VA Awards $59.1M Research Contract to UC San Diego for Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $59,124 ($59.1K)

Contractor: University of California, SAN Diego

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2022-09-17

End Date: 2023-09-16

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $162/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: AFFILIATE ANIMAL CARE

Place of Performance

Location: PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15212

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $59,124.32 to UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO for work described as: AFFILIATE ANIMAL CARE Key points: 1. The contract is for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. Competition was not available for this contract. 3. The contract value is $59.1 million. 4. The awardee is the University of California, San Diego. 5. The awarding agency is the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Pricing is listed as 'COST NO FEE', making a direct value assessment difficult without further details on cost drivers and fee structures. Benchmarking is challenging due to the 'COST NO FEE' designation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, indicating a limited source selection. This lack of competition may impact price discovery and potentially lead to less favorable pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The government is potentially paying more than it would in a competitive environment due to the limited competition.

Public Impact

Supports critical research and development efforts within the VA. Potential for advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences benefiting veterans. Funding allocated to a prominent research institution, UC San Diego.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Cost-plus contract type (implied by 'COST NO FEE')
Limited transparency on specific research outcomes

Positive Signals

Supports vital R&D for the VA
Awarded to a reputable institution

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but requires careful oversight to ensure value for taxpayer dollars.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to the University of California, San Diego, a large research institution. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'COST NO FEE' contract type necessitates robust oversight to ensure that costs incurred are reasonable and allocable to the research objectives. The VA must monitor expenditures closely to ensure accountability.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Lack of detailed pricing information
Potential for cost overruns without strong oversight
Contract type ('COST NO FEE') requires diligent monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $59,124.32 to UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO. AFFILIATE ANIMAL CARE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO.

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 $59,124.32.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-17. End: 2023-09-16.

What specific research objectives does this contract aim to achieve, and how do they align with the VA's mission?

This contract supports Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. While the specific objectives are not detailed, such research typically aims to advance scientific knowledge, develop new technologies, or improve treatments and services relevant to veterans' health and well-being. Alignment with the VA's mission would depend on the precise nature of the research undertaken.

Given the limited competition, what measures are in place to ensure the cost-effectiveness of this contract?

With limited competition and a 'COST NO FEE' structure, the VA must implement stringent cost monitoring and auditing procedures. This includes detailed review of incurred costs, verification of allocability and allowability, and potentially establishing target costs or performance metrics to incentivize efficiency and prevent cost overruns.

How will the outcomes of this research be evaluated for their impact and potential return on investment for the VA and its beneficiaries?

The evaluation of research outcomes should involve clear performance metrics and milestones defined in the contract. The VA should establish a process for reviewing research reports, assessing the scientific merit and practical applicability of findings, and determining the potential benefits for veterans and the healthcare system. This could include follow-on studies or implementation plans.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 9500 GILMAN DR DEPT 621, LA JOLLA, CA, 92093

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public)

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $59,124

Exercised Options: $59,124

Current Obligation: $59,124

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24E19D0033

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline