VA Extends Fecal Occult Blood Testing Contract by 6 Months for $109,660

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $109,660 ($109.7K)

Contractor: Polymedco LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2020-10-01

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 2,007 days

Daily Burn Rate: $55/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: VISN-WIDE CONTRACT FOR FECAL OCCULT BLOOD LABORATORY TESTING WITHIN VISN 9. - 6 MONTH EXTENSION

Place of Performance

Location: CORTLANDT MANOR, WESTCHESTER County, NEW YORK, 10567

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $109,659.98 to POLYMEDCO LLC for work described as: VISN-WIDE CONTRACT FOR FECAL OCCULT BLOOD LABORATORY TESTING WITHIN VISN 9. - 6 MONTH EXTENSION Key points: 1. Contract awarded to POLYMEDCO LLC for laboratory testing services. 2. The extension is for a 6-month period, indicating ongoing need. 3. The contract value is relatively small, suggesting a niche service. 4. The sector is Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with potential for broader healthcare applications.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $109,660 for a 6-month extension is modest. Benchmarking against similar laboratory testing contracts is difficult without more specific service details, but the price appears reasonable for a specialized, limited-duration service.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. The BPA Call award mechanism implies it was likely a call against an existing Blanket Purchase Agreement, which usually involves pre-competed terms.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal given the small contract value and the essential nature of the service provided to veterans.

Public Impact

Ensures continued access to essential diagnostic testing for veterans. Supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' healthcare mission. Maintains continuity of service without disruption. The extension allows for potential re-competition or further analysis of long-term needs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 55 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if not re-competed effectively.
Limited duration extension may indicate uncertainty in future requirements.

Positive Signals

Ensures continuity of essential healthcare services.
Awarded through full and open competition.
Modest cost for a critical service.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector, specifically for diagnostic testing. Spending in this area is crucial for public health and healthcare delivery, with benchmarks varying widely based on the complexity and volume of tests.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if opportunities were missed or if the nature of the service inherently favors larger or specialized providers.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which has established oversight mechanisms. The use of a BPA Call suggests adherence to procurement regulations, but the specific oversight for this extension would depend on internal VA processes.

Related Government Programs

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for increased costs in future solicitations if competition is not robust.
Lack of transparency on specific performance metrics for the extension period.
Short-term extension may indicate underlying issues with long-term planning or procurement.
Limited information available on the specific analytical services provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $109,659.98 to POLYMEDCO LLC. VISN-WIDE CONTRACT FOR FECAL OCCULT BLOOD LABORATORY TESTING WITHIN VISN 9. - 6 MONTH EXTENSION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is POLYMEDCO 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 $109,659.98.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-10-01. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the historical performance and pricing trend for this specific fecal occult blood testing service under previous contract periods?

Historical data on performance and pricing would provide crucial context for evaluating the value of this extension. Understanding if POLYMEDCO LLC has consistently met performance metrics and if the pricing has remained competitive or increased over time is essential for assessing whether the current extension represents good value for taxpayers. Without this, the 'fair' rating is based on limited current information.

What is the long-term strategy for fecal occult blood testing within VISN 9, and why was a short-term extension chosen over a new competitive solicitation?

The decision for a 6-month extension suggests a potential shift in requirements, consolidation of services, or a delay in the procurement process. Understanding the VA's long-term strategy is key to assessing the risk of potential service disruption or suboptimal pricing if a new competition is not initiated promptly. This short-term approach might indicate uncertainty or a need for further market research.

How does the cost of this contract compare to similar fecal occult blood testing services procured by other federal agencies or large healthcare systems?

Benchmarking against comparable services is vital for a robust value assessment. If this contract's per-unit cost is significantly higher than market rates for similar tests, it could indicate a lack of competitive pressure or inefficiencies. Conversely, if it aligns with or is lower than benchmarks, it suggests reasonable pricing, especially considering the specialized nature of serving veterans.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP

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: 510 FURNACE DOCK RD, CORTLANDT MANOR, NY, 10567

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $109,660

Exercised Options: $109,660

Current Obligation: $109,660

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24921A0004

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline