USDA's $602K Contract for Custom Monoclonal Antibodies to Support H5 Diagnostics

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $60,240 ($60.2K)

Contractor: Green Mountain Antibodies Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-11-19

End Date: 2026-08-31

Contract Duration: 285 days

Daily Burn Rate: $211/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES ARE A BIOLOGICAL REAGENT THAT MUST BE CUSTOM MADE BY SPECIALIZED VENDORS. THEY ARE PREPARED TO THE SPECIFICATIONS FOR THEIR SPECIFIC USE. HERE THEY WILL BE USED AS A CORE COMPONENT OF A DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR H5 HIGHLY PATHOGENIC A

Place of Performance

Location: ATHENS, CLARKE County, GEORGIA, 30605

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $60,240 to GREEN MOUNTAIN ANTIBODIES INC for work described as: MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES ARE A BIOLOGICAL REAGENT THAT MUST BE CUSTOM MADE BY SPECIALIZED VENDORS. THEY ARE PREPARED TO THE SPECIFICATIONS FOR THEIR SPECIFIC USE. HERE THEY WILL BE USED AS A CORE COMPONENT OF A DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR H5 HIGHLY PATHOGENIC A Key points: 1. Specialized biological reagents require custom manufacturing by niche vendors. 2. Competition was conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on smaller value contracts. 3. The contract's value is relatively low, indicating a targeted research or development need. 4. The sector is R&D, specifically in life sciences for diagnostic test development.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $602,400 for custom monoclonal antibodies appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the product. Pricing is likely influenced by the complexity of the antibody development and the vendor's unique capabilities.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for a broader range of vendors but may not achieve the same level of price discovery as full and open competition. The specific method of competition within SAP is not detailed, but it suggests an effort to obtain competitive quotes.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal given the relatively small contract value, focused on a specific research need for disease diagnostics.

Public Impact

Enhances diagnostic capabilities for H5 avian influenza, potentially improving early detection and response. Supports agricultural research and development efforts by the Department of Agriculture. Leverages specialized biotechnology for critical public health and safety applications.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may not yield the best possible price.
Reliance on a single vendor for custom-made biological reagents can pose supply chain risks.

Positive Signals

Supports critical research for disease diagnostics.
Utilizes specialized scientific expertise.
Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences for diagnostic applications. Spending in this area is crucial for advancing scientific understanding and developing new technologies to address public health and agricultural challenges.

Small Business Impact

The contract was competed under SAP, which can be advantageous for small businesses. However, the data does not specify if Green Mountain Antibodies Inc. is an SMB or if any SMBs participated in the competition.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a purchase order with a firm fixed price, indicating clear terms and expected outcomes. Oversight would involve monitoring delivery and quality of the custom antibodies against the specified requirements.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Agricultural Research Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential supply chain risk
Vendor lock-in
Reliance on specialized, custom manufacturing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $60,240 to GREEN MOUNTAIN ANTIBODIES INC. MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES ARE A BIOLOGICAL REAGENT THAT MUST BE CUSTOM MADE BY SPECIALIZED VENDORS. THEY ARE PREPARED TO THE SPECIFICATIONS FOR THEIR SPECIFIC USE. HERE THEY WILL BE USED AS A CORE COMPONENT OF A DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR H5 HIGHLY PATHOGENIC A

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GREEN MOUNTAIN ANTIBODIES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Agricultural Research Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $60,240.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-11-19. End: 2026-08-31.

What is the specific scientific justification for requiring custom-made monoclonal antibodies for H5 diagnostics, and how does this approach compare to off-the-shelf alternatives?

Custom-made monoclonal antibodies are required because they are developed to precise specifications tailored for the unique antigens of the H5 virus strain being targeted. This specificity is crucial for the accuracy and reliability of the diagnostic test, ensuring it can effectively detect the target pathogen without cross-reactivity. Off-the-shelf antibodies may not offer the required precision or may not be validated for this specific application, necessitating a custom development approach for optimal diagnostic performance.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single vendor for custom-manufactured biological reagents, particularly for a critical diagnostic application?

Relying on a single vendor for custom biological reagents introduces supply chain vulnerability. Risks include potential production delays, quality control issues, or the vendor going out of business, which could halt the diagnostic test's development or deployment. Furthermore, a lack of competition limits the government's ability to negotiate better pricing or explore alternative suppliers if performance issues arise, potentially impacting cost-effectiveness and availability.

How will the effectiveness of these custom monoclonal antibodies be measured to ensure they meet the needs of the diagnostic test and contribute to the Agricultural Research Service's mission?

Effectiveness will be measured through rigorous testing and validation protocols outlined in the contract. This includes assessing the antibodies' specificity, sensitivity, and stability in the context of the diagnostic assay. Performance metrics will likely involve comparison against known positive and negative samples, ensuring accurate detection of H5 avian influenza. Successful validation will confirm the antibodies' suitability for the intended diagnostic purpose and their contribution to the ARS's mission of safeguarding animal health and agricultural productivity.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1232SA26Q0007

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 MILL ST, BURLINGTON, VT, 05401

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $60,240

Exercised Options: $60,240

Current Obligation: $60,240

Actual Outlays: $9,600

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline