VA awards $31.2M for lab instruments, with TOSOH BIOSCIENCE INC. securing a task order

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,228 ($31.2K)

Contractor: Tosoh Bioscience, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2025-12-31

Contract Duration: 91 days

Daily Burn Rate: $343/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: VISN 16 LAB BRIDGE BPA A1C TASK ORDER

Place of Performance

Location: GROVE CITY, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43123

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $31,228.48 to TOSOH BIOSCIENCE, INC. for work described as: VISN 16 LAB BRIDGE BPA A1C TASK ORDER Key points: 1. The contract value of $31.2M appears reasonable for the specified duration and scope. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract is a BPA Call, indicating it's part of a larger framework agreement. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 334516 points to analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing. 5. The fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 6. The contract duration of 91 days is relatively short, suggesting a specific, time-bound need.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $31.2M for a 91-day period for laboratory instruments needs further context to benchmark against similar procurements. However, the firm fixed-price structure is a positive indicator for cost control. Without specific details on the instruments or quantities, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the competitive nature of the award suggests a reasonable price was likely achieved.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovation. The number of bidders is not specified, but the method of competition suggests a robust process was followed.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, driving down prices through market forces and ensuring the government receives the best value.

Public Impact

Veterans Affairs medical facilities will benefit from access to necessary laboratory instruments. The contract supports the delivery of essential diagnostic and analytical services within the VA healthcare system. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting various VISN 16 facilities. The contract may indirectly support jobs in the analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Short contract duration may indicate a need for rapid deployment or a pilot program, requiring close monitoring of performance.
Lack of specific details on the instruments procured limits a full understanding of the technological advancement or obsolescence risk.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
Award to a single vendor under a BPA call suggests established relationship and potentially streamlined procurement.
Full and open competition indicates a commitment to leveraging market competition for best value.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing sector, a critical component of the healthcare and research industries. This sector is characterized by technological innovation and stringent quality requirements. Spending in this area is essential for diagnostic capabilities within federal agencies, particularly healthcare providers like the VA. Benchmarking would require comparing this award to other VA or federal procurements for similar analytical instruments.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is unlikely. However, the prime contractor, TOSOH BIOSCIENCE, INC., may engage small businesses as subcontractors, though this is not detailed in the award information. Further analysis of subcontracting plans would be needed to assess the broader impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting officers and program managers. As a task order under a BPA Call, the underlying BPA likely has its own oversight mechanisms. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

VISN 16 Medical Equipment Procurements
VA Laboratory Services Contracts
Federal Analytical Instrument Purchases
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Supplies

Risk Flags

Potential for outdated technology if specifications are not precise.
Risk of contractor prioritizing profit over quality in a fixed-price environment.
Dependence on a single vendor for a critical task order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $31,228.48 to TOSOH BIOSCIENCE, INC.. VISN 16 LAB BRIDGE BPA A1C TASK ORDER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TOSOH BIOSCIENCE, INC..

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 $31,228.48.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2025-12-31.

What specific types of analytical laboratory instruments are being procured under this task order?

The provided data does not specify the exact types of analytical laboratory instruments being procured. The NAICS code 334516, 'Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing,' indicates the general industry category. To understand the specific instruments, one would need to review the detailed statement of work or the contract award documents associated with this task order. This information is crucial for assessing technological relevance, potential obsolescence, and the specific capabilities being acquired by VISN 16.

How does the $31.2M contract value compare to similar procurements for analytical laboratory instruments within the VA or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking the $31.2M contract value requires comparing it to procurements of similar analytical laboratory instruments, considering factors like quantity, specifications, and contract duration. Without access to a detailed breakdown of the instruments and their quantities, a direct comparison is difficult. However, for a 91-day period, this value suggests either high-cost, specialized equipment or a significant volume of instruments. Further research into historical VA or GSA schedules for laboratory equipment would be necessary to establish a robust benchmark and assess value for money.

What is the track record of TOSOH BIOSCIENCE, INC. in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for laboratory instruments?

TOSOH BIOSCIENCE, INC. has a history of federal contracting. To assess their track record specifically for laboratory instruments, a review of their past performance on similar contracts with the VA and other agencies would be necessary. This would involve examining contract completion timeliness, quality of goods/services, and any past performance issues or awards. Information on their experience with BPA calls and firm fixed-price contracts would also be relevant to understanding their suitability for this specific award.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for laboratory instruments, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risk with a firm fixed-price contract is that the contractor may cut corners on quality or service to maximize profit if the price is too low, or conversely, the government may overpay if the price is too high. For laboratory instruments, risks could include receiving outdated technology or instruments that do not meet precise specifications. Mitigation strategies include thorough pre-award technical evaluations, clear and detailed performance work statements, robust quality assurance surveillance plans, and potentially performance-based payment structures. The competitive award process itself helps mitigate the risk of overpayment.

What is the historical spending pattern of the Department of Veterans Affairs on analytical laboratory instruments?

Analyzing the historical spending patterns of the Department of Veterans Affairs on analytical laboratory instruments would involve examining procurement data over several fiscal years. This would reveal trends in spending levels, the types of instruments most frequently purchased, and the primary contractors. Understanding these patterns can help identify potential increases or decreases in demand, shifts in technology, and the overall budget allocation for laboratory equipment within the VA. Such analysis is crucial for strategic sourcing and budget forecasting.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

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: 6000 SHORELINE COURTS, STE 101, SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 94080

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,228

Exercised Options: $31,228

Current Obligation: $31,228

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C25624A0029

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline