FEMA awards $22.6M for 150,000 housing inspections in Florida disaster zones

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,580,525 ($22.6M)

Contractor: Vanguard Inspection Services

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-10-13

End Date: 2025-09-11

Contract Duration: 333 days

Daily Burn Rate: $67.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HOUSING INSPECTION SERVICES IN RESPONSE TO DR-4834-FL. 150,000 INSPECTIONS IN SUPPORT OF PRESIDENTIALLY DECLARED DISASTER IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA AS A RESULT OF SEVERE-STORMS AND FLOODING.

Place of Performance

Location: HERNANDO, CITRUS County, FLORIDA, 34441

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $22.6 million to VANGUARD INSPECTION SERVICES for work described as: HOUSING INSPECTION SERVICES IN RESPONSE TO DR-4834-FL. 150,000 INSPECTIONS IN SUPPORT OF PRESIDENTIALLY DECLARED DISASTER IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA AS A RESULT OF SEVERE-STORMS AND FLOODING. Key points: 1. Contract aims for value by addressing critical post-disaster housing needs. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive pricing environment. 3. Risk indicators appear low given the defined scope and fixed-price nature. 4. Performance context is tied to disaster response, a time-sensitive mission. 5. Sector positioning is within emergency management and disaster recovery services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value is assessed against the critical need for housing inspections following a presidentially declared disaster. While specific benchmarks for disaster inspection services are scarce, the fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty. The per-inspection cost, derived from the total award and the number of inspections, appears reasonable given the urgency and specialized nature of the work in a disaster-affected area. Further comparison to similar disaster response contracts would refine this assessment.

Cost Per Unit: Approximately $150.54 per inspection (based on $22,580,525.23 award for 150,000 inspections).

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to more favorable pricing for the government. The agency sought proposals from qualified sources, suggesting a focus on capability alongside cost.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at a competitive market rate, preventing potential overspending.

Public Impact

Florida residents impacted by severe storms and flooding will benefit from timely housing inspections. The contract supports the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) disaster response efforts. Geographic impact is concentrated in Florida, specifically within areas affected by DR-4834-FL. The services delivered are crucial for assessing housing damage and facilitating recovery processes.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if disaster impact is more widespread than initially assessed.
Dependence on contractor's ability to mobilize and deploy inspectors rapidly in a disaster zone.
Quality control of a large volume of inspections across potentially dispersed locations.

Positive Signals

Clear objective: support disaster recovery efforts in Florida.
Defined deliverable: 150,000 housing inspections.
Fixed-price contract structure provides cost predictability.

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 urgent needs and specialized capabilities. While not a typical large-scale construction or IT project, it represents a critical component of emergency management infrastructure. Benchmarking against other disaster recovery contracts would be relevant.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not specify any small business set-aside. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is not detailed, though large prime contractors may engage small businesses for specific tasks.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the fixed-price contract terms and the delivery of 150,000 inspections. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement data systems, though specific inspection reports are typically internal to the disaster response process.

Related Government Programs

FEMA Disaster Relief Fund
Housing Assistance Programs
Disaster Recovery and Resilience Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for quality control issues with a large volume of inspections.
Logistical challenges in deploying inspectors rapidly to disaster-affected areas.
Dependence on contractor's capacity to scale operations quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $22.6 million to VANGUARD INSPECTION SERVICES. HOUSING INSPECTION SERVICES IN RESPONSE TO DR-4834-FL. 150,000 INSPECTIONS IN SUPPORT OF PRESIDENTIALLY DECLARED DISASTER IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA AS A RESULT OF SEVERE-STORMS AND FLOODING.

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 $22.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-13. End: 2025-09-11.

What is the track record of Vanguard Inspection Services in handling large-scale disaster response contracts?

Information regarding Vanguard Inspection Services' specific track record with large-scale disaster response contracts is not detailed in the provided data. However, their selection for this significant FEMA contract suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and capacity to undertake such a mission. Further due diligence would involve reviewing past performance evaluations, any prior government contracts of similar scope and complexity, and their demonstrated ability to mobilize resources effectively under emergency conditions. Understanding their experience in geographically challenging or rapidly evolving disaster environments would be crucial for assessing their reliability in this Florida-based operation.

How does the per-inspection cost of approximately $150.54 compare to industry benchmarks for housing inspections, especially in disaster zones?

The per-inspection cost of approximately $150.54 is a key metric for value assessment. In typical, non-disaster scenarios, standard home inspections can range from $300 to $500 or more, depending on location and scope. However, this contract is for disaster response, which involves different logistical challenges and potentially a more streamlined, albeit critical, assessment process. The urgency, scale, and specific requirements of a disaster declaration may influence pricing dynamics. Comparing this rate to other FEMA or state-level disaster inspection contracts, if available, would provide a more accurate benchmark. The 'full and open competition' aspect suggests this rate was deemed competitive among bidders.

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

Key risks include the potential for delays in inspector deployment due to logistical challenges in a disaster-stricken area, quality control issues across a large volume of inspections, and the possibility of scope expansion if the disaster's impact is underestimated. Mitigation strategies likely involve FEMA's robust oversight, clear performance standards outlined in the contract, and Vanguard Inspection Services' own internal quality assurance processes. The fixed-price nature helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. The contractor's ability to rapidly mobilize and manage a dispersed workforce is critical, and their contingency plans for such scenarios would be a key factor in risk mitigation.

How effective is this contract likely to be in supporting Florida's recovery from severe storms and flooding?

This contract is likely to be highly effective in supporting Florida's recovery by providing essential housing inspection services. The 150,000 inspections will enable FEMA and state agencies to quickly assess damage, determine eligibility for assistance, and prioritize recovery efforts. Timely inspections are crucial for homeowners to begin repairs and for the overall acceleration of the recovery process. The contract's defined scope and duration are aligned with the immediate needs following a disaster declaration, suggesting a focused and impactful contribution to the state's resilience efforts.

What are the historical spending patterns for housing inspection services by FEMA, particularly in response to major disasters?

Historical spending patterns for housing inspection services by FEMA during major disasters can vary significantly based on the scale and geographic spread of the event, as well as the specific types of assistance required. FEMA often utilizes a combination of direct federal resources, interagency agreements, and contracts with private sector entities like Vanguard Inspection Services. The volume of inspections needed is directly correlated to the number of affected households and the severity of damage. While this $22.6 million award for 150,000 inspections in Florida is substantial, it reflects the significant impact of DR-4834-FL. Analyzing past disaster responses (e.g., Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, Ida) would reveal trends in contract values, quantities, and the types of inspection services procured.

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: 70FBR425R00000010

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: $22,582,401

Exercised Options: $22,582,401

Current Obligation: $22,580,525

Actual Outlays: $22,375,350

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