VA awards $200K contract for analytical lab instruments to POLYMEDCO LLC, with 3 years of performance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $199,473 ($199.5K)

Contractor: Polymedco LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $548/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: FUNDING FOR ORDERING PERIOD 1 OF 36C25526A0022

Place of Performance

Location: CORTLANDT MANOR, WESTCHESTER County, NEW YORK, 10567

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $199,472.62 to POLYMEDCO LLC for work described as: FUNDING FOR ORDERING PERIOD 1 OF 36C25526A0022 Key points: 1. The contract value appears to be a reasonable starting point for a 3-year period, but requires benchmarking against similar instruments. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these instruments, potentially leading to competitive pricing. 3. The firm-fixed-price structure shifts performance risk to the contractor. 4. This contract supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' need for analytical laboratory equipment. 5. The contractor, POLYMEDCO LLC, is positioned to supply essential instruments to the VA. 6. The contract duration of 364 days per call order is standard for this type of procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $200,000 for a 3-year period (ordering period 1 of 3) for analytical laboratory instruments seems reasonable as a starting point. Without specific details on the instruments ordered or their quantities, a direct per-unit cost comparison is difficult. However, the firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government. Benchmarking against similar instrument procurements by other federal agencies or within the VA itself would provide a more definitive assessment of value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation 'full and open' generally implies a competitive process that allows for broad market participation. This approach is designed to ensure the government receives the best possible pricing and quality by leveraging market forces.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically drives down prices through market competition, ensuring that federal funds are used efficiently and effectively.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving healthcare services will benefit from the availability of accurate diagnostic and analytical testing enabled by these instruments. The contract supports the delivery of essential laboratory services within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The geographic impact is primarily within facilities served by the Department of Veterans Affairs, potentially across New York where the contractor is located. The contract may indirectly support a skilled workforce in laboratory sciences and instrument maintenance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific unit details makes it hard to assess if the price is truly competitive.
Potential for price creep in subsequent ordering periods if not managed carefully.
Reliance on a single contractor (POLYMEDCO LLC) for this specific order, though the overall contract was competed.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market.
Firm-fixed-price contract type transfers cost risk to the contractor.
Contract supports critical healthcare functions for veterans.

Sector Analysis

The market for analytical laboratory instruments is diverse, encompassing a wide range of equipment used for testing and analysis across various scientific and medical fields. This contract falls within the broader category of medical equipment manufacturing and supply. Spending in this sector is driven by healthcare demand, research and development, and regulatory compliance needs. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other VA or DoD procurements for similar diagnostic or laboratory analysis equipment, considering factors like instrument complexity and intended use.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (sb) is false, and there is no indication of a small business set-aside (ss) for this specific contract award. Therefore, this contract was not specifically targeted towards small businesses. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly detailed in this award notice, but the prime contractor, POLYMEDCO LLC, may engage small businesses for support services or components as part of their overall operations.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Oversight mechanisms would include monitoring contractor performance against the terms and conditions of the contract, ensuring timely delivery of goods, and verifying that the instruments meet specified requirements. Accountability is maintained through the firm-fixed-price structure and the potential for contract modifications or termination for non-performance. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases and reporting requirements.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Equipment Procurement
Laboratory Supplies and Reagents
Diagnostic Testing Services
Medical Instrument Manufacturing

Risk Flags

Potential for price escalation in future ordering periods.
Limited insight into specific instrument performance and suitability.
Contractor performance history not detailed in award notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $199,472.62 to POLYMEDCO LLC. FUNDING FOR ORDERING PERIOD 1 OF 36C25526A0022

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is POLYMEDCO 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 $199,472.62.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.

What specific types of analytical laboratory instruments are being procured under this contract, and what are their intended uses within VA facilities?

The provided data indicates the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 334516 for Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing. This suggests the instruments are related to the manufacturing of equipment used for laboratory analysis. However, the specific types of instruments (e.g., spectrometers, centrifuges, microscopes, analyzers) and their precise applications within VA healthcare facilities are not detailed in the award notice. These instruments are crucial for diagnostic testing, research, and quality control in clinical laboratories, supporting physicians in diagnosing diseases, monitoring patient health, and developing treatment plans. Further details would typically be found in the contract's statement of work or technical specifications.

How does the awarded amount of approximately $200,000 compare to historical spending on similar analytical laboratory instruments by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

To accurately compare the $200,000 award to historical VA spending, one would need to identify previous contracts for similar analytical laboratory instruments, considering factors like instrument type, manufacturer, quantity, and contract duration. Without access to a comprehensive database of past VA procurements for specific instrument categories, a direct historical comparison is challenging. However, the fact that this is the first ordering period of a potential multi-year contract suggests that future spending could increase. Analyzing the VA's overall budget allocation for medical equipment and laboratory services would provide a broader context for this specific award's significance within the agency's financial landscape.

What is the track record of POLYMEDCO LLC in supplying analytical laboratory instruments to federal agencies, particularly the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Information regarding POLYMEDCO LLC's specific track record in supplying analytical laboratory instruments to federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, is not detailed in the provided award notice. A thorough assessment would require reviewing past contract awards, performance evaluations (if publicly available), and any reported issues or successes associated with this contractor. Federal procurement databases and contractor performance systems (like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) would be the primary sources for evaluating their history. Understanding their past performance is crucial for gauging reliability and the likelihood of successful contract execution.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) that will be used to evaluate the performance of POLYMEDCO LLC under this contract?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract are not explicitly stated in the provided award notice. However, for a contract involving the supply of analytical laboratory instruments, typical KPIs would likely include on-time delivery of instruments, adherence to specifications and quality standards, responsiveness to inquiries or issues, and potentially performance related to installation or initial setup if included in the scope. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract implies that meeting delivery schedules and product quality requirements are paramount. The VA's contracting officer and technical representatives would monitor these aspects throughout the contract's performance period.

Given the 'full and open competition' designation, how many bids were received, and what does this suggest about the competitiveness of the market for these instruments?

The award notice states 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION' but does not specify the number of bids received. This designation implies that the solicitation was broadly advertised, allowing any responsible source to submit an offer. The level of competition (i.e., the number of bids) is a critical factor in assessing market competitiveness. If numerous bids were received, it suggests a robust and competitive market, which generally leads to better pricing and innovation for the government. Conversely, a low number of bids might indicate market limitations, high barriers to entry, or a lack of interest from potential suppliers, which could impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs for the government.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 510 FURNACE DOCK RD, CORTLANDT MANOR, NY, 10567

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $199,473

Exercised Options: $199,473

Current Obligation: $199,473

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C25526A0022

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline