VA awards $694K definitive contract for veterinary services to Krista Gibbs DVM LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $69,456 ($69.5K)

Contractor: Krista Gibbs DVM LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-22

End Date: 2027-04-21

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $191/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: RESEARCH VETERINARIAN SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15215

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $69,456 to KRISTA GIBBS DVM LLC for work described as: RESEARCH VETERINARIAN SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting price competition. 2. The contract duration is one year, with a firm-fixed-price structure. 3. No small business set-aside was utilized for this procurement. 4. The contract is for veterinary services, aligning with NAICS code 541940. 5. The award was made by the Department of Veterans Affairs. 6. The contract value is below typical thresholds for extensive competition analysis.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $694,560 for one year of veterinary services is moderate. Without comparable contract data or detailed service breakdowns, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, but the lack of competition may have led to a higher price than could have been achieved in a more open bidding environment. Benchmarking against similar sole-source veterinary service contracts would be necessary for a more robust evaluation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor, Krista Gibbs DVM LLC, was solicited. This approach bypasses the standard competitive bidding process, which typically involves multiple vendors submitting proposals. The lack of competition means there was no direct price comparison or market pressure to drive down costs. While sole-source awards can be justified under specific circumstances (e.g., unique capabilities or urgent needs), they generally result in less favorable pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards limit the government's ability to secure the best possible price, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitively bid contract.

Public Impact

Veterinary services are delivered to support research or animal care initiatives within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The primary beneficiary is the VA, ensuring continuity of essential veterinary support. The geographic impact is localized to Pennsylvania, where the contractor is based. Workforce implications are minimal, as this contract likely supports existing VA operations rather than creating new positions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price discovery and potentially increases costs for taxpayers.
Lack of competition may indicate a lack of market availability or a failure to properly scope requirements for broader competition.
Limited transparency into the justification for sole-source award without further documentation.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the VA.
Contract duration of one year allows for periodic review and potential re-competition.
Award to a specific DVM LLC suggests a potentially specialized or necessary service provider.

Sector Analysis

Veterinary services fall under the broader professional, scientific, and technical services sector. This specific contract, classified under NAICS code 541940, relates to establishments primarily engaged in providing veterinary services. The market for such services can range from general practice to highly specialized animal care and research support. Federal spending in this area typically supports research, animal welfare programs, and specialized scientific endeavors. The contract value is relatively small within the overall federal procurement landscape for professional services.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements mentioned. The sole-source nature of the award further reduces opportunities for small business participation through subcontracting. Without a competitive process, there is no mechanism to encourage or mandate small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting and program management offices. As a definitive contract, it is subject to standard federal procurement regulations and oversight. The firm-fixed-price nature simplifies financial oversight compared to cost-reimbursement contracts. Transparency regarding the justification for the sole-source award would be crucial for a comprehensive oversight assessment.

Related Government Programs

Veterinary Services
Research and Development Support Services
Professional and Technical Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $69,456 to KRISTA GIBBS DVM LLC. RESEARCH VETERINARIAN SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KRISTA GIBBS DVM 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 $69,456.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-22. End: 2027-04-21.

What is the specific nature of the veterinary services required under this contract?

The data provided indicates the contract is for 'RESEARCH VETERINARIAN SERVICES' under NAICS code 541940. This suggests the services are likely related to supporting research activities, which may involve animal care, health monitoring, experimental procedures, or specialized veterinary expertise for research subjects. Without further details on the contract statement of work, the precise scope of these services remains general. However, the 'research' designation implies a focus beyond routine animal husbandry and points towards scientific support.

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

The provided data explicitly states the contract type as 'NOT COMPETED', which is synonymous with a sole-source award in this context. The specific justification for this sole-source determination is not included in the abbreviated data. Typically, sole-source awards are justified under circumstances such as the availability of only one responsible source, urgent and compelling needs, or when the service is of a highly specialized nature that only one contractor can provide. A full justification document would be required to understand the rationale behind this specific award.

How does the contract value compare to similar veterinary services contracts awarded by the VA or other federal agencies?

The contract value of $694,560 for a 364-day period is a moderate sum for specialized veterinary services. Without access to a comprehensive database of federal contracts for veterinary services, a direct comparison is difficult. However, sole-source contracts often carry a premium. If this service were competed, it might be possible to secure similar services at a lower price point, especially if multiple qualified vendors were available. Benchmarking would require identifying contracts with similar scopes of work, duration, and service levels.

What is the track record of Krista Gibbs DVM LLC in performing federal contracts?

The provided data does not include information on the contractor's past performance or track record with federal agencies. To assess this, one would typically consult the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) or similar databases that track contractor performance history, past issues, and performance evaluations. Without this information, it is impossible to evaluate Krista Gibbs DVM LLC's reliability and past success in fulfilling government requirements.

What are the potential risks associated with this sole-source contract?

The primary risk associated with this sole-source contract is the potential for inflated pricing due to the lack of competition. Taxpayers may be paying more than necessary for the veterinary services. Another risk is the potential for vendor lock-in, where the agency becomes dependent on a single provider, making it difficult to switch even if performance issues arise or better alternatives become available. Furthermore, the lack of a competitive process limits transparency and accountability regarding the value received for the funds expended.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Veterinary Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 36C24E26Q0019

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 419 WORTHINGTON DR., MARS, PA, 16046

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $368,748

Exercised Options: $69,456

Current Obligation: $69,456

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline