VA awards $705K contract for pharmacy sampling services to Element Materials Technology

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $70,500 ($70.5K)

Contractor: Element Materials Technology Boston-Acton Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-02-27

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 93 days

Daily Burn Rate: $758/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: PHARMACY SAMPLING

Place of Performance

Location: BROCKTON, PLYMOUTH County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02301

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $70,500 to ELEMENT MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY BOSTON-ACTON INC. for work described as: PHARMACY SAMPLING Key points: 1. Contract awarded through competitive procurement under simplified acquisition procedures. 2. The contract duration is relatively short, spanning just over three months. 3. The award amount is modest, suggesting a focused scope of work. 4. Fixed-price contract type indicates defined costs and potential for contractor risk. 5. The contractor, Element Materials Technology, is a known entity in testing services. 6. Geographic location of the contractor is Massachusetts.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $705,000 for pharmacy sampling services appears reasonable given the short duration and the nature of testing services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized laboratory testing would provide a more precise value assessment. However, the fixed-price nature suggests that the government has a clear understanding of the expected costs, and the contractor assumes the risk of cost overruns. The award amount is not exceptionally large, indicating a potentially efficient use of funds for a specific, time-bound need.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a broader range of competition than sole-source awards but may have fewer formal requirements than larger procurements. The data indicates there were 3 bidders, suggesting a moderate level of competition for this requirement. This level of competition is generally positive for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award, even under SAP, suggests that taxpayer dollars were likely used efficiently, as multiple firms vied for the contract, driving down the price.

Public Impact

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the primary beneficiary, receiving essential pharmacy sampling services. These services are crucial for ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceuticals used by veterans. The contract supports the VA's mission to provide comprehensive healthcare to veterans. The geographic impact is primarily within the operational scope of the VA facility receiving the services, likely in Massachusetts. The contract supports specialized laboratory testing services, potentially benefiting the scientific and technical workforce involved in such analysis.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Short contract duration may limit long-term contractor commitment or deep integration.
Reliance on a single award for a specific service could pose a risk if the contractor underperforms.
The specific nature of 'pharmacy sampling' could have unique regulatory or quality control risks.

Positive Signals

Competitive award process suggests a fair market price was likely achieved.
Fixed-price contract shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Contractor is an established entity in testing services, implying some level of expertise.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the 'Testing Laboratories and Services' sector (NAICS 541380), a segment of the professional, scientific, and technical services industry. This sector is vital for quality assurance, research, and regulatory compliance across various industries, including pharmaceuticals. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized analytical capabilities. The VA's spending in this area supports its critical need for ensuring the efficacy and safety of medical supplies.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract included a small business set-aside or if the prime contractor is a small business. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem cannot be determined from this information. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are also not specified.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and program managers. As a Purchase Order, it falls under the general procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms of the VA. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Pharmaceutical Quality Control
Medical Supply Chain Management
Laboratory Testing Services
Veterans Health Administration Services

Risk Flags

Short contract duration
Potential for performance issues impacting critical services

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $70,500 to ELEMENT MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY BOSTON-ACTON INC.. PHARMACY SAMPLING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ELEMENT MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY BOSTON-ACTON 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 $70,500.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-02-27. End: 2026-05-31.

What is the specific nature of the 'pharmacy sampling' required under this contract?

The term 'pharmacy sampling' in this context likely refers to the process of collecting and analyzing samples of pharmaceutical products to ensure they meet quality, purity, and potency standards. This can include testing for contaminants, verifying active ingredient levels, and assessing stability. The specific tests performed would depend on the type of medication and the regulatory requirements set forth by the VA and relevant health authorities. Element Materials Technology, as a testing laboratory, would conduct these analyses using established scientific methodologies and equipment to provide the VA with data on the quality of the sampled pharmaceuticals.

How does the $705,000 award compare to typical VA spending on similar pharmacy sampling services?

Without access to historical VA spending data specifically for 'pharmacy sampling' services, a direct comparison is difficult. However, $705,000 for a contract spanning approximately three months suggests a focused scope. The VA procures a wide range of laboratory and testing services, and the cost can vary significantly based on the complexity, volume, and frequency of testing. Given the competitive nature and the fixed-price structure, this award is likely aligned with market rates for specialized testing services of this duration and scope. Further analysis would require benchmarking against contracts for similar analytical services within the VA or other federal health agencies.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or deliverables expected from Element Materials Technology under this contract?

The specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and deliverables are not detailed in the provided summary data. However, for a contract involving pharmacy sampling, typical deliverables would include detailed analytical reports for each sample tested, certificates of analysis, and potentially summaries of findings. KPIs would likely focus on turnaround time for sample analysis, accuracy and reliability of test results, and adherence to specified testing protocols and quality standards. The VA contracting officer would monitor these to ensure the contractor meets the contract's objectives for quality assurance of pharmaceuticals.

What is Element Materials Technology's track record with the Department of Veterans Affairs or other federal agencies for similar services?

Element Materials Technology is a known entity providing testing and analysis services. While the provided data doesn't detail their specific track record with the VA, their presence in the market suggests they have experience with government contracts or similar clients. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases would reveal the extent of their past performance, including contract values, types of services rendered, and client agencies. Their ability to win this competitive award indicates they met the VA's requirements and likely possess relevant experience in laboratory testing.

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

Potential risks include the contractor failing to meet quality standards, delays in sample analysis impacting pharmaceutical availability, or cost overruns (though mitigated by the fixed-price structure). Mitigation strategies employed by the VA would involve clear performance standards in the contract, regular monitoring of deliverables, and potentially penalties for non-performance. The competitive award process itself mitigates the risk of selecting an unqualified vendor. The short duration also limits the exposure to long-term performance issues.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PROTECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 33 NAGOG PARK, ACTON, MA, 01720

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $70,500

Exercised Options: $70,500

Current Obligation: $70,500

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline