VA awards $84,815 contract for hemochron reagents, supplies, and consumables

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $84,816 ($84.8K)

Contractor: Government Scientific Source Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2021-01-01

End Date: 2025-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $46/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: REAGENTS, SUPPLIES AND CONSUMABLES FOR HEMOCHRON SIGNATURE ELITE

Place of Performance

Location: TUCSON, PIMA County, ARIZONA, 85723

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $84,815.51 to GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC for work described as: REAGENTS, SUPPLIES AND CONSUMABLES FOR HEMOCHRON SIGNATURE ELITE Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Government Scientific Source Inc. for essential laboratory supplies. 2. The contract duration spans five years, indicating a long-term need for these critical items. 3. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on cost-effectiveness for smaller purchases. 4. The fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the agency. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 325413 points to a specialized manufacturing sector. 6. The contract is for reagents, supplies, and consumables, vital for diagnostic testing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $84,815 over five years appears reasonable for specialized diagnostic reagents and consumables. Benchmarking against similar contracts for in-vitro diagnostic substances is challenging without more specific product details. However, the award to a single vendor under SAP suggests a competitive process that likely yielded fair market pricing for the specified items. The fixed-price nature of the award further supports predictable cost management.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a broad solicitation to a wide range of potential offerors. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, SAP is designed to encourage competition for purchases below certain thresholds. This process generally leads to competitive pricing and ensures that the government receives good value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP for this contract likely resulted in competitive pricing, benefiting taxpayers by ensuring the government did not overpay for these essential laboratory supplies.

Public Impact

Veterans Affairs medical facilities benefit from a reliable supply of critical diagnostic reagents. Ensures timely and accurate laboratory testing for patient care within the VA system. Supports the operational efficiency of diagnostic laboratories across the VA. Indirectly benefits healthcare professionals by providing necessary tools for their work.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions if Government Scientific Source Inc. faces production or distribution issues.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical consumables could pose a risk if alternatives are not readily available.
Ensuring consistent quality of reagents over the five-year contract period requires ongoing monitoring.

Positive Signals

Long-term contract provides supply chain stability for essential diagnostic materials.
Award to an established vendor suggests a degree of reliability and experience.
Fixed-price contract offers budget predictability for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the In-Vitro Diagnostic Substance Manufacturing sector, a critical component of the broader healthcare and life sciences industry. This sector is characterized by specialized production, stringent quality control, and a focus on scientific innovation. The market size for such diagnostic reagents is substantial, driven by the increasing demand for accurate and rapid disease detection and monitoring. This contract represents a small but vital portion of the government's spending on medical supplies and services.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans for this specific contract is not available in the provided data. However, contracts awarded under SAP can sometimes include provisions for small business participation, depending on the specific solicitation and agency goals. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program officials within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Accountability is ensured through the terms and conditions of the purchase order, including delivery schedules and quality specifications. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases where award information is recorded. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Medical Supplies and Equipment
Diagnostic Laboratory Services
In-Vitro Diagnostic Substances
Healthcare Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruption
Dependence on a single vendor
Quality control of reagents over contract duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $84,815.51 to GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC. REAGENTS, SUPPLIES AND CONSUMABLES FOR HEMOCHRON SIGNATURE ELITE

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 $84,815.51.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-01-01. End: 2025-12-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for hemochron reagents and related supplies by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for hemochron reagents and related supplies by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requires access to detailed procurement data over multiple fiscal years. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to provide precise figures. However, the VA, as a large healthcare provider, consistently procures a wide range of laboratory consumables, including reagents for diagnostic testing. Spending in this category is influenced by factors such as the number of VA medical centers, patient volume, the types of diagnostic tests performed, and advancements in medical technology. Contracts for such items are often awarded through competitive bidding processes, with durations varying based on agency needs and budget cycles. A trend analysis would likely show fluctuations tied to budgetary allocations and specific program requirements, but a consistent need for these essential supplies is expected.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar hemochron reagents and consumables?

Directly comparing the awarded price of $84,815 for hemochron reagents, supplies, and consumables to precise market rates is challenging without specific product identifiers and quantities. The contract was awarded to Government Scientific Source Inc. under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a competitive process that likely aimed for fair market value. To conduct a thorough comparison, one would need to identify comparable products from other manufacturers or distributors and analyze their pricing structures, considering factors like volume discounts, contract terms, and delivery logistics. Benchmarking against publicly available price lists or consulting industry pricing databases could provide an estimate. However, the fixed-price nature of this award indicates that the VA has secured a defined cost for the duration, which is a positive indicator of price certainty.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single vendor for these critical laboratory supplies?

Relying on a single vendor, Government Scientific Source Inc. in this case, for critical laboratory supplies like hemochron reagents presents several potential risks. Firstly, there's a risk of supply chain disruption; if the vendor experiences production issues, logistical challenges, or faces financial instability, the VA could face shortages, impacting patient care. Secondly, a lack of competition could lead to price increases in future contract renewals or reduced incentives for the vendor to maintain high service levels. Thirdly, if the vendor's product quality degrades or becomes inconsistent, it could affect the accuracy of diagnostic tests. To mitigate these risks, the VA could explore options such as maintaining safety stock, identifying alternative suppliers for critical items, and closely monitoring the vendor's performance and financial health throughout the contract period.

What is the track record of Government Scientific Source Inc. in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for medical supplies?

Government Scientific Source Inc. has a history of fulfilling federal contracts, primarily within the medical and scientific supply domain. Publicly available contract databases indicate that the company has been awarded numerous contracts across various federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, and others. These awards often pertain to laboratory equipment, reagents, consumables, and other scientific materials. Analyzing the performance history of these past contracts, including on-time delivery rates, product quality compliance, and any reported disputes or issues, would provide a comprehensive understanding of their track record. Generally, continued awards suggest a satisfactory performance history, but a detailed review of past performance evaluations would offer more definitive insights.

How does this contract align with the VA's broader objectives for laboratory services and diagnostic capabilities?

This contract for hemochron reagents, supplies, and consumables directly supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) broader objectives for maintaining robust laboratory services and diagnostic capabilities. Reliable access to high-quality reagents is fundamental for accurate and timely diagnostic testing, which is crucial for effective patient care, disease management, and treatment monitoring within the VA healthcare system. By ensuring a consistent supply of these essential items, the VA can uphold the operational efficiency of its clinical laboratories, enabling healthcare providers to make informed clinical decisions. This contract contributes to the VA's mission of providing comprehensive healthcare to veterans by equipping its facilities with the necessary tools for essential diagnostic procedures.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing › In-Vitro Diagnostic Substance Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C26221Q0144

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12351 SUNRISE VALLEY DR, RESTON, VA, 20191

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $350,475

Exercised Options: $84,816

Current Obligation: $84,816

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline