VA awards $42.8K BPA for hematology testing, leveraging existing framework for veteran care

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $42,800 ($42.8K)

Contractor: Sysmex America, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-10-01

End Date: 2025-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $118/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE HEMATOLOGY TESTING FOR VETERANS INTEGRATED SERVICE NETWORK 20

Place of Performance

Location: LINCOLNSHIRE, LAKE County, ILLINOIS, 60069

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $42,800.05 to SYSMEX AMERICA, INC for work described as: BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE HEMATOLOGY TESTING FOR VETERANS INTEGRATED SERVICE NETWORK 20 Key points: 1. This Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) leverages an existing framework, suggesting potential cost efficiencies and streamlined acquisition. 2. The contract's value is relatively small, indicating a focused need for specific hematology testing services. 3. The award was made under full and open competition, implying a robust market and fair pricing potential. 4. The fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 5. The duration of one year (with potential for extensions) allows for flexibility in meeting evolving needs. 6. The geographic focus on Illinois suggests localized support for veterans in that region.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $42,800.05 is modest, making direct comparisons to larger contracts difficult. However, as a BPA call against an established agreement, it implies that the pricing structure has likely been vetted and deemed competitive. The firm fixed-price nature further supports value by capping government liability. Without specific unit cost data for hematology tests, a precise benchmark is challenging, but the overall award size suggests efficient procurement for a defined need.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive environment is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures that the government receives offers from a broad range of qualified sources. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation implies a healthy level of market interest and potential for competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better pricing for taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment where vendors strive to offer the most attractive terms.

Public Impact

Veterans in VISN 20, specifically within Illinois, will benefit from access to essential hematology testing services. The contract ensures the availability of critical diagnostic tests necessary for the effective treatment and management of various health conditions. This supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' mission to provide comprehensive healthcare to its beneficiaries. The services delivered are crucial for timely medical diagnoses and treatment planning, directly impacting patient outcomes.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased demand on existing hematology testing infrastructure.
Reliance on a single vendor for a critical service could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Leverages an existing BPA, indicating a streamlined and potentially cost-effective procurement process.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing and vendor availability.

Sector Analysis

Hematology testing is a critical component of the broader clinical diagnostics and laboratory services sector within healthcare. This sector is characterized by technological advancements, stringent regulatory requirements, and a mix of large established players and specialized providers. The market size for laboratory testing services is substantial, driven by an aging population and increasing demand for personalized medicine. This contract, while small in dollar value, fits within the VA's ongoing efforts to ensure access to essential diagnostic capabilities for its patient population, often through established frameworks like BPAs.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from this particular award. The competition was open, suggesting larger, established firms likely participated.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has established oversight mechanisms for its contracts, including this BPA call. Accountability is maintained through performance monitoring and adherence to the contract terms. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) Contracts
Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare Services
Hematology and Clinical Laboratory Services
Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs)

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if not managed proactively.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical services requires robust performance monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $42,800.05 to SYSMEX AMERICA, INC. BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE HEMATOLOGY TESTING FOR VETERANS INTEGRATED SERVICE NETWORK 20

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SYSMEX AMERICA, 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 $42,800.05.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-01. End: 2025-09-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for hematology testing services by the Department of Veterans Affairs, particularly within VISN 20?

Analyzing historical spending for hematology testing by the VA, especially within VISN 20, would provide crucial context for this $42.8K BPA call. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to ascertain if this award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending for these services. Typically, the VA procures laboratory and diagnostic services through various contract vehicles, including BPAs, IDIQs, and direct awards. Understanding past expenditures would help determine if this BPA call is part of a long-term strategy, a response to a temporary surge in demand, or a routine replenishment of services. It would also inform whether the current award amount is consistent with previous procurements of similar scope and volume, aiding in a more robust value assessment.

How does the pricing of this BPA call compare to other similar hematology testing contracts awarded by the VA or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking the pricing of this $42.8K BPA call against similar hematology testing contracts is essential for assessing value for money. As a firm fixed-price award under full and open competition, the expectation is competitive pricing. However, without access to the specific unit prices for the tests covered, a direct comparison is challenging. If comparable contracts exist, analyzing their pricing structures, volumes, and contract types (e.g., BPA, FSS, IDIQ) would reveal if Sysmex America, Inc. is offering favorable rates. Factors like geographic location, service level agreements, and the specific menu of tests offered can influence pricing. A comprehensive review would involve examining contract databases for similar procurements to identify any significant deviations that might warrant further investigation into cost-effectiveness.

What are the specific performance metrics and quality assurance measures associated with this hematology testing contract?

Understanding the performance metrics and quality assurance measures for this hematology testing contract is critical for evaluating its effectiveness and ensuring reliable service delivery. While the contract is firm fixed-price, ensuring the quality of the hematology tests performed is paramount for veteran healthcare. Key metrics might include turnaround times for test results, accuracy rates, specimen integrity, and compliance with laboratory standards (e.g., CLIA). The VA likely has established procedures for monitoring contractor performance, potentially through regular reviews, site visits, and feedback mechanisms from the end-users (clinicians and patients). The presence and rigor of these QA measures directly impact the realized value and reliability of the services provided under this BPA call.

What is the track record of Sysmex America, Inc. in fulfilling similar federal contracts, particularly for diagnostic or laboratory services?

Evaluating Sysmex America, Inc.'s track record with federal contracts is important for assessing the risk associated with this $42.8K BPA call. A history of successful performance, timely delivery, and adherence to contract terms with agencies like the VA or other federal entities would indicate a lower performance risk. Conversely, past issues such as contract disputes, quality deficiencies, or missed deadlines could raise concerns. Reviewing past performance evaluations, contract awards, and any publicly available information on their federal contracting history would provide insight into their reliability and capability to meet the VA's requirements for hematology testing. This due diligence helps ensure the chosen contractor can effectively support veteran healthcare needs.

How does the use of a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for these services impact the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness for the VA compared to other procurement methods?

The use of a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for hematology testing services is intended to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness for the VA. BPAs are essentially charge accounts set up with qualified vendors, allowing for streamlined ordering of supplies or services under pre-negotiated terms. This avoids the need for repetitive, individual contract actions for recurring needs. For this $42.8K award, it suggests that the VA has an existing master BPA in place, and this is a call against it. This method typically reduces administrative burden, shortens procurement lead times, and can lead to better pricing through volume commitments or established pricing schedules. Compared to ad-hoc procurements, BPAs generally offer greater efficiency and predictable costs for routine requirements like laboratory testing.

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

Parent Company: Sysmex Corporation

Address: 577 APTAKISIC RD, LINCOLNSHIRE, IL, 60069

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $42,800

Exercised Options: $42,800

Current Obligation: $42,800

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C26023A0009

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline