VA awards $139K for blood analyzers, highlighting need for advanced diagnostics in healthcare

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $139,174 ($139.2K)

Contractor: Abbott Laboratories Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-10-31

End Date: 2025-10-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $382/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: VISN 6 POINT OF CARE I-STAT BLOOD ANALYZERS OY1

Place of Performance

Location: NORTH CHICAGO, LAKE County, ILLINOIS, 60064

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $139,173.5 to ABBOTT LABORATORIES INC. for work described as: VISN 6 POINT OF CARE I-STAT BLOOD ANALYZERS OY1 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized medical equipment. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these devices. 3. Potential for increased diagnostic accuracy and faster patient treatment. 4. Contract duration of one year allows for timely evaluation of performance. 5. Focus on point-of-care testing aligns with modern healthcare efficiency trends.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $139,173.50 for point-of-care blood analyzers seems appropriate for specialized medical equipment. Benchmarking against similar contracts for diagnostic instruments of this nature would provide a more precise value assessment. However, given the nature of the technology, the price appears to be within a reasonable range, especially considering the potential for improved patient outcomes and operational efficiencies within the VA healthcare system.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely invited to bid. This competitive process is expected to drive fair pricing and ensure the government receives the best value. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition suggests a robust market for these analytical instruments.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to lower prices and higher quality goods and services.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving care within VISN 6 will benefit from potentially faster and more accurate blood test results. The contract delivers point-of-care i-STAT blood analyzers, enhancing diagnostic capabilities at the patient's bedside. Geographic impact is focused on VISN 6 facilities, serving veterans in that region. Healthcare professionals will have access to advanced diagnostic tools, potentially improving workflow and patient management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a healthy market and potential for good value.
Contract for point-of-care diagnostic equipment aligns with modern healthcare efficiency goals.
Firm fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

The market for medical diagnostic equipment, particularly point-of-care testing devices, is a significant segment within the broader healthcare industry. These devices are crucial for rapid diagnosis and treatment decisions, reducing the need for centralized laboratory processing. Spending in this sector is driven by technological advancements, the need for improved patient outcomes, and healthcare system efficiency initiatives. The VA's procurement of such equipment is consistent with efforts to modernize its healthcare infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract included a small business set-aside. Given the specialized nature of analytical laboratory instruments, it is possible that larger, established manufacturers dominate this market. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the performance of this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for the oversight of this contract. As a firm fixed-price contract awarded through full and open competition, the primary accountability lies in ensuring the delivered equipment meets specifications and performs as expected. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, and any issues would likely be managed through standard contract administration processes.

Related Government Programs

Veterans Health Administration Medical Equipment Procurement
Department of Veterans Affairs Diagnostic Services
Point-of-Care Testing Equipment Contracts
Clinical Laboratory Instruments

Risk Flags

Potential for user error impacting test accuracy
Dependence on consistent supply chain for consumables
Need for robust maintenance and calibration schedules
Integration challenges with existing IT systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $139,173.5 to ABBOTT LABORATORIES INC.. VISN 6 POINT OF CARE I-STAT BLOOD ANALYZERS OY1

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ABBOTT LABORATORIES 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 $139,173.5.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-31. End: 2025-10-30.

What is the track record of Abbott Laboratories Inc. in supplying similar diagnostic equipment to the federal government?

Abbott Laboratories Inc. is a major player in the medical device and diagnostics market. A review of federal procurement data indicates a history of supplying various medical equipment, including diagnostic analyzers, to agencies such as the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Their track record generally reflects experience with government contracts, though specific performance metrics for similar point-of-care analyzers would require a deeper dive into contract histories, including any past performance evaluations or disputes. The company's established presence suggests familiarity with federal acquisition regulations and requirements.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for i-STAT blood analyzers?

Determining the precise market rate for i-STAT blood analyzers requires access to real-time pricing data from multiple vendors and distributors, which is not publicly available in a consolidated format. However, the contract value of $139,173.50 for a one-year period, likely encompassing multiple units and associated consumables or maintenance, appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized point-of-care diagnostic equipment. Factors influencing price include the specific model, quantity, service agreements, and any bundled software or training. Without direct competitive bids or a detailed breakdown of what the $139K covers, a definitive price comparison is challenging, but it does not immediately suggest overpricing.

What are the primary risks associated with the deployment of point-of-care blood analyzers in a VA setting?

Key risks associated with deploying point-of-care (POC) blood analyzers include ensuring consistent accuracy and reliability of results across different users and locations, which can be affected by operator training and environmental factors. There's also a risk of equipment malfunction or downtime, which could disrupt patient care. Cybersecurity risks related to data transmission and storage must be managed. Furthermore, managing the supply chain for consumables and reagents, as well as ensuring proper maintenance and calibration, are critical operational risks. Finally, integration challenges with existing Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems can pose a significant hurdle.

What is the expected impact of these analyzers on patient care efficiency within VISN 6?

The deployment of i-STAT blood analyzers is expected to significantly enhance patient care efficiency within VISN 6. By enabling testing at the point of care, clinicians can obtain critical blood test results within minutes, rather than hours or days required for central laboratory processing. This rapid turnaround time facilitates quicker clinical decision-making, allowing for faster initiation of treatment, adjustment of therapies, and potentially shorter hospital stays. It also improves patient experience by reducing the need for repeated blood draws and minimizing patient anxiety associated with waiting for results. This aligns with the VA's goal of providing timely and effective care.

How does this contract fit into the VA's broader strategy for modernizing diagnostic capabilities?

This contract aligns with the VA's broader strategy to modernize its diagnostic capabilities by embracing point-of-care testing technologies. Modernization efforts often focus on decentralizing diagnostic services to improve speed, accessibility, and patient-centered care. By investing in advanced POC analyzers like the i-STAT system, the VA aims to equip its healthcare facilities with tools that support rapid decision-making, improve workflow efficiency for clinicians, and ultimately enhance the quality of care delivered to veterans. This move away from solely relying on traditional, centralized labs is a common trend in healthcare aimed at increasing agility and responsiveness.

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: 200 ABBOTT PARK RD, ABBOTT PARK, IL, 60064

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: $139,174

Exercised Options: $139,174

Current Obligation: $139,174

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24624A0005

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline