VA Spends $23.9M on Headstone Inscriptions via Columbus Marble Works, Awarded Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,975,093 ($24.0M)

Contractor: Columbus Marble Works, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2013-10-01

End Date: 2018-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,917 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: INSCRIPTION OF HEADSTONE IN MSN 2, 4, 5 CEMETERIES "IGF::OT::IGF"

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBUS, LOWNDES County, MISSISSIPPI, 39705

State: Mississippi Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $24.0 million to COLUMBUS MARBLE WORKS, INC. for work described as: INSCRIPTION OF HEADSTONE IN MSN 2, 4, 5 CEMETERIES "IGF::OT::IGF" Key points: 1. Spending focused on headstone inscriptions for veterans. 2. Columbus Marble Works, Inc. is the sole contractor. 3. Risk is moderate due to long contract duration and fixed pricing. 4. Sector is primarily manufacturing and government services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award amount of $23.9M over 5 years suggests a consistent need for these services. Pricing appears reasonable given the specialized nature of headstone inscriptions and the firm fixed-price contract type.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating a competitive process was initiated. This method aims to ensure fair pricing and access for qualified vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for veteran memorialization, a necessary service. The competitive award process aims to ensure efficient use of these funds.

Public Impact

Ensures dignified memorialization for deceased veterans. Supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' mission to honor service members. Provides employment in the stone product manufacturing sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 70 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration (5 years) could lead to price escalation if not managed.
Firm Fixed Price limits flexibility for unforeseen cost changes.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition ensures market-driven pricing.
Clear scope of work for headstone inscriptions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the government services and manufacturing sectors, specifically related to memorial products. Benchmarks for similar government contracts in this niche are difficult to establish publicly but are typically driven by material costs and labor.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. The 'Full and Open Competition' award method suggests a structured procurement process was followed, enhancing accountability.

Related Government Programs

Cut Stone and Stone Product Manufacturing
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration.
Potential for price increases over the contract term.
Lack of specific unit cost data.
Limited transparency on exclusion criteria in competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $24.0 million to COLUMBUS MARBLE WORKS, INC.. INSCRIPTION OF HEADSTONE IN MSN 2, 4, 5 CEMETERIES "IGF::OT::IGF"

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COLUMBUS MARBLE WORKS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $24.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-10-01. End: 2018-12-31.

What is the average cost per headstone inscription under this contract?

The provided data does not break down the total award amount by individual headstone inscriptions. To determine the average cost per inscription, the total contract value ($23,975,092.77) would need to be divided by the total number of headstones inscribed over the contract period (2013-2018). Without the total number of units, a per-unit cost cannot be calculated.

What were the specific criteria used in the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' process?

This procurement method typically involves publicly soliciting offers but may exclude certain sources based on specific, justifiable criteria (e.g., unique capabilities, past performance, or specific geographic requirements). The exact criteria for excluding other sources would be detailed in the contract's solicitation documents, which are not provided here. This method aims to balance competition with specific needs.

How does the pricing compare to similar contracts for veteran memorialization services?

Direct comparison is challenging without access to detailed pricing structures of other similar contracts. However, the $23.9M award over five years for headstone inscriptions suggests a significant volume of work. The firm fixed-price nature indicates that the contractor assumed the risk for cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government if the price was competitive at the time of award.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing › Cut Stone and Stone Product Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MISCELLANEOUS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: VA786-13-R-0257

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2415 HIGHWAY 45 N, COLUMBUS, MS, 39705

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $29,823,620

Exercised Options: $23,982,068

Current Obligation: $23,975,093

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline