DHS Coast Guard Awards $3.7M for Mess Attendant Services in Virginia

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,746,115 ($3.7M)

Contractor: Blind and Vision Impaired, Virginia Department for the

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-04-01

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.4K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MESS ATTENDANT SERICES TRANCEN YORKTOWN, VA.

Place of Performance

Location: YORKTOWN, YORK County, VIRGINIA, 23690

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $3.7 million to BLIND AND VISION IMPAIRED, VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT FOR THE for work described as: MESS ATTENDANT SERICES TRANCEN YORKTOWN, VA. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential mess attendant services to support the blind and vision impaired. 2. Competition method was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP', indicating a potentially limited but structured bidding process. 3. The contract is a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) type, providing cost certainty for the government. 4. This award falls under the Food Service Contractors NAICS code (722310).

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.7M over approximately 3 years appears reasonable for specialized mess attendant services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for food service support in government facilities would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a limited competition approach. While SAP aims for efficiency, it may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP suggests an effort to streamline procurement for this service level. The final price is influenced by the limited number of bidders and the specific requirements of the service.

Public Impact

Supports individuals with visual impairments through essential services. Ensures operational readiness for the U.S. Coast Guard by providing necessary food service support. Contributes to the local economy in Yorktown, Virginia, through service provision.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to SAP.
Potential for higher pricing compared to full and open competition.

Positive Signals

Supports a vulnerable population.
Provides essential services for a government agency.
Firm Fixed Price contract offers budget predictability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Food Service Contractors sector. Spending in this sector is generally stable, driven by the ongoing need for food preparation and service in various government and institutional settings.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this procurement. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the U.S. Coast Guard, a component of the Department of Homeland Security. Standard oversight mechanisms for federal contracts would apply.

Related Government Programs

Food Service Contractors
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Coast Guard Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition.
Potential for price not being fully optimized.
Dependence on specific vendor capabilities.
Service continuity risk if vendor fails.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $3.7 million to BLIND AND VISION IMPAIRED, VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT FOR THE. MESS ATTENDANT SERICES TRANCEN YORKTOWN, VA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BLIND AND VISION IMPAIRED, VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT FOR THE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.

What is the specific nature of the 'mess attendant services' and how do they uniquely support blind and vision-impaired individuals?

Mess attendant services typically involve food preparation, serving, and cleanup. In this context, the services likely include specialized assistance for individuals with visual impairments, such as guiding them to dining areas, assisting with meal selection and consumption, and ensuring a safe and accessible dining environment. The contract details would specify the exact scope and adaptive measures required.

How does the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' process impact the potential for cost savings compared to other procurement methods?

Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are designed for purchases below the simplified acquisition threshold, aiming for efficiency and speed. While it allows for broader participation than sole-source, it typically involves fewer bidders and less extensive documentation than full and open competition. This can sometimes lead to prices that are not as aggressively negotiated, potentially resulting in higher costs than if the contract were fully competed.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract to ensure effective service delivery and taxpayer value?

Key performance indicators would likely include timeliness of service, quality of food preparation and presentation, adherence to dietary guidelines, client satisfaction (especially from the blind and vision-impaired population), and overall cleanliness and safety of the dining facilities. Regular performance reviews and feedback mechanisms would be crucial for ensuring effectiveness and accountability.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Accommodation and Food Services › Special Food Services › Food Service Contractors

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 70Z08423RAA550700

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Virginia Department of Transportation

Address: 397 AZALEA AVE, HENRICO, VA, 23227

Business Categories: Category Business, Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,964,343

Exercised Options: $5,386,129

Current Obligation: $3,746,115

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline