VA awards $705,700 contract for lab testing services in Wyoming, competed under SAP

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,057 ($7.1K)

Contractor: Department of Agriculture Wyoming

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-08-15

End Date: 2025-08-14

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: EO14042 - LAB TEST SERVICES OF WATER SAMPLES

Place of Performance

Location: SHERIDAN, SHERIDAN County, WYOMING, 82801

State: Wyoming Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $7,057 to DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE WYOMING for work described as: EO14042 - LAB TEST SERVICES OF WATER SAMPLES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single vendor for essential water sample testing. 2. Competition was limited due to the use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 3. The contract duration is one year, suggesting a need for ongoing services. 4. Fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the agency. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541380 indicates specialized testing laboratories. 6. Geographic focus on Wyoming suggests localized service delivery.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $705,700 for a one-year duration appears reasonable for specialized laboratory testing services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for water sample analysis is difficult without more specific details on the scope of testing required. However, given the limited competition and the nature of specialized services, the pricing is likely within an acceptable range, though further analysis of the specific tests performed would be beneficial for a more precise value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders and is used for acquisitions below a certain dollar threshold. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP generally implies less robust competition than full and open competition. This approach is often used for services that are readily available or for smaller value contracts where extensive competition may not be cost-effective.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition under SAP may result in less aggressive pricing than a fully competed contract, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers. However, SAP is designed to streamline the acquisition process for smaller procurements, balancing efficiency with reasonable cost.

Public Impact

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits from reliable laboratory testing services to ensure water quality. Veterans and VA facility users in Wyoming are protected by the assurance of safe drinking water. The contract supports specialized scientific services within the state of Wyoming. The contract may indirectly support local employment in the scientific and technical fields within Wyoming.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to SAP could lead to suboptimal pricing.
Lack of detailed scope of work makes it difficult to assess true value for money.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical testing services poses a potential risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the VA.
Contract is for a defined period, allowing for re-evaluation of needs.
Specialized nature of the service aligns with the vendor's likely expertise.

Sector Analysis

The laboratory testing services sector is a critical component of various industries, including environmental monitoring, public health, and compliance. The NAICS code 541380, Testing Laboratories and Services, encompasses a wide range of analytical and testing facilities. Spending in this sector is driven by regulatory requirements and the need for quality assurance. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend heavily on the specific types of tests performed and the volume required, but federal agencies consistently procure such services to maintain infrastructure and ensure safety.

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, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from set-aside requirements. The primary contractor is likely a larger entity or a firm that did not qualify for or pursue small business status for this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the fixed-price contract terms, requiring the vendor to deliver specified services. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Testing Services
Water Quality Monitoring Contracts
Laboratory Analysis Contracts
Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities Management

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price.
Potential for vendor lock-in with sole-source nature of SAP.
Scope of work details are not fully provided, impacting value assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $7,057 to DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE WYOMING. EO14042 - LAB TEST SERVICES OF WATER SAMPLES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE WYOMING.

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 $7,057.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-08-15. End: 2025-08-14.

What is the specific scope of water sample testing required under this contract?

The provided data abbreviates the description as 'EO14042 - LAB TEST SERVICES OF WATER SAMPLES'. Executive Order 14042 pertains to Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors. While this suggests a potential link to COVID-19 related safety protocols, the exact nature of the water sample testing (e.g., potable water, wastewater, environmental samples) and the specific parameters to be analyzed are not detailed in the provided information. A comprehensive understanding of the scope is crucial for accurately assessing the value, risks, and performance expectations of this contract. Further details would likely be found in the Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS) associated with the BPA Call.

How does the $705,700 contract value compare to historical VA spending on similar lab testing services in Wyoming?

Without access to historical VA spending data specifically for laboratory testing services in Wyoming, a direct comparison is not possible. The provided data indicates this is a single-year contract valued at $705,700. To assess historical trends, one would need to query federal procurement databases for similar contracts awarded by the VA or other agencies in the same geographic region over previous fiscal years. Factors such as the volume of samples, types of tests, and specific facility needs would influence year-over-year spending. This single award provides a data point, but a trend analysis requires broader historical context.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will performance be measured?

The provided data does not specify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or the performance measurement methodology for this contract. Typically, for laboratory testing services, KPIs might include turnaround time for results, accuracy and precision of tests, compliance with specific standards (e.g., EPA, ISO), and reporting timeliness. Performance would likely be monitored by the VA's Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) through regular reviews of test reports, audits, and potentially site visits. Adherence to the terms outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW) and any associated quality assurance plans would be central to performance evaluation.

What is the track record of the awarded contractor in providing laboratory testing services to the federal government?

The provided data does not include the name of the awarded contractor, which is necessary to research their track record. To assess the contractor's history, one would typically search federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) using the contractor's Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) or name. This search would reveal past contract awards, performance ratings (if available), and any history of disputes or terminations. A contractor with a strong, relevant history of successful performance for similar services would be a positive indicator for this contract's successful execution.

Are there any specific risks associated with relying on a single vendor for these critical water testing services?

Yes, relying on a single vendor for critical services like water testing introduces several risks. Firstly, there's a risk of vendor lock-in, making it difficult and potentially costly to switch providers if performance issues arise or if better pricing becomes available elsewhere. Secondly, if the vendor experiences operational disruptions (e.g., equipment failure, staffing shortages, natural disasters), the VA's water testing program could be significantly delayed or halted, potentially impacting compliance and safety. Thirdly, without competitive pressure, the vendor might have less incentive to innovate or offer cost efficiencies over time. Mitigation strategies could include robust contract management, clear performance standards, and contingency planning.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Testing Laboratories and Services

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › LABORATORY TESTING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1174 SNOWY RANGE RD, LARAMIE, WY, 82070

Business Categories: Category Business, Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,057

Exercised Options: $7,057

Current Obligation: $7,057

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C25921A0049

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline