VA awards $3.1M for quality control supplies, with 3 bidders competing for this delivery order

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,105,243 ($3.1M)

Contractor: Government Scientific Source Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2023-01-10

End Date: 2026-02-06

Contract Duration: 1,123 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: QUALITY CONTROL SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS

Place of Performance

Location: LONG BEACH, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90822

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $3.1 million to GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC for work described as: QUALITY CONTROL SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS Key points: 1. The contract value of $3.1M appears reasonable given the duration and scope. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these specialized supplies. 3. The fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. This award supports the VA's mission to provide quality healthcare to veterans. 5. The supplier is a known entity within the government scientific sourcing landscape.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.1M over approximately three years for quality control supplies seems within a reasonable range for government procurement. Benchmarking against similar contracts for analytical laboratory instruments and related supplies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure helps control costs, but without detailed line-item breakdowns, a granular comparison is difficult. The number of bidders (3) suggests moderate competition, which typically leads to fair pricing.

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 bids. Three bidders participated in this procurement, suggesting a moderate level of competition. While more bidders could potentially drive prices lower, three participants generally allow for some price discovery and ensure that the government receives offers from multiple qualified vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that encourages reasonable pricing for essential quality control supplies.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving care from VA facilities benefit from the availability of reliable quality control supplies, ensuring the accuracy of medical testing. The contract supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' operational efficiency by providing necessary materials for laboratory functions. The primary geographic impact is within the United States, supporting VA medical centers and laboratories nationwide. This contract does not appear to have significant direct workforce implications beyond the supplier's operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases in future contract renewals if competition diminishes.
Reliance on a single supplier for a critical need could pose a risk if supply chain issues arise.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits cost escalation risks.
Full and open competition provides a baseline for fair market pricing.
Awarded to a known government supplier, suggesting established reliability.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector, specifically related to supplies and materials used in quality control processes. This sector is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of diagnostic and research testing across various industries, including healthcare. Government spending in this area is consistent with the need for robust quality assurance in federal agencies, particularly in healthcare and scientific research.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award went to Government Scientific Source Inc., a company that may or may not be a small business itself, but the procurement mechanism did not prioritize small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are part of the supply chain for this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for monitoring contract performance and ensuring compliance with terms and conditions. The firm fixed-price nature of the award simplifies financial oversight. Transparency is maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General oversight would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Supplies Procurement
Laboratory Equipment and Reagents
Federal Healthcare Supply Chain Management
Quality Assurance Materials

Risk Flags

Potential supply chain vulnerability
Dependence on specific product lines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $3.1 million to GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC. QUALITY CONTROL SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS

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 $3.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-01-10. End: 2026-02-06.

What is the historical spending pattern for quality control supplies by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for quality control supplies by the VA is crucial for understanding trends, identifying potential cost savings, and assessing the consistency of procurement strategies. While specific data for 'quality control supplies' alone can be broad, examining broader categories like 'laboratory equipment and supplies' or 'medical consumables' over the past 5-10 years would reveal spending volumes, average contract values, and the prevalence of different contract types (e.g., FFP, cost-plus). This historical context helps benchmark the current $3.1M award against past investments and identify any significant deviations or escalations in spending that might warrant further investigation into market dynamics or program needs.

How does the per-unit cost of these quality control supplies compare to commercial market rates?

A detailed comparison of per-unit costs for the quality control supplies procured under this contract against commercial market rates is essential for evaluating value for money. This requires obtaining specific itemized lists from the contract award and comparing them with pricing from major commercial suppliers or distributors. Factors such as volume discounts, delivery terms, and specific product specifications must be considered for an accurate benchmark. If the government's per-unit costs are significantly higher than commercial rates, it could indicate inefficiencies in the procurement process, lack of sufficient competition, or unique government-specific requirements driving up the price. Conversely, costs at or below market rates would suggest effective procurement.

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

Assessing the track record of Government Scientific Source Inc. is vital for understanding the reliability and performance associated with this contract. Reviewing their past performance history, including on-time delivery rates, quality of goods provided, and any past performance issues or disputes with federal agencies, particularly the VA, provides insight into their capabilities. Data from contract databases can reveal the number and value of previous contracts awarded to this vendor, the agencies they have served, and their overall performance ratings. A history of successful contract completion suggests a lower risk for this current award, while a pattern of issues might raise concerns about potential disruptions or subpar performance.

What specific types of quality control supplies are included in this $3.1M contract?

Understanding the specific types of quality control supplies covered under this $3.1M contract is fundamental to assessing its scope and necessity. The broad category 'QUALITY CONTROL SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS' can encompass a wide range of items, from reagents and calibration standards to testing kits and specialized consumables for analytical instruments. Knowing the precise nature of these supplies helps in evaluating their criticality to VA operations, identifying potential alternative sources or substitutes, and benchmarking costs against comparable items. For instance, if the contract primarily covers high-cost, specialized reagents, the $3.1M value might be justified; if it includes more common consumables, a closer look at pricing and competition would be warranted.

Are there any identified risks associated with the performance or delivery of these quality control supplies?

Identifying potential risks associated with the performance and delivery of these quality control supplies is a key aspect of contract oversight. Risks could include supply chain disruptions (e.g., manufacturer backorders, shipping delays), quality control issues with the materials themselves (leading to inaccurate test results), or obsolescence of the products. Given that these are laboratory supplies, maintaining lot traceability and ensuring proper storage and handling are also critical. The firm fixed-price nature mitigates financial risk for the government, but performance risks remain. The VA's quality assurance personnel would typically monitor these aspects, and the vendor's past performance history can offer clues about potential vulnerabilities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › LABORATORY TESTING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12355 SUNRISE VALLEY DR STE 400, RESTON, VA, 20191

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,789,741

Exercised Options: $3,105,243

Current Obligation: $3,105,243

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F5934R

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline