VA Awards $245K for Radiation Physicist Services to A-Bear Consult LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,535 ($24.5K)
Contractor: A-Bear Consult LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
Start Date: 2026-07-01
End Date: 2027-06-30
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $67/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: RADIATION PHYSICIST SERVICES AT BUTLER VAMC
Place of Performance
Location: BUTLER, BUTLER County, PENNSYLVANIA, 16001
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $24,535 to A-BEAR CONSULT LLC for work described as: RADIATION PHYSICIST SERVICES AT BUTLER VAMC Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized radiation physicist services. 2. A-Bear Consult LLC is the sole awardee. 3. The contract duration is one year. 4. Services are categorized under Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services. 5. The award is a Firm Fixed Price type.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $245,350 for a one-year duration appears reasonable for specialized physicist services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for niche scientific consulting is difficult without more specific service details.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a limited competition environment. This method is typically used for smaller dollar value procurements and may not yield the most competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The relatively small contract value suggests a minimal direct taxpayer impact, but the efficiency of the procurement process could be improved.
Public Impact
Ensures critical radiation physics expertise is available at Butler VAMC. Supports patient care and safety through specialized medical physics services. Potential for improved diagnostic and treatment accuracy. Contributes to the operational efficiency of the VA medical center.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 67 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition due to SAP.
- Potential for price escalation in future procurements.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical need for specialized services.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under scientific and technical consulting services, a broad category. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on specialization. The $245K award is modest for specialized consulting.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, A-Bear Consult LLC, is not specified as a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was considered or achieved.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for oversight. The use of SAP suggests a streamlined process, but robust oversight is still necessary to ensure value and performance.
Related Government Programs
- Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
- Department of Veterans Affairs Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition.
- Potential lack of market research for optimal pricing.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical services.
- Need for clear performance metrics and oversight.
Tags
other-scientific-and-technical-consultin, department-of-veterans-affairs, pa, delivery-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $24,535 to A-BEAR CONSULT LLC. RADIATION PHYSICIST SERVICES AT BUTLER VAMC
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is A-BEAR CONSULT LLC.
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 $24,535.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-07-01. End: 2027-06-30.
What specific radiation physics services are included in this contract, and how do they directly impact patient care?
The contract specifies 'Radiation Physicist Services,' which typically include calibration and quality assurance of radiation-emitting equipment (like linear accelerators and X-ray machines), radiation safety assessments, and consultation on treatment planning. These services are crucial for ensuring accurate radiation doses for cancer treatments and minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure to patients and staff, directly impacting the safety and efficacy of care.
Given the limited competition under SAP, what is the risk of overpaying for these specialized services?
The risk of overpaying under SAP is moderate. While SAP is designed for efficiency in smaller procurements, it inherently limits the pool of potential bidders compared to full and open competition. Without a robust price analysis or comparison to market rates for similar niche services, it's difficult to definitively ascertain if the price paid represents fair market value.
How effective will these services be in improving the quality and safety of radiation-related medical procedures at Butler VAMC?
The effectiveness hinges on the qualifications of A-Bear Consult LLC and the VA's ability to clearly define performance standards. Properly executed radiation physics services are highly effective in ensuring equipment accuracy, adherence to safety protocols, and optimal treatment planning, thereby enhancing both the quality of care and patient/staff safety.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › QUALITY CONTROL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 408 RICHARD ST, CROWLEY, TX, 76036
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $24,535
Exercised Options: $24,535
Current Obligation: $24,535
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 36C24425D0100
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-07-01
Current End Date: 2027-06-30
Potential End Date: 2027-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-03
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