VA Awards $40.7M IDIQ for Autopsy Services to East Tennessee State University, Lacking Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $40,685 ($40.7K)

Contractor: East Tennessee State University

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-08-01

End Date: 2027-07-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $112/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: IDIQ FOR AUTOPSY SERVICES, BASE PLUS FOUR OPTION PERIODS. STARTS 08/01/2025 THRU 07/31/2030.

Place of Performance

Location: JOHNSON CITY, WASHINGTON County, TENNESSEE, 37604

State: Tennessee Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $40,685 to EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY for work described as: IDIQ FOR AUTOPSY SERVICES, BASE PLUS FOUR OPTION PERIODS. STARTS 08/01/2025 THRU 07/31/2030. Key points: 1. The contract is for autopsy services with a base period and four option periods. 2. East Tennessee State University is the sole awardee, raising concerns about competition. 3. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which can limit flexibility but provides cost certainty. 4. The NAICS code 621111 indicates services from physician offices, aligning with autopsy needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is an IDIQ with a base period and options, making a precise pricing assessment difficult without task order data. However, the total award amount of $40.7M over the potential contract duration suggests a significant investment in these services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This method bypasses competitive bidding, potentially leading to higher prices and reduced innovation as there is no market pressure to offer the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for autopsy services, as there was no opportunity to solicit bids from multiple qualified providers.

Public Impact

Veterans will continue to receive essential autopsy services, ensuring proper medical record completion and research capabilities. The award to a single entity may limit access to specialized autopsy expertise if other institutions possess unique skills. The significant contract value could impact the budget allocation for other critical VA healthcare initiatives.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpayment due to sole-source award
Limited vendor pool for specialized services

Positive Signals

Ensures continuity of essential autopsy services for veterans
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost predictability

Sector Analysis

The healthcare sector, particularly within government agencies like the VA, often requires specialized medical services. Autopsy services are critical for medical research, quality assurance, and understanding disease progression. Benchmarks for such services can vary widely based on complexity and location.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided information. This represents a missed opportunity to support small business participation in government contracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure fair pricing and adequate service delivery. The VA should document the justification for not competing this requirement and monitor performance closely.

Related Government Programs

Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competition
Potential for inflated pricing
Limited vendor pool may restrict access to specialized expertise
No small business participation noted

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $40,685 to EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY. IDIQ FOR AUTOPSY SERVICES, BASE PLUS FOUR OPTION PERIODS. STARTS 08/01/2025 THRU 07/31/2030.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY.

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 $40,685.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-08-01. End: 2027-07-31.

What is the justification for awarding this autopsy services contract on a sole-source basis instead of through full and open competition?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves circumstances where only one responsible source can provide the required services. This could be due to unique capabilities, specialized expertise, or urgent needs that cannot be met through competition. A thorough review of the contracting officer's justification is necessary to understand the specific rationale and ensure it aligns with federal acquisition regulations.

How will the VA ensure fair and reasonable pricing for autopsy services given the lack of competitive bidding?

The VA must conduct a robust price analysis to ensure fair and reasonable pricing. This involves comparing the proposed prices to historical prices for similar services, analyzing cost elements, and potentially using independent government cost estimates. Regular performance reviews and audits will also be crucial to monitor expenditures and identify any potential cost overruns or inefficiencies.

What is the potential impact on the quality and timeliness of autopsy services if East Tennessee State University faces unforeseen operational challenges as the sole provider?

If East Tennessee State University encounters operational challenges, the impact on service quality and timeliness could be significant, potentially delaying critical medical findings and research. The VA should have contingency plans in place, such as identifying alternative providers or establishing service level agreements with penalties for non-performance, to mitigate risks associated with a sole-source contract.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Offices of Physicians › Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND SURGICAL SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1276 GILBREATH DR, JOHNSON CITY, TN, 37614

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $209,711

Exercised Options: $40,685

Current Obligation: $40,685

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24925D0072

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline