VA Awards $558K for Lab Supplies to Government Scientific Source Inc. for Stratton VAMC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $55,857 ($55.9K)

Contractor: Government Scientific Source Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $153/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: EVOLIS KITS, REAGENTS, AND SUPPLIES FOR THE SAMUEL S. STRATTON VA MEDICAL CENTER LABORATORIES - OPTION YEAR 2

Place of Performance

Location: ALBANY, ALBANY County, NEW YORK, 12208

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $55,856.96 to GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC for work described as: EVOLIS KITS, REAGENTS, AND SUPPLIES FOR THE SAMUEL S. STRATTON VA MEDICAL CENTER LABORATORIES - OPTION YEAR 2 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Government Scientific Source Inc. for essential lab materials. 2. The contract supports the Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center's laboratory operations. 3. This award represents a modest but critical investment in healthcare infrastructure. 4. Focus on analytical laboratory instruments and related consumables.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $558,56.96 for one year appears reasonable for specialized laboratory kits, reagents, and supplies. Benchmarking against similar VA or DoD contracts for laboratory consumables would provide a more precise assessment, but the price seems aligned with the specialized nature of the products.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition via a BPA Call. This method suggests that multiple vendors were likely considered, promoting price discovery and ensuring fair market value. The use of a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) call indicates a streamlined process for established agreements.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used efficiently through a competitive process for essential medical supplies, ensuring value for money in healthcare services.

Public Impact

Ensures continuity of critical laboratory testing services for veterans at the Stratton VAMC. Supports diagnostic capabilities essential for patient care and treatment. Maintains operational readiness of the medical center's laboratory. Provides necessary supplies for a range of analytical tests.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases in subsequent option years if not re-competed.
Dependence on a single supplier for critical consumables.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Supports a vital healthcare function for veterans.
Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare sector, particularly within the VA system, relies heavily on a consistent supply of specialized reagents and equipment. Spending on laboratory supplies is a significant component of operational budgets, directly impacting diagnostic capabilities and patient outcomes. Benchmarks for similar contracts can vary widely based on the specific tests and equipment involved.

Small Business Impact

While this specific award went to Government Scientific Source Inc., the contract was competed under full and open procedures. This approach allows for small businesses to compete if they are capable and offer competitive solutions, though the primary awardee is not identified as a small business in this data.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. The use of a BPA call suggests an existing framework for managing multiple calls against a larger agreement, implying some level of established oversight. Further review of BPA call procedures would detail specific accountability measures.

Related Government Programs

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for price escalation in future option years.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical supplies.
Need for ongoing monitoring of vendor performance and supply chain resilience.
Limited visibility into specific product quality and suitability without further data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $55,856.96 to GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC. EVOLIS KITS, REAGENTS, AND SUPPLIES FOR THE SAMUEL S. STRATTON VA MEDICAL CENTER LABORATORIES - OPTION YEAR 2

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE 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 $55,856.96.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.

What is the historical pricing trend for these specific kits and reagents under previous contracts?

Historical pricing data is crucial for a comprehensive value assessment. Without it, it's difficult to definitively state if the current $558,56.96 award represents an increase or decrease compared to previous years. Analyzing past performance and pricing under similar contracts, especially if they were also competitively awarded, would provide valuable context for evaluating the current price's fairness and efficiency.

Are there any single points of failure or supply chain risks associated with relying on Government Scientific Source Inc. for these critical lab supplies?

Supply chain risks are inherent with any single-source provider for critical items. Potential risks include manufacturing disruptions, transportation delays, or the vendor's own financial stability. The VA should have contingency plans, such as identifying alternative suppliers or maintaining safety stock, to mitigate potential disruptions that could impact laboratory operations and veteran care.

How effectively does the current supply of kits and reagents support the diagnostic needs and workload of the Stratton VAMC laboratories?

The effectiveness hinges on the supplies meeting the specific diagnostic needs and volume requirements of the Stratton VAMC. While the contract ensures availability, the true measure of effectiveness lies in the quality and suitability of the kits and reagents for the intended tests, and whether they enable timely and accurate diagnoses, ultimately contributing to positive patient outcomes.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

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: 12355 SUNRISE VALLEY DR STE 400, RESTON, VA, 20191

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $55,857

Exercised Options: $55,857

Current Obligation: $55,857

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24224A0016

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline