VA awards $66.7M BPA for Fecal Immunochemical Test kits to Polymedco LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $66,700 ($66.7K)

Contractor: Polymedco LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-10-01

End Date: 2025-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $183/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: FECAL IMMUNOCHEMICAL TEST BPA

Place of Performance

Location: CORTLANDT MANOR, WESTCHESTER County, NEW YORK, 10567

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $66,700.48 to POLYMEDCO LLC for work described as: FECAL IMMUNOCHEMICAL TEST BPA Key points: 1. Contract provides a broad range of diagnostic test kits, supporting critical healthcare services. 2. The BPA structure allows for flexible call orders, accommodating fluctuating demand. 3. Fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Sole awardee may limit competitive pressure on pricing over the contract term. 5. Contract duration of one year with options suggests a need for ongoing supply. 6. Geographic coverage appears limited to New York based on awardee location.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $66.7 million for a one-year Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kits appears reasonable given the potential volume of diagnostic tests required by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). While specific per-unit pricing is not detailed here, the firm-fixed-price nature of the call orders under the BPA provides cost certainty. Benchmarking against similar large-scale diagnostic supply contracts would be necessary for a definitive value assessment, but the scale suggests a significant operational need.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The award of a BPA call suggests that the initial solicitation for the BPA itself was competed broadly. The specific number of bidders for this particular call order is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation implies a competitive process was initiated.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for taxpayers by encouraging multiple vendors to offer their best pricing.

Public Impact

Veterans will benefit from timely access to diagnostic testing for colorectal cancer screening. The contract ensures the availability of essential FIT kits for clinical use. Services are primarily delivered within the VA healthcare system, impacting patient care. The contract supports the VA's commitment to preventative health measures for its patient population.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases in subsequent years if competition diminishes after the initial BPA award.
Reliance on a single awardee for a critical supply chain item could pose a risk if the contractor faces production or delivery issues.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price structure protects against unexpected cost escalations.
The BPA mechanism allows for efficient procurement of a recurring need.
Award to a single entity can streamline ordering and reduce administrative burden for the VA.

Sector Analysis

The market for diagnostic laboratory instruments and supplies is substantial, driven by the increasing demand for early disease detection and personalized medicine. This contract falls within the broader healthcare and medical supplies sector, specifically focusing on in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) testing. The VA's significant healthcare footprint necessitates large-scale procurement of such consumables, making this a notable, albeit specialized, contract within the federal healthcare spending landscape.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on small businesses would be through potential subcontracting opportunities if Polymedco LLC engages them. Without further information on subcontracting plans, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem, though large federal contracts often aim to include small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. As a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call, oversight would involve monitoring the issuance of individual call orders against the BPA, ensuring compliance with the contract terms, and verifying that the services and supplies meet the required specifications. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, and the VA's Office of Inspector General would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Supplies Procurement
Diagnostic Testing Services Contracts
Colorectal Cancer Screening Programs
Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) for Medical Equipment and Supplies

Risk Flags

Sole awardee risk for critical supplies
Potential for price increases over contract term
Limited geographic scope indicated by awardee location

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $66,700.48 to POLYMEDCO LLC. FECAL IMMUNOCHEMICAL TEST BPA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is POLYMEDCO LLC.

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 $66,700.48.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-01. End: 2025-09-30.

What is the historical spending by the VA on Fecal Immunochemical Test kits?

Analyzing historical spending on FIT kits by the VA is crucial for contextualizing the current $66.7 million award. While this specific data point is not available in the provided snippet, a comprehensive review would involve querying federal procurement databases (like FPDS or USASpending) for previous contracts awarded for FIT kits or similar colorectal cancer screening diagnostic tools. This analysis would reveal trends in volume, pricing, and contractor performance over time. Understanding past expenditures helps in assessing whether the current award represents an increase or decrease in investment, and whether pricing aligns with historical norms or reflects market shifts. It also informs projections for future needs and budget planning.

How does the pricing of Polymedco LLC's FIT kits compare to other federal contracts or the commercial market?

A key aspect of value assessment is benchmarking the pricing of Polymedco LLC's FIT kits. This involves comparing the per-unit cost under this BPA call to prices paid by other federal agencies for similar products, or to prices listed on the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) if applicable. Additionally, comparing these prices to prevailing commercial market rates provides further insight. Without the specific unit prices from the BPA call orders, a direct comparison is challenging. However, if such data were available, it would allow an assessment of whether the VA is achieving competitive pricing. Significant deviations from benchmarks could indicate either exceptional value or potential overpayment, warranting further investigation into product specifications and market dynamics.

What is Polymedco LLC's track record with the VA and other federal agencies?

Evaluating Polymedco LLC's past performance is essential for understanding the reliability and quality associated with this contract. This involves reviewing their contract history with the VA and other federal agencies, looking for indicators such as timely delivery, product quality, and adherence to contract terms. Data from contract performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) can provide valuable insights. A history of successful contract completions suggests a lower risk profile, while past issues, such as delivery delays or quality complaints, might raise concerns about the contractor's ability to meet the demands of this new $66.7 million BPA. A strong track record typically correlates with better overall value.

What are the specific types and quantities of FIT kits covered under this BPA?

The description 'FECAL IMMUNOCHEMICAL TEST BPA' is broad. To fully assess the contract's value and impact, understanding the specific types and quantities of FIT kits procured is necessary. Are these standard kits, or do they include specialized assays? What is the anticipated volume per kit type? This level of detail allows for a more accurate comparison with market prices and historical data. It also helps in understanding the scope of the services being supported. For instance, different types of FIT kits might be used for different screening protocols or patient populations, influencing the overall cost and effectiveness of the VA's colorectal cancer screening initiatives.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole awardee BPA for critical medical supplies?

Awarding a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) to a single vendor, even if the initial BPA was competed, carries inherent risks, particularly for critical medical supplies like FIT kits. These risks include potential supply chain disruptions if the sole awardee experiences production issues, natural disasters, or financial instability. It can also lead to reduced competitive pressure on pricing over time, potentially resulting in higher costs for the government in subsequent years or if modifications are needed. Furthermore, a sole awardee might have less incentive to innovate or improve service levels compared to a market with multiple competing suppliers. The VA must have robust contingency plans in place to mitigate these risks.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 510 FURNACE DOCK RD, CORTLANDT MANOR, NY, 10567

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $66,700

Exercised Options: $66,700

Current Obligation: $66,700

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C26324A0007

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline