VA Awards $458K for Hemosonic Quantra Module Rals to Abbott Rapid Diagnostics

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $45,809 ($45.8K)

Contractor: Abbott Rapid Diagnostics Informatics, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-09-01

End Date: 2027-08-31

Contract Duration: 1,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $42/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: HEMOSONIC QUANTRA MODULE RALS

Place of Performance

Location: CHARLOTTESVILLE, CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22901

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $45,809 to ABBOTT RAPID DIAGNOSTICS INFORMATICS, INC for work described as: HEMOSONIC QUANTRA MODULE RALS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single vendor, raising questions about competition. 2. The contract is for Computer Systems Design Services, a broad category. 3. Potential for higher costs due to lack of competitive bidding. 4. Sector context suggests IT services are common within the VA.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $458,090 over approximately 3 years is difficult to assess without specific unit pricing. The 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation suggests it may not have undergone a rigorous price comparison against market alternatives.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a limited competition approach. This method, especially when not fully open, can lead to less aggressive price discovery and potentially higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of full and open competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these services.

Public Impact

Veterans may receive diagnostic services supported by this module. The Department of Veterans Affairs continues to invest in IT infrastructure. Limited competition could impact the availability of advanced diagnostic tools in the future if prices become prohibitive.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpricing
Limited transparency in award process

Positive Signals

Supports VA's mission
Firm Fixed Price contract type limits cost overrun risk

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Computer Systems Design Services, a significant area of IT spending for government agencies like the VA. Benchmarks for this sector vary widely based on the specific services, but a lack of competition often inflates costs.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further investigation would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a Purchase Order, which is a common method for acquiring goods and services. Oversight would typically involve monitoring contract performance and adherence to terms, especially given the limited competition.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for price inflation
Lack of transparency in award justification
Unclear small business participation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $45,809 to ABBOTT RAPID DIAGNOSTICS INFORMATICS, INC. HEMOSONIC QUANTRA MODULE RALS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ABBOTT RAPID DIAGNOSTICS INFORMATICS, 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 $45,809.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-01. End: 2027-08-31.

What specific diagnostic capabilities does the HEMOSONIC QUANTRA MODULE RALS provide, and how critical are they to VA patient care?

The HEMOSONIC QUANTRA MODULE RALS likely refers to a system for rapid diagnostic testing, potentially in hematology or related fields. Its criticality to VA patient care would depend on its role in diagnosing and monitoring conditions, impacting treatment decisions and patient outcomes. Understanding its specific function is key to assessing its value beyond the contract price.

What justification was provided for not competing this contract more broadly, and were any exceptions to standard procurement procedures invoked?

The designation 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' suggests that the procurement may have fallen below thresholds requiring full competition or that specific justifications were made for limited sourcing. Without further details on the justification, it's difficult to assess the validity of the limited competition and its potential impact on price and value for taxpayers.

How does the awarded price compare to industry benchmarks for similar diagnostic module systems or computer systems design services, considering the limited competition?

Direct comparison is challenging without specific unit costs and detailed service descriptions. However, limited competition generally leads to higher prices than those achieved through full and open bidding. The $458,090 contract value over roughly three years warrants scrutiny to ensure it aligns with fair market value for the services provided.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › LABORATORY TESTING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2000 HOLIDAY DR, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, 22901

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $65,684

Exercised Options: $45,809

Current Obligation: $45,809

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline