VA awards $99K for immunoassay reagents and analyzer rental, highlighting a need for specialized lab equipment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $99,371 ($99.4K)

Contractor: Government Scientific Source Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-10-01

End Date: 2025-06-30

Contract Duration: 272 days

Daily Burn Rate: $365/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: IMMUNOASSAY REAGENT PURCHASE AND ANALYZER RENTAL FOR OKC

Place of Performance

Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73104

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $99,371.45 to GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC for work described as: IMMUNOASSAY REAGENT PURCHASE AND ANALYZER RENTAL FOR OKC Key points: 1. The contract value is modest, suggesting a focused need for specific laboratory supplies and equipment. 2. Competition dynamics appear favorable given the 'Full and Open Competition' award type. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the short duration and fixed-price nature of the contract. 4. Performance context is within the Department of Veterans Affairs' operational needs for laboratory diagnostics. 5. Sector positioning is within the analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing and supply chain.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $99,371 for a 9-month period appears reasonable for specialized immunoassay reagents and analyzer rental. Benchmarking against similar contracts for laboratory equipment and consumables would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the fixed-price nature suggests that the government has secured a defined cost for these services, mitigating potential overruns.

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 offers. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, allowing for price discovery and potentially leading to more favorable pricing for the government. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the award type suggests a robust competition was sought.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition maximizes the pool of potential offerors, increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive bids and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving care at VA facilities in Oklahoma will benefit from accurate and timely diagnostic testing. The contract ensures the availability of essential immunoassay reagents and analyzer rental for laboratory operations. Geographic impact is focused on Oklahoma, supporting local VA healthcare facilities. Workforce implications include supporting laboratory technicians and medical professionals who rely on this equipment for patient care.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded under Full and Open Competition, suggesting broad market engagement.
Fixed-price contract type helps control costs.
Short contract duration (9 months) limits long-term financial commitment.
Specific need for specialized reagents and equipment indicates targeted procurement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader healthcare and scientific instrumentation sector. The market for immunoassay reagents and analyzers is characterized by specialized manufacturers and distributors. Spending in this area is crucial for clinical diagnostics, supporting disease detection, monitoring, and research. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within federal healthcare procurements for laboratory services and equipment.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans is not explicitly detailed for this contract. Given the 'Full and Open Competition' award, it is possible that small businesses participated, but there is no indication of a specific set-aside. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement or potential subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and program managers responsible for laboratory services. Accountability measures are inherent in the fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified goods and services. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though specific performance metrics are not detailed here.

Related Government Programs

VA Laboratory Services Contracts
Medical Equipment and Supplies Procurement
Clinical Diagnostic Testing Services

Risk Flags

Potential for higher long-term costs with rental agreements.
Dependency on a single vendor for reagents and maintenance.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $99,371.45 to GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC. IMMUNOASSAY REAGENT PURCHASE AND ANALYZER RENTAL FOR OKC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE 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 $99,371.45.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-01. End: 2025-06-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for immunoassay reagents and analyzer rentals by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for immunoassay reagents and analyzer rentals by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is crucial for understanding long-term trends and identifying potential cost efficiencies. While this specific contract is for approximately $99,371 over nine months, a broader review of past VA procurements in this category would reveal fluctuations in demand, pricing, and vendor landscape. For instance, examining contracts from previous fiscal years could indicate whether the VA has consistently relied on a few key suppliers or if there has been a shift towards more competitive bidding. Understanding if spending has increased or decreased can also provide insights into changes in healthcare needs or technological advancements in diagnostic testing. Without access to a comprehensive database of past VA contracts for these specific items, it is difficult to provide precise historical figures, but such an analysis would typically involve querying federal procurement data systems like FPDS or USASpending for relevant keywords and agencies over several years.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar VA or other federal agency procurements for immunoassay reagents and analyzer rentals?

Comparing the pricing of this $99,371 contract for immunoassay reagents and analyzer rental to similar federal procurements is essential for assessing value for money. The contract's fixed-price nature for a 9-month period provides a defined cost. To benchmark effectively, one would need to identify comparable contracts awarded by the VA or other agencies (e.g., Department of Defense, HHS) for similar quantities and types of reagents and analyzer models. Key comparison points would include the per-unit cost of reagents, the monthly rental fee for analyzers, and any associated service or maintenance costs. Factors such as contract duration, delivery locations, and specific product specifications can influence pricing. If this contract's unit costs are significantly higher or lower than established benchmarks, it could indicate either an exceptional deal or a potential issue with pricing or competition. A thorough comparison requires access to detailed contract data, including line-item pricing and bidder information.

What are the specific types of immunoassay reagents and the model of analyzer being procured under this contract?

The specific types of immunoassay reagents and the model of analyzer being procured under this contract are critical details for a comprehensive analysis of its technical scope and market relevance. Immunoassays are used for a wide range of diagnostic tests, from detecting infectious diseases to monitoring hormone levels and identifying biomarkers for various conditions. The type of reagents (e.g., for ELISA, chemiluminescence, or other platforms) directly impacts the laboratory's capabilities and the types of tests that can be performed. Similarly, the analyzer model dictates the throughput, automation level, and compatibility with specific reagent kits. Without this granular information, it's challenging to assess if the procured items align with the VA's current diagnostic needs, if they represent state-of-the-art technology, or how they compare to equipment and reagents used in other healthcare settings. This information is typically found in the contract's statement of work or technical specifications.

What is the track record of Government Scientific Source Inc. in fulfilling federal contracts for laboratory equipment and supplies?

Assessing the track record of Government Scientific Source Inc. (GSSI) in fulfilling federal contracts is a key component of evaluating the reliability and performance of this award. GSSI, as a government contractor, likely has a history of providing various scientific and laboratory products to federal agencies. A review of their past performance, available through federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov), would reveal their experience with similar contracts, including their on-time delivery rates, product quality, and adherence to contract terms. Examining past contract values, durations, and the agencies they have served can provide insights into their capacity and expertise. Furthermore, looking for any past performance issues, disputes, or contract terminations would highlight potential risks associated with this current award. A strong track record suggests a lower risk of performance issues, while a history of problems might warrant closer monitoring.

What are the potential risks associated with the rental of laboratory analyzers versus purchasing them outright for the VA?

Renting laboratory analyzers, as indicated in this contract, presents a different risk profile compared to outright purchase. A primary risk of renting is the potential for higher long-term costs if the equipment is needed for an extended period, as rental fees accumulate over time without building equity. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in, where the VA might become dependent on a specific supplier for reagents and maintenance, potentially limiting future flexibility or negotiation power. Furthermore, the terms of the rental agreement could include limitations on usage or specific maintenance requirements that might be burdensome. Conversely, renting can mitigate risks associated with rapid technological obsolescence, as newer models can often be swapped in. It also avoids the large upfront capital expenditure of purchasing, which can be advantageous for budget-constrained agencies. The VA's decision to rent likely balances these factors against their specific operational needs and budget cycles.

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

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12355 SUNRISE VALLEY DR STE 400, RESTON, VA, 20191

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $99,371

Exercised Options: $99,371

Current Obligation: $99,371

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F5934R

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline