VA Awards $165K for PTSD Research Brain Tissue, Competed Under SAP
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $165,000 ($165.0K)
Contractor: Lifenet Health
Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
Start Date: 2026-06-15
End Date: 2027-06-14
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $453/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Healthcare
Official Description: BRAIN TISSUE FOR PTSD RESEARCH
Place of Performance
Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA BEACH CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23453
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $165,000 to LIFENET HEALTH for work described as: BRAIN TISSUE FOR PTSD RESEARCH Key points: 1. Contract awarded to LifeNet Health for essential research materials. 2. Competition was limited under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 3. Potential for higher costs due to limited competition. 4. Sector: Healthcare/Research.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $165,000 for a one-year period appears reasonable for specialized biological materials. However, without specific benchmarks for brain tissue acquisition for research, a definitive value assessment is challenging.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a limited competition environment. This method may not yield the most competitive pricing compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is likely minimal given the relatively small contract value, but the potential for suboptimal pricing due to limited competition warrants consideration.
Public Impact
Supports critical PTSD research for veterans. Ensures availability of specialized biological samples. Potential for future research funding based on this award.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 45 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP
- Potential for price inefficiencies
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical research material
Positive Signals
- Supports vital research
- Clear contract duration and pricing type
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the healthcare and research sector, specifically involving biological materials for scientific study. Spending benchmarks in this niche area are difficult to establish due to the specialized nature of the products.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this procurement, as the award went to a specific entity under SAP. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business set-asides were considered or applicable.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms should apply to ensure proper execution and delivery.
Related Government Programs
- Blood and Organ Banks
- Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
- Department of Veterans Affairs Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for price not being the best value
- Lack of transparency in SAP competition
Tags
blood-and-organ-banks, department-of-veterans-affairs, va, purchase-order, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $165,000 to LIFENET HEALTH. BRAIN TISSUE FOR PTSD RESEARCH
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LIFENET HEALTH.
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 $165,000.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-06-15. End: 2027-06-14.
What is the typical cost range for similar brain tissue samples for PTSD research to establish a better value benchmark?
Establishing a precise cost range for specialized brain tissue for PTSD research is complex due to variations in tissue type, processing, quantity, and source. However, general benchmarks for research-grade biological samples can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per unit, depending on these factors. Without more specific details on the tissue's characteristics and the vendor's processing, a direct comparison is difficult.
Could a broader competition under full and open procedures have yielded significant cost savings for this research material?
It is plausible that a full and open competition could have resulted in cost savings. Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are designed for efficiency with smaller dollar amounts but may not attract as many bidders as larger, more publicized solicitations. A wider pool of potential suppliers might have led to more aggressive pricing strategies and potentially lower overall costs for the VA.
How will the VA ensure the quality and suitability of the brain tissue for the intended PTSD research over the contract period?
The VA will likely ensure quality through adherence to the contract's specifications, including detailed requirements for tissue type, preservation, and handling. The purchase order should outline acceptance criteria, and the VA may conduct inspections or require documentation from LifeNet Health. Regular communication and performance monitoring throughout the contract duration will be crucial for ensuring the tissue meets research needs.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Other Ambulatory Health Care Services › Blood and Organ Banks
Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 36C24626Q0440
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1864 CONCERT DR, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, 23453
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $165,000
Exercised Options: $165,000
Current Obligation: $165,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-06-15
Current End Date: 2027-06-14
Potential End Date: 2027-06-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-13
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