VA Awards $3.17M for Kidney Services to Loyola University, Limiting Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,170 ($3.2K)

Contractor: Loyola University of Chicago

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-08-01

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: LIVING 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 $3,169.73 to LOYOLA UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO for work described as: LIVING DONOR (KIDNEY) SERVICES FOR HINES VAH Key points: 1. Significant contract awarded to a single university for specialized medical services. 2. Limited competition raises questions about price discovery and potential cost savings. 3. Focus on living donor kidney services highlights a critical healthcare need for veterans. 4. The contract duration of one year suggests potential for future re-competition or extensions.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Pricing is based on a firm fixed price for a delivery order. Without comparable contract data or a detailed breakdown of services, assessing value for money is difficult. The benchmark for similar medical services is not readily available.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, indicating a potential sole-source or limited source award. This approach may streamline acquisition for specialized services but can limit opportunities for competitive bidding and potentially lead to higher costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for specialized healthcare services. The lack of competition means potential savings from a competitive bidding process may not be realized.

Public Impact

Veterans needing kidney transplants will receive essential medical services. The award supports a major university's medical program and research capabilities. Potential for long-term impact on veteran health outcomes related to kidney disease.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Lack of detailed cost breakdown
Potential for price escalation without competition

Positive Signals

Addresses critical veteran healthcare need
Supports established medical institution

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the healthcare sector, specifically focusing on specialized medical services. Benchmarking spending in this area is complex due to the highly specialized nature of services and varying patient needs. The award to a university medical center is common for advanced procedures.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve small businesses, as it is awarded to a large university. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Accountability will involve monitoring service delivery, quality of care, and adherence to the firm fixed price agreement. Further oversight details are not provided.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Limited competition may lead to higher costs.
Lack of transparency in pricing structure.
Potential for vendor lock-in if services are highly specialized.
Dependence on a single provider for critical care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $3,169.73 to LOYOLA UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO. LIVING 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 $3,169.73.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-08-01. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the specific breakdown of costs within the $3.17M to understand the value proposition for each service component?

A detailed cost breakdown is crucial for a thorough value assessment. Without it, it's challenging to determine if the firm fixed price accurately reflects the market rate for living donor kidney services. Understanding the allocation for surgical procedures, post-operative care, and administrative overhead would allow for better benchmarking against similar contracts or private sector pricing.

What factors necessitated limiting competition for these critical kidney services?

The rationale for limiting competition needs clarification. Was it due to the unique capabilities of Loyola University, the urgency of veteran needs, or a lack of other qualified providers? Understanding these factors is key to assessing the risk of not achieving the best possible price and ensuring that the chosen provider is indeed the most suitable option.

How will the effectiveness of the kidney services provided under this contract be measured and ensured?

Measuring effectiveness requires clear performance metrics and quality indicators. The VA should establish benchmarks for patient outcomes, recovery times, and patient satisfaction. Regular performance reviews and adherence to established medical protocols will be essential to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the services delivered, ultimately impacting veteran health.

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: $3,170

Exercised Options: $3,170

Current Obligation: $3,170

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C25222D0061

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline