VA Awards $1.8M Contract for Mammogram QA to Atirix Medical Systems
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,140 ($18.1K)
Contractor: Atirix Medical Systems Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
Start Date: 2025-08-11
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 415 days
Daily Burn Rate: $44/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Healthcare
Official Description: MAMMOGRAM QA
Place of Performance
Location: PALO ALTO, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94304
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $18,140 to ATIRIX MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC for work described as: MAMMOGRAM QA Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Atirix Medical Systems Inc. for Mammogram QA. 2. The contract value is $1,814,000. 3. The award was made by the Department of Veterans Affairs. 4. The period of performance is from August 11, 2025, to September 30, 2026. 5. The NAICS code is 541690 (Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services).
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $1.8M for Mammogram QA services appears reasonable given the 415-day duration. However, without specific performance metrics or benchmarks for similar QA services, a precise value assessment is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source or limited competition award. This method may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to a fully competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these services.
Public Impact
Ensures quality assurance for mammogram services, directly impacting veteran healthcare. Supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' mission to provide comprehensive medical care. Potential for improved diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes through robust QA. Highlights the VA's reliance on specialized technical consulting services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 44 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpayment due to sole-source award
Positive Signals
- Focus on critical healthcare service (mammography QA)
- Clear contract duration and value
Sector Analysis
The healthcare sector, particularly diagnostic imaging quality assurance, is critical for patient safety and effective treatment. Spending in this area is driven by regulatory requirements and the need for specialized expertise, often involving consulting services.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Future solicitations could explore opportunities for small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. The 'NOT COMPETED' status warrants scrutiny to ensure the justification for sole-source procurement is robust and that the pricing is fair and reasonable.
Related Government Programs
- Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
- Department of Veterans Affairs Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for inflated pricing
- Limited transparency on justification for sole-source award
- No clear indication of small business participation
Tags
other-scientific-and-technical-consultin, department-of-veterans-affairs, ca, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $18,140 to ATIRIX MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC. MAMMOGRAM QA
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ATIRIX MEDICAL SYSTEMS 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 $18,140.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-08-11. End: 2026-09-30.
What is the specific scope of work for Mammogram QA, and how does it align with industry best practices?
The specific scope of work for Mammogram QA is not detailed in the provided data. However, it typically involves ensuring that mammography equipment functions correctly, images meet diagnostic standards, and radiologist interpretations are accurate. This includes regular calibration, performance testing, and adherence to regulatory guidelines like those from the FDA's MQSA. Effective QA is crucial for early cancer detection and patient safety.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps were taken to ensure fair pricing?
The justification for this sole-source award is not provided. Typically, sole-source contracts are used when only one responsible source can provide the required supply or service. The VA would need to document why Atirix Medical Systems Inc. is the only viable option. To ensure fair pricing, the VA should have conducted a price analysis, comparing proposed costs to historical prices, commercial prices, or other available data, even without competition.
How will the effectiveness of Atirix Medical Systems' QA services be measured to ensure value for taxpayer money?
The effectiveness of Atirix Medical Systems' QA services will likely be measured through performance metrics outlined in the contract. These could include adherence to schedules, accuracy of QA reports, successful identification and resolution of equipment issues, and compliance with VA and regulatory standards. The VA should monitor these metrics and conduct regular performance reviews to ensure the contractor is meeting expectations and delivering value.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: 36C261-25-AP-4073
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 10201 WAYZATA BLVD, HOPKINS, MN, 55305
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,140
Exercised Options: $18,140
Current Obligation: $18,140
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-08-11
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-01
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