USDA awards $270K for Salmonella enumeration kits, highlighting a need for rapid food safety diagnostics

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,012 ($27.0K)

Contractor: Biomerieux Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2022-06-30

End Date: 2022-07-27

Contract Duration: 27 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: SALMONELLA ENUMERATION KITS - TASK ORDER - ON CONTRACT 123A9422D0006 - FOR ALL 3 LABS

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT LOUIS, SAINT LOUIS CITY County, MISSOURI, 63120

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $27,011.52 to BIOMERIEUX INC for work described as: SALMONELLA ENUMERATION KITS - TASK ORDER - ON CONTRACT 123A9422D0006 - FOR ALL 3 LABS Key points: 1. The contract value of $270,115.52 for enumeration kits appears reasonable for specialized biological products. 2. Competition dynamics for this specific task order were full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The short duration of the order (27 days) indicates a need for immediate or time-sensitive supply. 4. This contract supports critical food safety functions within the Department of Agriculture. 5. The product category, Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing, points to a niche but essential market.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $270K for Salmonella enumeration kits is within a typical range for specialized laboratory supplies. Without specific benchmark data for these exact kits, a direct value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor assumed the risk for cost overruns, which is a positive sign. The award was made to BIOMERIEUX INC, a known entity in the diagnostics field.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and quality for the government. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation suggests a robust competition was at least possible.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining goods and services at the most favorable prices through a competitive bidding process.

Public Impact

Benefits federal laboratories responsible for food safety testing. Provides essential diagnostic tools for enumerating Salmonella bacteria in food samples. Supports the Department of Agriculture's mission to ensure the safety and wholesomeness of the nation's food supply. Contributes to public health by enabling timely detection of foodborne pathogens.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased demand for similar kits impacting future pricing.
Reliance on a single supplier for critical, time-sensitive needs could pose a risk if not managed proactively.

Positive Signals

Awarded to a reputable company in the diagnostics sector.
Utilizes a firm fixed-price contract type, shifting cost risk to the contractor.
Procured through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market.

Sector Analysis

The market for biological diagnostic products, including enumeration kits for pathogens like Salmonella, is a specialized segment within the broader life sciences and biotechnology industry. This contract fits within the government's need for ongoing food safety surveillance and testing. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more granular data on specific kit types and volumes, but the overall market for food safety testing supplies is substantial and growing.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'sb': false. The award was made to BIOMERIEUX INC, a large corporation. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award is likely minimal.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded under a task order mechanism, likely subject to the oversight of the parent contract (123A9422D0006). The firm fixed-price nature of the award provides a degree of financial oversight by locking in costs. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award notice, but further details on performance and specific oversight mechanisms would require access to the parent contract and associated documentation.

Related Government Programs

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Operations
USDA Laboratory Services
Biological Product Procurement
Diagnostic Reagent Manufacturing

Risk Flags

Short contract duration may indicate urgent need or limited scope.
Lack of specific bidder count limits assessment of competitive intensity.
Dependence on specialized biological products requires careful supply chain management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $27,011.52 to BIOMERIEUX INC. SALMONELLA ENUMERATION KITS - TASK ORDER - ON CONTRACT 123A9422D0006 - FOR ALL 3 LABS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BIOMERIEUX INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Food Safety and Inspection Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $27,011.52.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-06-30. End: 2022-07-27.

What is the track record of BIOMERIEUX INC in supplying similar diagnostic kits to the federal government?

BIOMERIEUX INC is a well-established company specializing in in vitro diagnostics. While this specific award is for Salmonella enumeration kits, the company has a broad portfolio of diagnostic solutions. Federal procurement databases would need to be consulted to ascertain the full extent of their past performance with various government agencies, including the volume, value, and types of contracts awarded. Their presence in the market suggests a history of successful contract performance, but a detailed analysis would require reviewing specific past performance evaluations and contract histories.

How does the unit cost of these Salmonella enumeration kits compare to market rates or similar government contracts?

Determining the precise unit cost and comparing it to market rates or similar government contracts is challenging without knowing the exact quantity of kits purchased under this $270,115.52 task order and the specific product details. Enumeration kits can vary significantly in complexity and price. A comprehensive benchmark would involve identifying comparable products, their pricing from other federal awards (e.g., through GSA schedules or other agency contracts), and commercial catalog prices. Given the firm fixed-price nature, the government secured a set price, but its competitiveness relative to the market requires further investigation into specific product specifications and volumes.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Potential risks include supply chain disruptions for these specialized kits, potential for obsolescence if newer technologies emerge rapidly, and the possibility of price increases in future procurements if competition diminishes. Mitigation strategies likely involve the firm fixed-price contract type, which transfers cost overrun risk to the contractor. Furthermore, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) likely manages supplier relationships closely and may have contingency plans or alternative suppliers identified. The short duration of the order also limits long-term exposure to potential risks.

How effective are Salmonella enumeration kits in supporting the USDA's food safety mission?

Salmonella enumeration kits are critical tools for the USDA's food safety mission. They enable laboratories to quantify the level of Salmonella contamination in food samples, which is essential for determining the risk posed to consumers. Accurate enumeration helps in enforcing regulatory limits, identifying sources of contamination, and implementing corrective actions by food producers. The effectiveness is directly tied to the sensitivity, specificity, and reliability of the kits, as well as the proper training of laboratory personnel using them. This contract ensures the availability of such vital diagnostic resources.

What is the historical spending pattern for Salmonella enumeration kits or similar diagnostic supplies by the Department of Agriculture?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for Salmonella enumeration kits by the USDA would require accessing detailed procurement data over several fiscal years. This would involve searching for contracts awarded by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and other relevant USDA agencies for similar biological products or diagnostic reagents. Trends in spending could reveal increasing or decreasing reliance on such kits, potential shifts in suppliers, or changes in average contract values. Such analysis helps in forecasting future needs and budgeting appropriately.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing › Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 100 RODOLPHE ST, DURHAM, NC, 27712

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,012

Exercised Options: $27,012

Current Obligation: $27,012

Actual Outlays: $27,012

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 123A9422D0006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline