VA awards $330K for immunoassay consumables and rental sealers, with a 364-day duration

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $330,000 ($330.0K)

Contractor: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $907/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: CHEMISTRY IMMUNOASSAY CPRR: ADD RENTAL SEALERS AND CONSUMABLES FOR THE SEALERS. SECOND 6 MONTH DELIVERY ORDER

Place of Performance

Location: TARRYTOWN, WESTCHESTER County, NEW YORK, 10591

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $330,000.12 to SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC. for work described as: CHEMISTRY IMMUNOASSAY CPRR: ADD RENTAL SEALERS AND CONSUMABLES FOR THE SEALERS. SECOND 6 MONTH DELIVERY ORDER Key points: 1. The contract focuses on essential consumables and equipment for laboratory operations, indicating a need for ongoing support. 2. The award was made under a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call, suggesting a pre-negotiated framework for these types of purchases. 3. The fixed-price contract type aims to provide cost certainty for the government. 4. The duration of 364 days suggests a short-term need or a bridge to a larger procurement. 5. The procurement was conducted under full and open competition, implying a broad search for qualified vendors.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $330,000 for a 364-day period for immunoassay consumables and rental sealers appears reasonable given the specialized nature of diagnostic equipment and supplies. Without specific details on the quantity of consumables or the exact specifications of the rental sealers, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control. Benchmarking against similar contracts for laboratory equipment and reagents would be necessary for a more precise value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that the Department of Veterans Affairs sought proposals from all responsible sources. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the open competition suggests a robust process to identify the best value. This approach generally leads to more competitive pricing and a wider selection of qualified vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the assurance that the government sought the most advantageous offer through a competitive process, likely resulting in a fair market price for these critical laboratory supplies and equipment.

Public Impact

Veterans will benefit from the continued availability of accurate and timely diagnostic testing through the provision of necessary immunoassay consumables and equipment. The services delivered support the operational needs of Department of Veterans Affairs laboratories, ensuring essential medical testing can be performed. The contract's impact is primarily within the healthcare sector, specifically supporting diagnostic services at VA facilities. The contract supports the healthcare workforce by ensuring they have the tools and supplies needed to perform their duties effectively.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if consumable usage exceeds projections within the fixed-price contract.
Dependence on a single vendor for both consumables and rental equipment could create future lock-in risks.
The short duration may necessitate frequent re-procurement, leading to administrative overhead.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
Fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract supports critical healthcare services for veterans.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector, specifically addressing the need for consumables and rental equipment for immunoassay testing. The market for such products is driven by the healthcare industry's demand for diagnostic tools. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining laboratory efficiency and accuracy. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing the total federal expenditure on laboratory consumables and equipment across various agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (sb: false). There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc., engages small businesses in its supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for the oversight of this contract. As a BPA Call, it likely falls under existing BPA terms and conditions. Accountability measures would include performance monitoring against the contract requirements and adherence to the fixed-price terms. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases, though specific performance metrics are not detailed here. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Veterans Affairs Laboratory Services
Medical Supplies and Equipment Procurement
Diagnostic Testing Services
Immunoassay Reagents and Consumables

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in due to rental agreement.
Short contract duration may lead to frequent re-procurement.
Lack of detailed cost breakdown for consumables vs. rental.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $330,000.12 to SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC.. CHEMISTRY IMMUNOASSAY CPRR: ADD RENTAL SEALERS AND CONSUMABLES FOR THE SEALERS. SECOND 6 MONTH DELIVERY ORDER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS 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 $330,000.12.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.

What is the historical spending pattern of the Department of Veterans Affairs on immunoassay consumables and rental sealers?

Analyzing the historical spending patterns of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on immunoassay consumables and rental sealers is crucial for understanding the context of this $330,000 award. While specific historical data for this exact category is not provided in the current data, one can infer trends by examining broader VA expenditures on laboratory diagnostics and medical equipment. Typically, the VA procures such items through various contract vehicles, including Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs), Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, and direct procurements. Spending in this area is often driven by the volume of patient testing required across VA healthcare facilities nationwide. Factors such as the aging veteran population, advancements in diagnostic technology, and public health initiatives can influence year-over-year spending. A detailed analysis would involve querying federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) for similar NAICS codes (e.g., 334516) and product service codes related to laboratory equipment and consumables awarded by the VA over the past 5-10 years. This would reveal if this $330,000 award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in these critical supplies.

How does the per-unit cost of consumables compare to market rates for similar immunoassay products?

Assessing the per-unit cost of consumables against market rates is a key indicator of value for money. For this specific contract, the provided data does not detail the individual units or quantities of consumables being purchased, making a direct per-unit cost comparison impossible. The total award of $330,000 covers both consumables and rental sealers over a 364-day period. To perform this benchmark, one would need to identify the specific immunoassay kits, reagents, or other consumables included in the delivery order. Subsequently, these items would need to be cross-referenced with pricing from commercial distributors, group purchasing organizations (GPOs), or other federal contracts (e.g., through the General Services Administration - GSA schedules) that offer similar products. Factors such as volume discounts, contract exclusivity, and the specific performance characteristics of the consumables would influence market rates. Without this granular product-level data, it's difficult to definitively state whether the pricing is competitive.

What is Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.'s track record with the Department of Veterans Affairs for similar procurements?

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc. has a significant presence as a contractor within the federal government, including with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). To assess their track record specifically for immunoassay consumables and rental sealers, a review of past contract awards to Siemens by the VA would be necessary. This would involve searching procurement databases for previous contracts awarded to Siemens for similar products and services, noting the contract values, durations, and performance history. A positive track record would be indicated by consistent performance, timely delivery, and adherence to contract terms in previous engagements. Conversely, any history of performance issues, disputes, or contract terminations could raise concerns. Given that this award is a BPA Call, it suggests Siemens may already hold a master BPA with the VA, implying a pre-existing relationship and potentially a history of successful dealings under that framework. Evaluating the number and value of past awards can provide insight into the VA's confidence in Siemens as a supplier for these critical healthcare needs.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on rental sealers as opposed to purchasing them outright?

Relying on rental sealers, as indicated in this contract, presents several potential risks compared to outright purchase. Firstly, there's the risk of escalating costs over time; while rental fees might seem manageable initially, cumulative payments over multiple contract periods could exceed the purchase price of the equipment. Secondly, maintenance and repair responsibilities need clear definition. If the rental agreement places the burden of timely and effective maintenance on the vendor, delays or subpar repairs could disrupt laboratory operations. Conversely, if the government is responsible for certain maintenance, it incurs additional costs and resource allocation. Thirdly, there's a risk of obsolescence; rental agreements may not always provide access to the latest technology, potentially leaving the VA with outdated equipment. Finally, vendor lock-in is a concern. A long-term reliance on rented equipment from a specific provider can make it difficult and costly to switch to alternative solutions or vendors in the future, potentially limiting competitive options for subsequent procurements.

How does the 'Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing' NAICS code align with the services provided under this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 334516, 'Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing,' is the primary classification for businesses primarily engaged in manufacturing analytical and scientific laboratory instruments. While this contract specifically involves the procurement of 'consumables for the sealers' and 'rental sealers,' it aligns with this NAICS code because the sealers themselves are analytical laboratory instruments. The manufacturing of these instruments often involves integrated supply chains that include the production or sourcing of necessary consumables. Therefore, a company like Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc., which manufactures such instruments, would logically also be involved in supplying the associated consumables, either directly or through partnerships. The contract essentially leverages the expertise and product ecosystem of an instrument manufacturer to ensure the ongoing operational readiness of the laboratory equipment, bridging the gap between instrument manufacturing and the day-to-day operational needs of a diagnostic laboratory.

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

Parent Company: Altair Engineering Inc.

Address: 511 BENEDICT AVE, TARRYTOWN, NY, 10591

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: $330,000

Exercised Options: $330,000

Current Obligation: $330,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24623A0006

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline