VA awards $8.2M for flow cytometry reagents, with Becton, Dickinson and Company as the sole provider

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,249 ($8.2K)

Contractor: Becton, Dickinson and Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-11-30

End Date: 2025-11-29

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $23/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: FLOW CYTOMETRY REAGENTS AND SUPPLIES

Place of Performance

Location: SAN JOSE, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 95131

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $8,248.7 to BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY for work described as: FLOW CYTOMETRY REAGENTS AND SUPPLIES Key points: 1. The contract value of $8.2 million for flow cytometry reagents and supplies represents a significant investment in laboratory diagnostics. 2. Becton, Dickinson and Company's sole award suggests a specialized need or a lack of readily available alternatives for this specific product set. 3. The fixed-price nature of the purchase order aims to control costs, but the absence of competition limits potential savings. 4. The contract duration of one year, with an end date in late 2025, indicates a need for ongoing supply of these critical reagents. 5. The contract's classification as 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) implies it was likely awarded without a full competitive bidding process. 6. The primary user agency, the Department of Veterans Affairs, highlights the importance of these supplies for veteran healthcare services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific details on the quantity and type of reagents. However, a sole-source award for $8.2 million warrants scrutiny. While Becton, Dickinson and Company is a major player in this market, the lack of competition means there's no direct price comparison to assess if this represents a fair market price. The fixed-price contract offers some cost certainty, but the absence of competitive pressure could lead to higher-than-market pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, indicating a sole-source award to Becton, Dickinson and Company. The data does not provide information on whether a full and open competition was attempted or if there were specific justifications for a sole-source procurement, such as unique capabilities or proprietary products. The lack of multiple bidders means that price discovery through market forces was not utilized.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of competitive bidding. Without competition, there is less pressure on the contractor to offer the lowest possible price, potentially leading to less efficient use of federal funds.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving medical care will benefit from the availability of essential flow cytometry reagents for diagnostic testing. The Department of Veterans Affairs laboratories will be equipped with necessary supplies to perform critical analyses. The contract supports the operational capacity of VA healthcare facilities, particularly in areas requiring advanced laboratory diagnostics. The procurement ensures the continuity of diagnostic services, which are fundamental to patient treatment and disease management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to inflated prices.
Sole-source award limits opportunities for other qualified vendors.
Potential for vendor lock-in if specialized equipment is required.

Positive Signals

Ensures supply of critical reagents for veteran healthcare.
Fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Award to a known entity in the field.

Sector Analysis

Flow cytometry reagents and supplies fall within the broader medical equipment and supplies sector, specifically serving the diagnostics and laboratory testing market. This market is characterized by specialized manufacturers and distributors, with significant players like Becton, Dickinson and Company holding substantial market share. The total addressable market for such reagents is substantial, driven by healthcare providers, research institutions, and government agencies. This contract represents a portion of the federal government's spending on essential laboratory consumables, supporting clinical diagnostics and research.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not competed under SAP and was awarded to Becton, Dickinson and Company, a large business. There is no explicit mention of small business set-asides or subcontracting plans. Therefore, this award does not appear to directly benefit small businesses through a set-aside. The absence of subcontracting requirements could mean limited opportunities for small businesses to participate in fulfilling this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for the oversight of this contract. As a purchase order, it is subject to internal VA procurement regulations and financial controls. Transparency is limited by the sole-source nature of the award. Inspector General oversight would typically apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected or alleged in the procurement or execution of the contract.

Related Government Programs

Medical Supplies and Equipment
Laboratory Diagnostics
Clinical Laboratory Reagents
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
Limited transparency on specific product details and justification for sole-sourcing.
Potential for higher costs due to absence of competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $8,248.7 to BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY. FLOW CYTOMETRY REAGENTS AND SUPPLIES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY.

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 $8,248.7.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-11-30. End: 2025-11-29.

What specific types and quantities of flow cytometry reagents and supplies are included in this $8.2 million award?

The provided data does not specify the exact types and quantities of flow cytometry reagents and supplies covered under this $8.2 million purchase order. This level of detail is typically found in the contract's statement of work or line item details, which are not included in the summary data. Understanding these specifics is crucial for a thorough value assessment, as different reagents have vastly different costs and applications. Without this information, it is difficult to benchmark the per-unit cost or compare it to market rates effectively. The broad category 'FLOW CYTOMETRY REAGENTS AND SUPPLIES' suggests a range of consumables used in cell analysis.

What is the historical spending pattern for flow cytometry reagents and supplies by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Historical spending data for flow cytometry reagents and supplies by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is not provided in the summary data. To assess this contract's value and necessity, one would need to examine past VA expenditures on similar items. This would involve looking at previous contract awards, their values, durations, and the contractors involved. A trend of consistent or increasing spending might indicate a growing need or reliance on these supplies. Conversely, a sudden spike in spending without a clear programmatic reason could warrant further investigation into the necessity and pricing of this current award. Analyzing historical data helps contextualize the $8.2 million figure.

Why was this contract awarded on a sole-source basis to Becton, Dickinson and Company?

The provided data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' and awarded to Becton, Dickinson and Company. This suggests a sole-source procurement. The specific justification for this sole-source award is not detailed in the summary data. Common reasons for sole-source awards include the unique capability or proprietary nature of a product, the urgency of the need where competition is not feasible, or if only one responsible source exists. For a contract of this value, the VA would typically have a justification document (e.g., a Justification and Approval for Other Than Full and Open Competition) outlining the rationale. Without this document, it's impossible to definitively state why competition was precluded.

What is the typical market price range for flow cytometry reagents and supplies of this nature?

Determining the typical market price range for flow cytometry reagents and supplies without specific product details is challenging. Becton, Dickinson and Company offers a wide array of reagents, from basic cell stains to complex antibody panels, with prices varying significantly. Factors influencing market price include the specific cell types being analyzed, the number of markers being detected, the volume of reagents required, and whether they are custom-made or off-the-shelf. Industry reports and competitor pricing (if available through competitive bidding) would be necessary to establish a benchmark. Given the sole-source nature of this award, direct market price comparison is not readily available from this data alone.

What are the performance expectations and key performance indicators (KPIs) for Becton, Dickinson and Company under this contract?

The summary data does not specify the performance expectations or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Becton, Dickinson and Company under this purchase order. Typically, contracts for supplies include terms related to delivery timelines, product quality, and order fulfillment accuracy. For reagents, maintaining sterility, potency, and expiration dates would be critical performance aspects. The Department of Veterans Affairs would likely have internal quality assurance processes to monitor these. Specific KPIs would be detailed in the contract's terms and conditions or statement of work, which are not provided here. Failure to meet performance standards could lead to contract remedies.

Are there any known issues or past performance concerns with Becton, Dickinson and Company regarding similar government contracts?

The provided summary data does not include information on past performance issues or concerns related to Becton, Dickinson and Company for similar government contracts. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing contract performance databases (like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) and any available Inspector General reports pertaining to this vendor. While Becton, Dickinson and Company is a large, established entity in the medical supply field, any government agency awarding a contract, especially a sole-source one, should ideally consider the contractor's track record. Without access to such performance data, it's difficult to assess any potential risks associated with this vendor.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Becton, Dickinson and CO

Address: 2350 QUME DR, SAN JOSE, CA, 95131

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: $8,249

Exercised Options: $8,249

Current Obligation: $8,249

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline