VA Awards $22.6M for Solar PV Carports, Engineering Services Contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,565,666 ($22.6M)

Contractor: REC Solar Commercial Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2010-05-25

End Date: 2013-12-14

Contract Duration: 1,299 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Energy

Official Description: TAS: 36 0158::TAS INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PV COVERED CARPORTS.

Place of Performance

Location: TUCSON, PIMA County, ARIZONA, 85723

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $22.6 million to REC SOLAR COMMERCIAL CORPORATION for work described as: TAS: 36 0158::TAS INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PV COVERED CARPORTS. Key points: 1. Total contract value of $22.6 million. 2. Awarded to REC SOLAR COMMERCIAL CORPORATION. 3. Contract falls under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330). 4. Project spans multiple years with a fixed price. 5. No small business participation noted.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $22.6 million for solar PV carports appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale renewable energy installations would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The investment in solar energy infrastructure is expected to yield long-term cost savings on energy consumption for the VA, benefiting taxpayers.

Public Impact

Installation of solar PV covered carports at VA facilities. Potential for reduced energy costs and increased renewable energy usage. Supports federal goals for sustainability and clean energy.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of small business participation.
Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or cost overruns if not managed effectively.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Investment in renewable energy infrastructure.
Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the renewable energy and engineering services sector. Spending benchmarks for similar large-scale solar installations can vary significantly based on location, system size, and specific technological requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if opportunities were missed or if the scope was unsuitable for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded as a delivery order under a larger contract, suggesting existing oversight mechanisms. Regular performance reviews and progress reporting would be crucial for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

No small business participation.
Potential for cost overruns on long-term projects.
Dependence on contractor performance for energy generation targets.
Technology obsolescence over the contract duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $22.6 million to REC SOLAR COMMERCIAL CORPORATION. TAS: 36 0158::TAS INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PV COVERED CARPORTS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is REC SOLAR COMMERCIAL CORPORATION.

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 $22.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-05-25. End: 2013-12-14.

What is the projected energy output and cost savings from these solar carports?

The projected energy output and associated cost savings are not detailed in the provided data. A thorough analysis would require access to the project's energy production estimates, the VA's current energy costs, and the expected lifespan of the solar installations to calculate the return on investment and long-term taxpayer benefit.

Were there any performance issues or disputes during the contract period?

The provided data does not contain information regarding performance issues or disputes. To assess contract effectiveness and risk, a review of contract performance reports, any change orders, and final acceptance documentation would be necessary to identify potential challenges encountered during execution.

How does the final cost compare to the initial bid or estimated cost?

The data indicates a total award amount of $22.6 million, but it does not specify the initial bid or estimated cost. A comparison would require access to the original solicitation documents and the contractor's bid. Understanding any variances is key to evaluating the effectiveness of the procurement process and price negotiation.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT › INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3450 BROAD ST STE 105, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA, 93401

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,565,666

Exercised Options: $22,565,666

Current Obligation: $22,565,666

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS21F0099V

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline