VA awards $9,948.38 contract for fit testing, highlighting analytical instrument needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,948 ($9.9K)

Contractor: Polymedco LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-10-01

End Date: 2026-04-10

Contract Duration: 556 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: FIT TESTING FOR THE HERSHEL "WOODY" WILLIAMS VAMC, HUNTINGTON, WV

Place of Performance

Location: CORTLANDT MANOR, WESTCHESTER County, NEW YORK, 10567

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $9,948.38 to POLYMEDCO LLC for work described as: FIT TESTING FOR THE HERSHEL "WOODY" WILLIAMS VAMC, HUNTINGTON, WV Key points: 1. Contract value is relatively small, suggesting a specific, focused need. 2. Competition was full and open, indicating a healthy market for this service. 3. The contract duration of 556 days suggests ongoing or recurring requirements. 4. The award to POLYMEDCO LLC, a single vendor, warrants a review of performance. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 334516 points to a specialized manufacturing sector. 6. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which transfers risk to the contractor. 7. The award is a Delivery Order, implying it's part of a larger contract vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $9,948.38 is modest, making direct comparison to larger contracts difficult. However, for specialized analytical laboratory instruments, this price point appears reasonable for a two-year period. Benchmarking against similar small-scale procurements for fit testing equipment or related consumables would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm fixed-price structure suggests the government has secured a defined cost for the specified goods or services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the competition type suggests a market where several companies could potentially meet the government's requirements for analytical laboratory instruments. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically leads to better pricing for taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment where vendors strive to offer the most attractive terms.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the healthcare professionals and patients at the Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center in Huntington, WV, who rely on accurate fit testing for respiratory protection. The contract delivers essential equipment or services for ensuring the proper functioning of respiratory protection devices. The geographic impact is localized to the Huntington, WV, VA facility. Workforce implications include ensuring the safety and readiness of medical personnel through proper equipment fit.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific bidder count limits assessment of competitive intensity.
Limited contract value may not attract the broadest range of specialized vendors.
Performance history of POLYMEDCO LLC on similar VA contracts is not detailed here.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting market availability.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
Contract duration aligns with potential ongoing operational needs.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector (NAICS 334516). This sector encompasses companies that produce instruments for laboratory analysis, including those used for testing and calibration. While the contract value is small, it signifies the VA's need for specialized equipment to ensure the efficacy of personal protective equipment, a critical component of healthcare operations, especially in the context of infectious disease control.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As it was awarded under full and open competition, small businesses were eligible to bid. However, without knowing the number of bidders or the specific nature of the requirement, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem or subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and program managers. As a Delivery Order under a potentially larger contract vehicle, oversight might be managed through the terms of that overarching agreement. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, but detailed performance monitoring and Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on the specific terms and any potential issues that arise during the contract period.

Related Government Programs

Veterans Affairs Medical Equipment Procurement
Respiratory Protection Equipment
Laboratory Instrument Services
Healthcare Facility Operations Support

Risk Flags

Potential for limited vendor pool due to specialization
Need to verify contractor performance on similar contracts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $9,948.38 to POLYMEDCO LLC. FIT TESTING FOR THE HERSHEL "WOODY" WILLIAMS VAMC, HUNTINGTON, WV

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is POLYMEDCO 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 $9,948.38.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-01. End: 2026-04-10.

What is the track record of POLYMEDCO LLC with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Information regarding POLYMEDCO LLC's specific track record with the Department of Veterans Affairs is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their performance, one would need to review past contracts awarded to this vendor by the VA, including contract values, performance evaluations (if available), and any history of disputes or contract modifications. A thorough review would involve searching federal procurement databases for previous awards and performance data. Without this historical context, it is difficult to gauge their reliability and past success in fulfilling VA requirements.

How does the value of this contract compare to similar fit testing equipment procurements?

The contract value of $9,948.38 is relatively modest for specialized equipment. Direct comparisons are challenging without more specific data on the exact type of fit testing equipment or services procured. However, for a two-year period, this value suggests either a limited quantity of equipment, a specific type of testing service, or potentially consumables. Larger procurements for comprehensive respiratory protection programs or advanced analytical instruments would typically involve significantly higher dollar amounts. Benchmarking against other small-value, specialized equipment awards within the VA or other federal agencies could provide a more accurate context for value assessment.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract are relatively low given its modest value and firm fixed-price nature. Potential risks include the contractor's ability to deliver the specified equipment or services on time and to the required quality standards. Given the specialized nature of analytical laboratory instruments, there's a risk of obsolescence or the need for specialized maintenance, though the contract duration is limited. Another minor risk could be the availability of support or spare parts for the specific equipment procured. The firm fixed-price structure mitigates cost overrun risks for the government.

How effective is full and open competition for specialized analytical instruments?

Full and open competition is generally effective for specialized analytical instruments as it allows a broad range of manufacturers and suppliers to bid, potentially leading to better pricing and access to the latest technology. For a niche market like analytical laboratory instruments, this approach ensures that the government can identify vendors capable of meeting specific technical requirements. The effectiveness is maximized when the solicitation clearly defines the technical specifications and performance criteria. While it increases the pool of potential bidders, the actual number of qualified bidders can vary depending on the specificity and complexity of the required instruments.

What is the historical spending pattern for fit testing equipment at this VA facility?

Historical spending patterns for fit testing equipment at the Hershel "Woody" Williams VAMC are not detailed in the provided data. To determine this, one would need to analyze past contract awards for similar items or services to this specific facility or the broader VA network. Understanding historical spending would reveal trends in equipment upgrades, frequency of procurement, and the typical value of such contracts. This analysis could help identify if this $9,948.38 award represents a routine purchase, a new initiative, or a deviation from past spending habits.

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

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 510 FURNACE DOCK RD, CORTLANDT MANOR, NY, 10567

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,948

Exercised Options: $9,948

Current Obligation: $9,948

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36F79720D0016

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline