VA Awards $2.9M for Long-Term Kidney Services to Loyola University, Facing Limited Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,931 ($2.9K)

Contractor: Loyola University of Chicago

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-06-25

End Date: 2026-06-24

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: LONG TERM LIVE DONOR (KIDNEY) SERVICES FOR HINES VAH

Place of Performance

Location: MAYWOOD, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60153

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2,931.38 to LOYOLA UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO for work described as: LONG TERM LIVE DONOR (KIDNEY) SERVICES FOR HINES VAH Key points: 1. The VA is spending $2.9 million on long-term live donor kidney services. 2. Loyola University of Chicago is the sole awardee, indicating a lack of broader competition. 3. The contract's limited competition raises potential concerns about price discovery and value. 4. The healthcare sector, particularly specialized medical services, often presents unique procurement challenges.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.9 million for a one-year term appears reasonable for specialized medical services. However, without competitive bids, it's difficult to definitively assess if this represents the best possible price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, suggesting a limited source award. This approach may streamline procurement for specialized services but can limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a critical healthcare service. The lack of competition means taxpayers may not be benefiting from the most cost-effective solution available.

Public Impact

Veterans requiring long-term live donor kidney services will receive specialized care. The award supports a major university's medical services, potentially impacting research and training. The reliance on a single provider could affect service availability if issues arise with the awardee.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Potential for overpayment due to lack of price discovery

Positive Signals

Ensures continuity of care for veterans
Supports a reputable medical institution

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the healthcare sector, specifically focusing on specialized transplant services. Spending benchmarks for such niche medical services are highly variable and depend on patient volume and complexity.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this procurement. The award to a large university suggests the focus was on specialized capabilities rather than small business set-asides.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms should be in place to ensure service delivery and adherence to contract terms.

Related Government Programs

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Lack of price discovery
Potential for higher costs
Dependence on a single provider

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2,931.38 to LOYOLA UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO. LONG TERM LIVE DONOR (KIDNEY) SERVICES FOR HINES VAH

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LOYOLA UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO.

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 $2,931.38.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-06-25. End: 2026-06-24.

What is the justification for limiting competition for these critical live donor kidney services?

The justification for limited competition is not provided in the data. Typically, such limitations are based on unique capabilities, urgent needs, or specific partnerships. Further investigation would be required to understand the rationale behind not seeking broader bids, which could impact overall value for taxpayer dollars.

What are the risks associated with a sole-source or limited-competition award for long-term medical services?

The primary risks include a lack of competitive pricing, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers. There's also a reduced incentive for the provider to innovate or offer superior service if there are no alternative providers. Furthermore, dependence on a single entity can create vulnerabilities if the provider faces operational issues or decides to discontinue services.

How does this contract ensure effective and efficient delivery of long-term live donor kidney services?

Effectiveness is likely ensured through the established reputation and capabilities of Loyola University's medical program. However, efficiency and value are harder to guarantee without competition. Oversight by the VA will be crucial to monitor service quality, patient outcomes, and adherence to the contract's terms and conditions to ensure taxpayer funds are used wisely.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2160 S 1ST AVE, MAYWOOD, IL, 60153

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,931

Exercised Options: $2,931

Current Obligation: $2,931

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C25222D0061

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline