The Veterans Affairs Central Iowa Health Care System in Des Moines has announced the award of a contract for grounds maintenance for the VA campus in Knoxville. The winning bid, for $871,000 for mowing services, was to Crossroads Hall, at 1426 Nevin Drive in Knoxville. Crossroads Hall is owned by Brenda Davis of Knoxville. The award is for a base period, plus four option years. According to documentation provided by the VA, the awardee provided the “Best Value” bid.

Dave Lovell, owner of Dave and the Boys mowing service in Pella, tells KNIA KRLS news that his company submitted a bid of approximately $268,000, more than $600,000 less than the winning bid, and is contemplating challenging the award. Lovell also tells KNIA KRLS News that approximately six other local bidders with extensive mowing experience provided bids to the VA, all in the $260,000 to $350,000 range, much less than half of the winning bid. KNIA KRLS has also spoken with another bidder, who provided a bid around $350,000, who wishes to make no comment at this time.

The award was made public on Tuesday August 24. Last week, KNIA KRLS news contacted a VA spokesperson with a list of questions regarding this award, and as of this reading there has been no VA response.

KNIA KRLS News will provide more information as soon as it becomes official.

Tags: , , , ,