VA awards $32,903 for cytology microscopes, raising questions about competition and value

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,903 ($32.9K)

Contractor: Hunt Optics & Imaging Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-06-05

Contract Duration: 57 days

Daily Burn Rate: $577/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: CYTOLOGY MICROSCOPES BX46LED

Place of Performance

Location: PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15237

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $32,903.08 to HUNT OPTICS & IMAGING INC for work described as: CYTOLOGY MICROSCOPES BX46LED Key points: 1. The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting price discovery and potentially increasing costs. 2. The duration of the contract is relatively short, suggesting a need for ongoing evaluation of equipment performance. 3. The fixed-price nature of the award provides cost certainty but may not incentivize contractor efficiency. 4. The specific model, BX46LED, indicates a focus on advanced diagnostic capabilities. 5. The award falls under the Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking the value of this specific microscope purchase is challenging without more detailed specifications and market data. However, the award amount of $32,903 for a single purchase order for cytology microscopes appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized medical equipment. Without comparable contract data for the BX46LED model or similar advanced cytology microscopes, a definitive value-for-money assessment is difficult. The lack of competition further complicates a thorough price analysis.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor was solicited. This approach is typically used when there is a unique capability or requirement that cannot be met by multiple sources. The lack of competition means that the Department of Veterans Affairs did not benefit from a competitive bidding process, which could have led to lower prices or better terms.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can result in higher costs for taxpayers as there is no competitive pressure to drive down prices. This limits the government's ability to secure the best possible value.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving diagnostic services at VA facilities will benefit from the use of advanced cytology microscopes. The contract supports the delivery of accurate and timely diagnostic testing for various medical conditions. The geographic impact is primarily within Pennsylvania, where the VA facilities utilizing these microscopes are located. The contract does not appear to have significant direct workforce implications beyond the specialized technicians operating the equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and value assessment.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to gauge long-term effectiveness.
Limited contract duration may necessitate frequent re-procurement and associated administrative costs.

Positive Signals

Award supports critical diagnostic capabilities for veteran healthcare.
Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for this specific purchase.
Focus on advanced equipment suggests commitment to high-quality patient care.

Sector Analysis

The market for medical and laboratory equipment, including cytology microscopes, is characterized by specialized manufacturers and distributors. The NAICS code 333310, Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing, encompasses this sector. Spending in this area is driven by healthcare demand, technological advancements, and government procurement for public health services. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing procurements of similar high-resolution microscopes by other federal agencies or large healthcare systems.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve any small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. The award was made directly to Hunt Optics & Imaging Inc., and there is no indication of efforts to engage small businesses in this procurement. This means that the potential economic benefits for the small business sector from this specific contract are minimal.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order would primarily fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' internal procurement and financial management systems. Accountability measures would be tied to the delivery of the specified equipment and adherence to the contract terms. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award, making public scrutiny of the procurement process more challenging. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Medical Equipment Procurement
Diagnostic Imaging Systems
Veterans Health Administration Services
Laboratory and Scientific Instruments

Risk Flags

Sole-source award raises concerns about price reasonableness and competition.
Lack of detailed specifications and performance metrics hinders value assessment.
Limited contract duration may indicate a short-term need or potential for future re-procurement issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $32,903.08 to HUNT OPTICS & IMAGING INC. CYTOLOGY MICROSCOPES BX46LED

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HUNT OPTICS & IMAGING 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 $32,903.08.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-06-05.

What is the track record of Hunt Optics & Imaging Inc. in supplying similar medical equipment to the federal government?

Information regarding Hunt Optics & Imaging Inc.'s specific track record in supplying similar medical equipment to the federal government is not readily available within the provided data. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases, such as FPDS or SAM.gov, would be necessary to ascertain the company's history of awards, performance ratings, and any past issues or successes. Understanding their experience with VA or other health agencies, particularly with cytology microscopes, would provide crucial context for assessing the reliability and appropriateness of this sole-source award. Without this historical data, it is difficult to fully evaluate the contractor's suitability and the potential risks associated with their selection.

How does the price of the BX46LED cytology microscope compare to similar models from other manufacturers or previous VA purchases?

The provided data does not include specific pricing details for the BX46LED cytology microscope, nor does it offer comparative pricing information against similar models from other manufacturers or previous VA purchases. The total award amount is $32,903.08 for a purchase order. To conduct a meaningful price comparison, one would need to identify the exact specifications and configurations of the microscopes procured, the quantity purchased under this award, and benchmark these against current market prices for comparable equipment. Investigating past VA contracts for cytology microscopes, especially those awarded competitively, would also be essential to determine if this sole-source award represents a fair and reasonable price. The absence of this comparative data makes a thorough value assessment difficult.

What are the specific performance requirements and expected lifespan for the BX46LED cytology microscopes under this contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific performance requirements or the expected lifespan for the BX46LED cytology microscopes. The contract duration is listed as 57 days (from June 5, 2026, to April 9, 2026, which appears to be an error in the date range, likely meaning the delivery period within a larger contract or a short-term need). A typical purchase order for equipment would include specifications for image quality, resolution, durability, and ease of use, along with warranty information. The expected lifespan is crucial for determining the total cost of ownership and planning for future replacements. Without these details, it's challenging to assess if the procured equipment meets the VA's long-term diagnostic needs or if the investment is justified by its expected operational life and performance capabilities.

What is the historical spending pattern of the Department of Veterans Affairs on cytology microscopes?

The provided data snippet focuses on a single purchase order and does not offer insights into the Department of Veterans Affairs' historical spending patterns on cytology microscopes. To analyze historical spending, one would need to query federal procurement databases for all contracts awarded by the VA for cytology microscopes over several fiscal years. This analysis should include the total dollar amounts spent, the types and models of microscopes procured, the number of competitive versus sole-source awards, and the primary contractors. Understanding these patterns would reveal trends in procurement volume, average prices, and the VA's reliance on specific vendors or types of competition, providing a broader context for the current $32,903 award.

What are the risks associated with a sole-source award for critical medical equipment like cytology microscopes?

Sole-source awards for critical medical equipment like cytology microscopes carry several risks. Primarily, the lack of competition can lead to inflated prices, meaning taxpayers may pay more than necessary for the equipment. It also reduces the incentive for the sole provider to offer the best possible service or support, as there are no competitors vying for the contract. Furthermore, it can limit the government's access to potentially superior or more cost-effective technologies that might be offered by other vendors. Dependence on a single supplier can also create supply chain vulnerabilities, especially if that supplier faces production issues or goes out of business. Finally, sole-source awards can raise concerns about fairness and transparency in the procurement process.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing › Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 490 LOWRIES RUN RD, PITTSBURGH, PA, 15237

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,903

Exercised Options: $32,903

Current Obligation: $32,903

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline