VA awards $4.15M BPA Call to Abbott Laboratories for immunochemistry testing supplies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,150,076 ($4.2M)

Contractor: Abbott Laboratories Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-10-01

End Date: 2025-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: VISN1 BPA FOR IMMUNOCHEMISTRY CPRR TESTING

Place of Performance

Location: BOSTON, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02108

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $4.2 million to ABBOTT LABORATORIES INC. for work described as: VISN1 BPA FOR IMMUNOCHEMISTRY CPRR TESTING Key points: 1. Contract provides essential reagents and supplies for critical laboratory testing. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the agency. 4. Contract duration of one year allows for flexibility and potential re-competition. 5. The award supports the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 1. 6. This BPA Call falls under a broader Basic Purchasing Agreement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $4.15 million for a one-year period for immunochemistry CPRR testing supplies appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the products. Benchmarking against similar contracts for laboratory reagents and instruments is challenging without more specific product details. However, the fixed-price nature of the award provides cost predictability. The Department of Veterans Affairs' reliance on established suppliers like Abbott Laboratories for critical medical supplies is common practice to ensure quality and availability.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the full and open nature suggests a robust competitive environment. This approach is generally favored to ensure the government receives the best value through market forces.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices through multiple bids, leading to potential cost savings.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving care through VISN 1 will benefit from timely and accurate immunochemistry testing. The contract ensures the availability of critical reagents and supplies for laboratory operations. Geographic impact is focused on facilities within VISN 1, primarily serving the northeastern United States. Laboratory technicians and other healthcare professionals will have access to necessary testing materials.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific bidder count limits full assessment of competitive intensity.
Limited detail on specific product mix and volume makes precise value-for-money assessment difficult.
Dependence on a single awardee under the BPA Call structure could limit future flexibility if not managed proactively.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a full and open competition, indicating broad market access.
Fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
Supports critical healthcare services for veterans.
Leverages an existing Basic Purchasing Agreement (BPA), suggesting established procurement pathways.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader healthcare and medical supplies sector, specifically focusing on laboratory diagnostics and instrumentation. The market for immunochemistry reagents and associated equipment is substantial, driven by the increasing demand for diagnostic testing in healthcare. Abbott Laboratories is a major player in this space. This award represents a specific procurement action within the larger federal strategy to equip and supply VA medical facilities.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this particular BPA Call. As it was awarded under full and open competition, the primary focus was likely on obtaining the best overall value from the market. Further analysis of the underlying BPA might reveal broader small business utilization goals.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting officers and program managers responsible for VISN 1. The fixed-price nature of the award simplifies some aspects of financial oversight. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Supplies Procurement
Clinical Laboratory Reagents and Diagnostics
Basic Purchasing Agreements (BPAs)
Immunochemistry Testing Services

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruption
Limited visibility into specific unit pricing
Dependence on a single supplier for specific reagents

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $4.2 million to ABBOTT LABORATORIES INC.. VISN1 BPA FOR IMMUNOCHEMISTRY CPRR TESTING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ABBOTT LABORATORIES 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 $4.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-01. End: 2025-09-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for immunochemistry testing supplies within VISN 1 or the VA overall?

Analyzing historical spending for immunochemistry testing supplies within VISN 1 and the broader VA system is crucial for context. While specific data for this BPA Call is limited to its current award amount ($4.15 million), understanding previous contract values, durations, and awarded vendors provides insight into spending trends. For instance, if previous similar contracts were significantly higher or lower, it could indicate changes in market prices, agency needs, or competitive dynamics. Examining spending over the last 3-5 fiscal years would reveal if this award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in these critical supplies. This historical perspective helps in assessing whether the current award represents good value and aligns with the agency's long-term budgetary planning for laboratory services.

How does the per-unit cost of reagents under this BPA Call compare to market rates or other federal contracts?

A detailed comparison of per-unit costs for reagents under this BPA Call against market rates and other federal contracts is essential for a thorough value assessment. However, without specific line-item details on the reagents and their quantities included in the $4.15 million award, such a comparison is difficult. Typically, a BPA Call might include a catalog of items with associated pricing. Benchmarking these prices against publicly available commercial price lists or other government contracts (e.g., GSA schedules, other agency BPAs) for identical or comparable items would reveal potential cost savings or overages. If the contract is a 'call' against a larger BPA, the pricing structure is often pre-negotiated, aiming for competitive rates. Variations in pricing could be attributed to volume discounts, contract duration, or specific product formulations.

What is Abbott Laboratories' track record with the VA for similar supply contracts?

Abbott Laboratories has a significant track record of supplying medical and laboratory products to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As a major manufacturer of diagnostic instruments and reagents, Abbott frequently holds contracts across various VA networks and facilities. Their history with the VA likely includes numerous awards for a range of products, potentially including immunochemistry supplies. Evaluating their past performance, including on-time delivery, product quality, responsiveness to issues, and adherence to contract terms, is vital. Positive past performance generally indicates a lower risk for current and future contracts, suggesting reliability and familiarity with VA requirements. Conversely, any documented performance issues could raise concerns about the current award's execution.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Primary risks associated with this $4.15 million BPA Call for immunochemistry testing supplies include potential supply chain disruptions, price fluctuations for raw materials impacting future renewals, and the risk of obsolescence for certain reagents or testing platforms. Another risk could be vendor lock-in if the specific reagents are proprietary and difficult to substitute. Mitigation strategies likely involve the VA's established procurement processes, including the use of fixed-price contracts to cap costs, and the potential for competition within the broader BPA framework. The one-year duration allows for reassessment and potential re-competition, limiting long-term exposure to any single vendor or product line. Furthermore, the VA's experience in managing medical supply contracts and Abbott's established presence suggest a degree of inherent risk mitigation through vendor reliability.

How does this contract contribute to the VA's overall mission of providing healthcare to veterans?

This contract is directly instrumental in supporting the VA's core mission of providing comprehensive healthcare to veterans. Immunochemistry tests are fundamental diagnostic tools used to detect and monitor a wide range of diseases, including infections, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers. By ensuring a reliable supply of necessary reagents and consumables through this $4.15 million BPA Call, the VA enables its laboratories, particularly within VISN 1, to perform these critical tests accurately and efficiently. This directly impacts patient care by facilitating timely diagnoses, appropriate treatment planning, and ongoing health monitoring for veterans, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and the fulfillment of the VA's commitment to its beneficiaries.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: LEASE/RENT EQUIPMENT › LEASE OR RENTAL OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 100 ABBOTT PARK RD DEPT 943 BLDG AP6C-3, NORTH CHICAGO, IL, 60064

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,150,076

Exercised Options: $4,150,076

Current Obligation: $4,150,076

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24123A0080

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline