VA awards $230K for blood bank analyzers, highlighting equipment rental needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $229,856 ($229.9K)

Contractor: Immucor Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-10-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $315/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: NLV BLOOD BANK ANALYZERS BASE YEAR

Place of Performance

Location: PEACHTREE CORNERS, GWINNETT County, GEORGIA, 30071

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $229,856.22 to IMMUCOR INC for work described as: NLV BLOOD BANK ANALYZERS BASE YEAR Key points: 1. Rental of specialized medical equipment addresses immediate operational needs. 2. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overruns for the government. 4. The duration of the contract indicates a medium-term need for these analyzers. 5. The specific NAICS code points to a niche market within equipment leasing. 6. This award reflects ongoing investment in diagnostic capabilities within the VA.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The base year value of $229,856.22 for blood bank analyzers appears reasonable for specialized medical equipment rental. Benchmarking against similar contracts for diagnostic equipment leasing within the VA or other federal agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract offers cost certainty. Without specific per-unit rental costs or detailed service inclusions, a definitive value assessment is challenging, but the overall award size suggests a focused need rather than a large-scale acquisition.

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 bids. This suggests a healthy level of competition for the provision of blood bank analyzers. The number of bidders is not specified, but the chosen procurement method generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition awards.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by leveraging market forces to secure competitive pricing for essential medical equipment.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving care at VA facilities will benefit from accurate and timely blood analysis. The contract ensures the availability of critical diagnostic equipment for laboratory services. The geographic impact is primarily within the VA facilities served by this contract, likely concentrated in Georgia. This supports the healthcare workforce by providing necessary tools for medical technicians and lab personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased maintenance or support costs beyond the base year.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical equipment could pose supply chain risks.
Ensuring the equipment meets the latest technological standards throughout the rental period.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating market availability and choice.
Fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability.
The contract supports essential healthcare services for veterans.

Sector Analysis

The market for medical equipment rental and leasing is a significant segment of the broader healthcare industry. This contract falls under the 'Other Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing' category (NAICS 532490), which encompasses a wide range of specialized equipment. The Department of Veterans Affairs, like other federal healthcare providers, relies on such contracts to maintain state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities without the capital expenditure of purchasing equipment outright. Benchmarking spending in this category often involves comparing rates for similar diagnostic or laboratory equipment across different healthcare systems.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions for this contract, nor does it mention subcontracting goals. As the contract was awarded under full and open competition, it's possible that small businesses could have participated if they met the requirements. However, without explicit set-aside language, the primary focus is likely on the most capable and competitive offerors, which may or may not include small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for the oversight of this contract. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract terms, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Medical Equipment Maintenance Services
Diagnostic Laboratory Services
Veterans Health Administration Medical Supplies and Equipment

Risk Flags

Potential for obsolescence of rented equipment over the contract term.
Reliance on vendor for timely maintenance and repairs.
Need for clear performance metrics to ensure service quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $229,856.22 to IMMUCOR INC. NLV BLOOD BANK ANALYZERS BASE YEAR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IMMUCOR 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 $229,856.22.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the specific type and model of blood bank analyzers being rented, and what are their technical specifications?

The provided data does not specify the exact make, model, or technical specifications of the blood bank analyzers being rented under this contract. The description 'NLV BLOOD BANK ANALYZERS' is generic. To determine the specific equipment, one would need to consult the detailed contract award documents or associated statements of work. Understanding the specifications is crucial for assessing if the rented equipment meets the clinical needs of the VA facilities and for comparing its capabilities against market alternatives or existing VA equipment.

How does the rental cost compare to purchasing similar blood bank analyzers outright, considering maintenance and upgrade cycles?

Comparing the rental cost to purchasing requires a total cost of ownership analysis. The base year rental cost is $229,856.22. To evaluate this, we would need to estimate the purchase price of comparable analyzers, including initial acquisition, installation, ongoing maintenance contracts (often 5-10% of purchase price annually), software updates, and potential upgrade costs over a 5-7 year lifecycle. If the rental period is significantly shorter than a typical equipment lifespan, or if it includes comprehensive maintenance and upgrades, the rental might be cost-effective. Conversely, if the rental term is long and maintenance is not fully covered, purchasing could be more economical.

What is the track record of IMMUCOR INC in providing similar medical equipment rental services to the federal government?

Immucor Inc. is a known provider of solutions for transfusion medicine, including reagents and instruments. Information regarding their specific track record in federal government contracts for *rental* of blood bank analyzers would need to be sourced from federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) by searching for past awards to Immucor Inc. for similar services. Analyzing past performance, contract values, and any reported issues or successes would provide insight into their reliability and capability in fulfilling this VA contract.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) associated with this rental contract?

The provided summary data does not detail the specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for this contract. Typically, such contracts would include metrics related to equipment uptime, response time for maintenance and repairs, delivery timelines for consumables (if applicable), and accuracy of analysis. These KPIs and SLAs are crucial for ensuring the equipment functions reliably and meets the operational demands of the VA's blood banking services. The contract document itself would contain these specific performance expectations.

What is the historical spending pattern of the Department of Veterans Affairs on blood bank analyzers, both through rental and purchase?

To assess historical spending patterns, one would need to query federal procurement databases for all VA contracts related to 'blood bank analyzers' over several fiscal years. This analysis should differentiate between rental agreements and outright purchases. Examining trends in contract values, award types (competition levels), and contract durations would reveal whether the VA has a consistent strategy for acquiring these analyzers, or if spending fluctuates based on specific needs or budget cycles. This contract's $229,856.22 base year value can then be contextualized within this historical spending landscape.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Real Estate and Rental and Leasing › Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing › Other Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing

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: 3130, GATEWAY DRIVE, NORCROSS, GA, 30071

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $499,277

Exercised Options: $261,536

Current Obligation: $229,856

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F0399U

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline