VA awards $17.6M for electrophoresis instruments, with SEBIA, INC. as the contractor

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,643 ($17.6K)

Contractor: Sebia, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2027-04-05

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $48/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: VISN 22 ELECTROPHORESIS

Place of Performance

Location: PHOENIX, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85012

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $17,643.45 to SEBIA, INC. for work described as: VISN 22 ELECTROPHORESIS Key points: 1. The contract value of $17.6 million for laboratory instruments suggests a significant investment in diagnostic capabilities. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are not detailed, but the award type indicates a structured procurement process. 3. The fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the Department of Veterans Affairs. 4. The duration of one year (364 days) suggests this is for ongoing operational needs or a specific project phase. 5. The product service code for Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing points to a specialized market segment. 6. The contract's focus on electrophoresis instruments is critical for various diagnostic and research applications within healthcare.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $17.6 million for electrophoresis instruments appears reasonable given the specialized nature of laboratory equipment. Without specific benchmark data for comparable electrophoresis systems from SEBIA, INC. or other manufacturers, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that the VA has negotiated a set cost, which is a positive indicator for cost control. The duration of one year also implies a manageable scope for this award.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves a less extensive competition than full and open solicitations. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP is generally used for procurements below certain dollar thresholds, allowing for a streamlined process. This approach can sometimes lead to fewer offers compared to larger, more publicized competitions, potentially impacting the breadth of price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, simplified acquisition procedures can offer efficiency and faster delivery of needed goods and services. However, it's important to ensure that even within SAP, adequate competition is sought to secure the best possible pricing.

Public Impact

Veterans will benefit from improved diagnostic capabilities through advanced electrophoresis technology. The contract supports the delivery of essential laboratory services within the VA healthcare system. The geographic impact is primarily within Arizona (ST: AZ, SN: ARIZONA), where the services or equipment will be deployed. The contract may have implications for specialized technicians and laboratory staff involved in operating and maintaining the instruments.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP could potentially lead to higher prices than a full and open competition.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the contractor's past performance rigorously.
The specific model and capabilities of the electrophoresis instruments are not detailed, hindering a precise technical assessment.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The award is made to SEBIA, INC., a known entity in the laboratory instrument market.
The contract duration is clearly defined, allowing for predictable resource allocation.

Sector Analysis

The market for analytical laboratory instruments is a specialized segment within the broader healthcare technology sector. This contract falls under the manufacturing of such instruments, specifically focusing on electrophoresis technology, which is crucial for separating and analyzing biomolecules like DNA, RNA, and proteins. The total addressable market for laboratory equipment is substantial, driven by advancements in diagnostics, research, and personalized medicine. This award represents a specific procurement within that larger ecosystem, likely supporting the VA's ongoing need for reliable diagnostic tools.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (SB: false, SS: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from set-aside requirements. The primary contractor, SEBIA, INC., is likely a larger entity, and its engagement with small businesses would depend on its own supply chain practices rather than contractual mandates for this specific award.

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 measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring SEBIA, INC. to deliver the specified goods by the deadline. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases, though detailed operational performance data may not always be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Equipment Procurement
Clinical Laboratory Services Contracts
Diagnostic Instrumentation Awards
Analytical Instrument Manufacturing Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to SAP procurement.
Need for detailed performance metrics to fully assess value.
Risk of technical obsolescence in rapidly evolving instrument technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $17,643.45 to SEBIA, INC.. VISN 22 ELECTROPHORESIS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SEBIA, 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 $17,643.45.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2027-04-05.

What is the track record of SEBIA, INC. with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies?

Assessing SEBIA, INC.'s track record with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other federal agencies requires a review of historical contract data. While this specific award is for $17.6 million, understanding their broader performance, including past delivery performance, quality of goods, and adherence to contract terms on previous federal contracts, is crucial. A deeper dive into contract databases like FPDS-NG or SAM.gov could reveal the number and value of previous awards, any reported issues or disputes, and overall satisfaction levels from agencies. This information would provide context on their reliability as a federal contractor and their experience with government procurement processes, particularly within the healthcare or laboratory equipment sectors.

How does the $17.6 million contract value compare to similar electrophoresis instrument procurements by federal agencies?

Benchmarking the $17.6 million contract value for electrophoresis instruments requires comparing it against similar procurements by federal agencies. Factors such as the specific type and capabilities of the electrophoresis systems, the quantity ordered, and the contract duration significantly influence pricing. Without detailed specifications for this particular award, a direct comparison is difficult. However, general market intelligence suggests that advanced laboratory instrumentation can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on complexity and application. If this award covers a large quantity of high-throughput systems or comprehensive service packages, the value might be within the expected range. Conversely, if it's for a smaller number of standard units, further scrutiny of pricing would be warranted.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential delivery delays, equipment malfunction, or the possibility that the procured instruments may not fully meet the VA's evolving diagnostic needs. Given that the contract is for analytical laboratory instruments, technical obsolescence or integration challenges with existing laboratory infrastructure could also pose risks. Mitigation strategies are likely embedded within the contract terms. The firm fixed-price structure helps mitigate financial risks by capping the government's expenditure. The one-year duration allows for a defined period of performance, after which the contract can be re-evaluated or re-competed. Furthermore, the VA's procurement process typically includes technical reviews and acceptance testing to ensure the equipment meets specifications before final payment.

What is the expected program effectiveness and impact of these electrophoresis instruments on VA healthcare services?

The expected program effectiveness of these electrophoresis instruments is to enhance the diagnostic capabilities within VISN 22, supporting the VA's mission to provide comprehensive healthcare to veterans. Electrophoresis is a fundamental technique used in clinical laboratories for a wide range of tests, including the diagnosis of genetic disorders, infectious diseases, and certain types of cancer. By acquiring these instruments, the VA aims to improve the accuracy, speed, and efficiency of laboratory testing. This can lead to faster diagnoses, more targeted treatment plans, and ultimately, better patient outcomes for veterans. The impact extends to potentially reducing the need for external laboratory referrals, thereby improving patient convenience and potentially lowering overall healthcare costs within the VA system.

How has federal spending on analytical laboratory instruments, particularly for electrophoresis, trended over the past five years?

Federal spending on analytical laboratory instruments, including those for electrophoresis, has generally seen a steady or increasing trend over the past five years, driven by advancements in medical research, diagnostics, and public health initiatives. Agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Department of Defense (DoD), as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), are significant purchasers of such equipment. Factors contributing to this trend include the need for more sophisticated diagnostic tools to combat emerging diseases, the expansion of personalized medicine requiring advanced analytical capabilities, and ongoing investments in research and development. While specific figures for electrophoresis instruments alone are hard to isolate, the broader category of laboratory equipment and supplies has experienced consistent demand.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1705 CORPORATE DR STE 400, NORCROSS, GA, 30093

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,643

Exercised Options: $17,643

Current Obligation: $17,643

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C26222D0027

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline