VA Awards $351K Contract for Dental Water Testing to D & D Laboratory LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $35,186 ($35.2K)

Contractor: D & D Laboratory LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-05-02

End Date: 2027-05-01

Contract Duration: 1,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $32/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: DENTAL WATER TESTING AT VA FACILITIES KERNERSVILLE, CHARLOTTE, AND SALISBURY.

Place of Performance

Location: MOORESBORO, CLEVELAND County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28114

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $35,185.92 to D & D LABORATORY LLC for work described as: DENTAL WATER TESTING AT VA FACILITIES KERNERSVILLE, CHARLOTTE, AND SALISBURY. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to D & D Laboratory LLC for dental water testing services. 2. The contract value is $351,859.92 over a period of approximately three years. 3. Procurement was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 4. The North Carolina-based company will provide services at VA facilities in Kernersville, Charlotte, and Salisbury. 5. This contract supports essential health and safety standards within VA facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $351,859.92 for approximately three years of service appears reasonable given the scope of dental water testing across multiple VA facilities. Benchmarking against similar laboratory testing contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a competitive process for awards under the federal micro-purchase and small purchase thresholds. This method generally promotes price discovery and fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The award of $351,859.92 represents a modest investment in ensuring safe water quality for veterans, a necessary expenditure for healthcare operations.

Public Impact

Ensures safe drinking water standards are met at VA dental clinics. Supports the health and well-being of veteran patients and staff. Provides essential laboratory services to maintain facility compliance. Contributes to the operational readiness of healthcare facilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if testing reveals widespread contamination requiring remediation.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical testing services.
Geographic concentration of services could impact response times if issues arise.

Positive Signals

Ensures compliance with health and safety regulations.
Supports the operational continuity of VA dental services.
Awarded to a small business, potentially supporting local economy.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare sector, particularly within government facilities like the VA, requires stringent adherence to safety and quality standards. Spending on laboratory testing services is benchmarked against the need for regulatory compliance and patient safety, with costs varying based on the scope and frequency of testing.

Small Business Impact

D & D Laboratory LLC is the awardee. Further analysis would be needed to confirm if they qualify as a small business under relevant NAICS codes and size standards. Awards to small businesses can stimulate local economies and foster competition.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and contract management practices should ensure accountability and proper execution of services. Performance metrics and quality assurance will be key oversight elements.

Related Government Programs

Testing Laboratories and Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for service disruption if vendor faces issues.
Geographic concentration of services.
Need for ongoing performance monitoring.
Reliance on vendor's quality control processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $35,185.92 to D & D LABORATORY LLC. DENTAL WATER TESTING AT VA FACILITIES KERNERSVILLE, CHARLOTTE, AND SALISBURY.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is D & D LABORATORY 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 $35,185.92.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-05-02. End: 2027-05-01.

What is the typical cost range for dental water testing services across similar healthcare facilities, and how does this contract's value compare?

The typical cost range for dental water testing can vary significantly based on the number of samples, frequency of testing, specific tests performed (e.g., microbial, chemical), and geographic location. For a contract covering multiple facilities over three years, $351,859.92 appears to be within a reasonable range, especially if it includes comprehensive testing protocols and reporting. However, a precise benchmark requires detailed comparison with contracts for similar scope and service levels in comparable regions.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single laboratory for critical dental water testing across multiple VA facilities?

Relying on a single laboratory presents risks such as potential service disruptions due to the vendor's capacity limitations, unforeseen technical issues, or financial instability. If the vendor fails to perform adequately or experiences a significant operational problem, it could delay essential testing, potentially impacting patient safety and facility compliance. Contingency planning and robust performance monitoring by the VA are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How effectively does this contract contribute to the overall health and safety mission of the VA's dental services?

This contract is highly effective in supporting the VA's health and safety mission by ensuring that dental water systems meet stringent quality standards. Regular and thorough testing prevents potential health risks associated with contaminated water, safeguarding both veteran patients and healthcare staff. It directly contributes to maintaining a safe and compliant clinical environment, which is fundamental to providing quality dental care.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › LABORATORY TESTING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C24624Q0500

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 201C TOWERS DR, GREENWOOD, SC, 29649

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $60,132

Exercised Options: $35,186

Current Obligation: $35,186

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline