VA Awards $229K Contract for Fume Hood and Biosafety Cabinet Testing to Atlantic First Industries

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $229,506 ($229.5K)

Contractor: Atlantic First Industries Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2023-01-10

End Date: 2027-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,724 days

Daily Burn Rate: $133/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TESTING AND CERTIFICATION OF FUME HOODS AND BIOSAFETY CABINETS

Place of Performance

Location: PHOENIX, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85012

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $229,506 to ATLANTIC FIRST INDUSTRIES CORPORATION for work described as: TESTING AND CERTIFICATION OF FUME HOODS AND BIOSAFETY CABINETS Key points: 1. Contract value is relatively small at $229,506. 2. Competition was limited under SAP, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. Risk appears low given the nature of testing services. 4. Sector is primarily professional, scientific, and technical services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value is modest, suggesting it's for routine testing services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for laboratory equipment certification would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves limited competition. This method may not yield the most competitive pricing compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal due to the small contract value.

Public Impact

Ensures safety and compliance of laboratory equipment within VA facilities. Supports critical research and healthcare operations by maintaining sterile environments. Provides essential maintenance for specialized equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP
Potential for price escalation over contract duration

Positive Signals

Clear need for essential safety services
Fixed-price contract limits cost overrun risk

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically testing laboratories. Spending in this sector is driven by regulatory compliance and operational needs across government agencies.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were specifically targeted or benefited from this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for oversight. Standard procurement procedures and contract management practices should ensure accountability.

Related Government Programs

Testing Laboratories and Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for higher unit costs
Lack of small business participation noted

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $229,506 to ATLANTIC FIRST INDUSTRIES CORPORATION. TESTING AND CERTIFICATION OF FUME HOODS AND BIOSAFETY CABINETS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ATLANTIC FIRST INDUSTRIES CORPORATION.

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 $229,506.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-01-10. End: 2027-09-30.

What is the typical cost for fume hood and biosafety cabinet testing services?

The typical cost for fume hood and biosafety cabinet testing can vary significantly based on the number of units, type of certification required (e.g., NSF, ASHRAE), location, and the service provider's pricing structure. For routine certification, costs can range from $150 to $500 per unit, with more complex testing or repairs incurring higher fees. This contract's overall value suggests a moderate volume of testing.

What are the risks associated with limited competition for specialized testing services?

Limited competition, especially under SAP, can lead to higher prices than might be achieved through broader solicitation. It also reduces the pool of potential providers, potentially limiting access to specialized expertise or innovative solutions. For essential services like safety equipment testing, ensuring a qualified provider is secured is paramount, but the VA should still monitor pricing against market rates.

How effective is this contract in ensuring the operational readiness of VA laboratories?

This contract is likely effective in ensuring the operational readiness of VA laboratories by providing necessary testing and certification for critical safety equipment. Regular maintenance and certification prevent equipment failure, maintain sterile environments, and protect personnel, all of which are vital for uninterrupted research and healthcare services. The duration of the contract suggests a commitment to ongoing support.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Testing Laboratories and Services

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › INSPECTION SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C26223Q0090

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1129 NORTHERN BLVD STE 404, MANHASSET, NY, 11030

Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $357,908

Exercised Options: $229,506

Current Obligation: $229,506

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline