VA awards $12.5M for Genomic Analysis to Infinity Biologix LLC, citing no competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,485,448 ($12.5M)

Contractor: Infinity Biologix LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2022-09-30

End Date: 2023-09-29

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $34.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: GENOMIC ANALYSIS

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20420

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $12.5 million to INFINITY BIOLOGIX LLC for work described as: GENOMIC ANALYSIS Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $12.5M for specialized genomic analysis services. 2. Sole-source award to Infinity Biologix LLC raises questions about competition. 3. Potential risk associated with lack of competitive bidding impacting price discovery. 4. Services fall under scientific testing laboratories, a niche but critical sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $12.5M for genomic analysis is substantial. Without competitive data, it's difficult to assess if this price is optimal compared to similar contracts for specialized laboratory services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating a lack of competition. This method limits price discovery and may result in a higher cost to taxpayers than if multiple vendors had competed.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may not have received the best possible price for these critical genomic analysis services.

Public Impact

Veterans may benefit from advanced genomic analysis for improved healthcare outcomes. The lack of competition could limit the availability of these services to other agencies. Taxpayer funds are being directed to a single provider without a competitive process.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for overpricing

Positive Signals

Essential service for veteran healthcare
Specific expertise required

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the scientific testing laboratories sector, which provides specialized analytical services. Benchmarks for genomic analysis contracts can vary widely based on complexity and volume, but $12.5M is a significant investment.

Small Business Impact

The award was made to Infinity Biologix LLC, and there is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors or partners in this sole-source award.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs awarded this contract. Oversight should focus on ensuring the necessity of a sole-source award and the justification for the price paid.

Related Government Programs

Testing Laboratories and Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks transparency.
Potential for inflated pricing.
Limited market research evident.
No small business participation noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $12.5 million to INFINITY BIOLOGIX LLC. GENOMIC ANALYSIS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INFINITY BIOLOGIX 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 $12.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-30. End: 2023-09-29.

What is the justification for awarding this significant genomic analysis contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or a lack of other qualified sources. For genomic analysis, it might stem from proprietary technology or highly specialized expertise possessed by Infinity Biologix LLC that cannot be replicated by other vendors within the required timeframe or specifications.

What are the risks associated with a sole-source award for specialized healthcare services like genomic analysis?

The primary risks include inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive pressure, potential for vendor complacency, and limited innovation. Taxpayers may overpay, and the VA might not be leveraging the full spectrum of available technologies or service improvements that competition could foster.

How will the effectiveness of these genomic analysis services be measured to ensure value for veterans?

Effectiveness should be measured through defined performance metrics tied to clinical outcomes, diagnostic accuracy, turnaround times, and adherence to quality standards. Regular reviews of these metrics by the VA will be crucial to ensure the services are meeting the needs of veterans and providing tangible healthcare benefits.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Testing Laboratories and Services

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › LABORATORY TESTING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 30 KNIGHTSBRIDGE RD, PISCATAWAY, NJ, 08854

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,485,448

Exercised Options: $12,485,448

Current Obligation: $12,485,448

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24E20D0028

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline