance delays
Quality assurance of inspections
Contractor capacity and resource allocation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $8.7 million to VANGUARD INSPECTION SERVICES. HOUSING INSPECTION SERVICES IN RESPONSE TO DR-4829-SC. 10,000 INSPECTIONS IN SUPPORT OF PRESIDENTIAL DECLARED DISASTER IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AS A RESULT OF HURRICANE HELENE.

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 $8.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-01. End: 2025-08-31.

What is Vanguard Inspection Services' track record with FEMA or other disaster response agencies?

Information regarding Vanguard Inspection Services' specific track record with FEMA or similar disaster response agencies is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on previous disaster response contracts. Understanding their experience with large-scale inspection efforts, particularly in post-disaster environments, is crucial for evaluating their capability to fulfill this contract effectively. Without this historical data, it's difficult to definitively gauge their reliability and expertise in this critical area.

How does the per-inspection cost of $870 compare to similar disaster housing inspection contracts?

The per-inspection cost of approximately $870 is within a reasonable range for specialized disaster housing inspections, considering the urgency, required expertise, and logistical challenges. However, a precise benchmark requires comparison with contracts for similar services in comparable disaster events. Factors such as geographic scope, complexity of damage assessment, reporting requirements, and the speed of deployment can significantly influence per-unit costs. FEMA's historical data on similar post-hurricane inspection contracts would provide the most accurate comparison to determine if this rate represents excellent, good, or fair value for money.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include potential delays in inspection completion due to unforeseen circumstances, contractor performance issues leading to substandard inspections, and budget overruns if the scope expands. Mitigation strategies likely involve clear performance standards in the contract, regular progress monitoring by FEMA, and the fixed-price nature of the contract which caps the government's financial exposure. The short performance period also implies a need for efficient execution, reducing the window for prolonged issues. Ensuring the contractor has adequate resources and personnel is also critical.

How effective is the full and open competition process in ensuring value for this specific disaster response contract?

Full and open competition is generally an effective mechanism for ensuring value by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down prices and improve service quality. For a disaster response contract like this, it suggests that multiple qualified firms were available and willing to bid, indicating a healthy market. The effectiveness is further supported by the fixed-price contract type, which aligns contractor incentives with cost control. However, the ultimate measure of effectiveness lies in the quality and timeliness of the inspections delivered and whether the pricing truly reflects the best value achieved through competition.

What is the historical spending pattern for housing inspection services by FEMA in South Carolina or similar disaster-affected regions?

Historical spending patterns for housing inspection services by FEMA in South Carolina or similar regions would typically show significant spikes in spending following major declared disasters. The frequency and magnitude of these spikes are directly correlated with the severity and number of natural events. FEMA's budget for such services fluctuates annually based on disaster activity. Analyzing past expenditures would reveal trends in contract values, the types of services procured, and the duration of post-disaster support, providing context for the current $8.7 million award.

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: 70FBR424R00000029

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

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: $8,700,286

Exercised Options: $8,700,286

Current Obligation: $8,698,604

Actual Outlays: $8,518,092

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