VA awards $257K contract for Legionella testing services to Phigenics LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $257,372 ($257.4K)

Contractor: Phigenics LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2019-11-10

End Date: 2024-11-09

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $141/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: LEGIONELLA TESTING SF VA

Place of Performance

Location: SAN FRANCISCO, SAN FRANCISCO County, CALIFORNIA, 94121

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $257,372 to PHIGENICS LLC for work described as: LEGIONELLA TESTING SF VA Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of 1826 days (5 years) indicates a long-term need for these services. 3. Services fall under 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services,' a broad category. 4. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 5. Awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, likely to support healthcare facility safety. 6. The contract value is relatively small, suggesting a focused scope of work.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $257,372 over five years averages to approximately $51,474 per year. Without specific benchmarks for Legionella testing services for healthcare facilities of the VA's scale, it's difficult to definitively assess value. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty. Comparing this to similar contracts for environmental consulting services within the VA or other federal agencies would be necessary for a more precise value assessment. The relatively modest total award suggests a potentially efficient service delivery model.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The number of bidders is not specified in the provided data, but the designation implies a competitive process was utilized. This approach is generally expected to yield fair market prices and encourage innovation from potential contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition allows taxpayers to benefit from potentially lower prices due to competitive pressures and ensures that the government is not limited to a single provider, fostering a more efficient use of public funds.

Public Impact

Veterans in VA healthcare facilities benefit from enhanced water safety protocols. Services delivered include specialized testing and consulting to prevent Legionella outbreaks. The contract has a geographic impact primarily within California, where the contractor is located, but likely supports VA facilities nationwide. Workforce implications include specialized scientific and technical consulting roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if testing requirements expand beyond initial parameters.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical safety service could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
Ensuring consistent quality of testing and reporting across all VA facilities covered.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
Fixed-price contract type helps manage budget predictability.
Long contract duration suggests a stable, ongoing need and potential for established service quality.

Sector Analysis

Legionella testing and water safety consulting is a niche but critical segment within the broader environmental consulting and scientific services sector. This sector is vital for public health, particularly in healthcare settings where vulnerable populations reside. The market includes specialized firms focusing on waterborne pathogen detection and prevention strategies. The VA's spending in this area reflects a commitment to maintaining safe healthcare environments, aligning with regulatory requirements and best practices in facility management.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, small businesses were eligible to compete alongside larger firms. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether any small businesses participated in the competition or were subcontracted by the prime contractor, Phigenics LLC.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract, requiring Phigenics LLC to deliver specified services within the agreed budget. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract were suspected.

Related Government Programs

VA Healthcare Facility Maintenance
Environmental Consulting Services
Water Quality Monitoring
Public Health Services
Infection Control Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for inadequate performance impacting patient safety.
Reliance on contractor expertise for critical health service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $257,372 to PHIGENICS LLC. LEGIONELLA TESTING SF VA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PHIGENICS LLC.

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 $257,372.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-11-10. End: 2024-11-09.

What is the track record of Phigenics LLC in performing similar Legionella testing and consulting services for federal agencies?

Phigenics LLC is a specialized environmental consulting firm focused on water safety and Legionella risk management. While this specific award is from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the company's primary business involves providing such services to a wide range of clients, including healthcare facilities, commercial buildings, and industrial sites. Their expertise lies in water system assessments, risk management plans, and compliance with regulatory standards like ASHRAE 188. Information on their specific track record with federal agencies beyond this award would require a deeper dive into federal procurement databases, but their specialization suggests a strong capability in this niche service area. Their website and industry presence indicate a focus on preventing waterborne diseases through comprehensive water management programs.

How does the awarded amount compare to typical annual spending on Legionella testing by large healthcare systems?

The awarded amount of $257,372 over five years equates to an average annual spend of approximately $51,474. For large healthcare systems, particularly those with numerous facilities like the VA, annual spending on comprehensive water management programs, including Legionella testing, can vary significantly. Factors such as the number of buildings, complexity of water systems, testing frequency, and scope of consulting services influence costs. While $51,474 per year might seem modest for a system as large as the VA, it could represent a specific set of facilities or a defined scope of services within a larger water management strategy. Benchmarking against similar-sized healthcare organizations or specific VA facility needs would provide better context for value.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance deficiencies by the contractor (Phigenics LLC), leading to inadequate testing or reporting, which could compromise patient safety. Another risk is the potential for cost overruns if the fixed-price contract doesn't adequately account for unforeseen complexities, although this is less likely with a firm-fixed-price structure. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract oversight by the VA's contracting officer and program managers, clear performance standards and deliverables outlined in the contract, and regular performance reviews. The competitive award process itself helps mitigate the risk of selecting an unqualified vendor. Furthermore, the long-term nature of the contract allows for building a relationship and addressing issues proactively.

What is the expected effectiveness of these Legionella testing services in preventing outbreaks within VA facilities?

The effectiveness of these Legionella testing services hinges on the quality of Phigenics LLC's work and the VA's implementation of their recommendations. Legionella testing, when part of a comprehensive water management program, is a critical tool for identifying risks and preventing outbreaks. Regular testing helps detect the presence of Legionella bacteria, allowing for timely remediation efforts such as flushing, disinfection, or system modifications. The VA's commitment to this service, indicated by a five-year contract, suggests a proactive approach to water safety. The ultimate effectiveness will depend on adherence to protocols, proper maintenance of water systems, and the integration of testing results into broader infection control strategies within the facilities.

How has the VA's spending on Legionella testing and related consulting services evolved over the past five years?

Analyzing the VA's spending evolution on Legionella testing and related consulting requires access to historical procurement data beyond this single contract award. This specific contract, awarded in late 2019, represents a portion of the VA's overall expenditure in this area. To understand the trend, one would need to aggregate all contracts related to water safety, Legionella testing, and environmental consulting awarded by the VA over the past five years. Factors influencing spending could include changes in regulatory requirements, increased awareness of waterborne pathogens, specific incidents, or shifts in healthcare facility management priorities. Without this broader data set, it's impossible to determine the evolutionary spending pattern.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS TESTING

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: 3S701 WEST AVE, WARRENVILLE, IL, 60555

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $257,372

Exercised Options: $257,372

Current Obligation: $257,372

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS21F0041Y

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline