NIH awards $25K for PCR detection systems, highlighting analytical instrument needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,995 ($25.0K)

Contractor: Government Scientific Source Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2020-06-25

End Date: 2020-07-31

Contract Duration: 36 days

Daily Burn Rate: $694/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: PCR DETECTION SYSTEM GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC:1108892 [20-010151]

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20191

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $24,994.5 to GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC for work described as: PCR DETECTION SYSTEM GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC:1108892 [20-010151] Key points: 1. The contract value of $24,994.50 is relatively small, suggesting a specific, limited need. 2. Procurement through a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call indicates an existing framework agreement, potentially streamlining the process. 3. The short performance period (June 25, 2020, to July 31, 2020) points to an urgent or time-sensitive requirement. 4. Fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 5. The award to Government Scientific Source Inc. suggests a reliance on established suppliers for specialized scientific equipment. 6. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a primary consumer of such analytical instruments for research purposes.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $24,994.50 is modest, making direct comparison to larger contracts difficult. However, for analytical laboratory instruments, this price point appears reasonable for a specific system or component. The fixed-price nature of the award provides cost certainty. Benchmarking against similar NIH procurements for PCR detection systems would offer further insight into value for money, but the limited data available suggests a fair price for the specified goods.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific mechanism used was a BPA Call, which implies that a broader contract vehicle was already in place, and this award was made against that existing agreement. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a competitive process was followed.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for taxpayers by encouraging a wider range of suppliers to offer their best pricing.

Public Impact

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) benefit from access to necessary analytical equipment for their scientific studies. The contract supports the delivery of analytical laboratory instruments, crucial for diagnostic and research applications. The geographic impact is primarily within NIH facilities, likely in Virginia given the awardee's state. The contract supports the scientific research workforce by providing essential tools for their work.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Short performance period could indicate potential for rushed delivery or unforeseen logistical challenges.
Lack of detailed specifications for the 'PCR DETECTION SYSTEM' makes it difficult to assess if the most advanced or cost-effective solution was procured.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a fair and transparent process.
Fixed-price contract type limits the government's exposure to cost increases.
Procurement through an existing BPA Call likely indicates efficiency and potentially pre-negotiated favorable terms.

Sector Analysis

The market for analytical laboratory instruments, including PCR detection systems, is a specialized segment within the broader scientific equipment industry. This sector is characterized by innovation, stringent quality requirements, and a customer base heavily reliant on research institutions and healthcare providers. Spending in this area by agencies like NIH is consistent with their mission to advance biomedical research. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other NIH or similar agency procurements for PCR equipment, which can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars depending on system complexity and quantity.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Government Scientific Source Inc. is the awardee, and their size status is not provided. Without further information on subcontracting plans or the awardee's size, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear. However, larger prime contractors often engage small businesses for specialized components or services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would fall under the purview of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a component of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Standard procurement regulations and contract administration processes would apply. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General oversight for HHS would cover potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this award, although the small value may limit the intensity of such scrutiny.

Related Government Programs

NIH Research Grants
Biomedical Research Equipment
Diagnostic Testing Supplies
Laboratory Instrument Procurement

Risk Flags

Short contract duration may indicate potential for schedule slippage if not managed closely.
Lack of detailed system specifications in the summary data limits full assessment of value and suitability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $24,994.5 to GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC. PCR DETECTION SYSTEM GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC:1108892 [20-010151]

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $24,994.5.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-06-25. End: 2020-07-31.

What is the specific type and model of the PCR detection system procured?

The provided data does not specify the exact model or detailed technical specifications of the 'PCR DETECTION SYSTEM'. It only indicates the product category as 'Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing' (NAICS code 334516). To understand the system's capabilities, performance, and suitability for NIH's needs, a review of the specific purchase order or statement of work associated with this BPA Call would be necessary. This would detail whether it's a real-time PCR, digital PCR, or another variant, and its intended application within NIH's research.

How does the price of $24,994.50 compare to similar PCR detection systems purchased by the government?

Without knowing the specific model and configuration, a precise comparison is challenging. However, the $24,994.50 award value falls within a common range for mid-tier to high-end PCR detection systems, especially when considering instruments with advanced features or for specialized research applications. Government Scientific Source Inc. is a known supplier, and their pricing is generally competitive. A broader analysis of NIH or other federal agency procurements for similar instruments over the past 1-3 years would be needed to establish a robust benchmark. Factors like included software, consumables, warranty, and service contracts significantly influence the total price.

What is the track record of Government Scientific Source Inc. in fulfilling federal contracts for scientific equipment?

Government Scientific Source Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts, primarily for scientific and laboratory equipment. Their performance record, based on available contract data, generally indicates successful fulfillment of orders. As the awardee for this specific BPA Call, they were selected to provide the PCR detection system. A deeper dive into their past performance ratings, any past disputes, or contract terminations would provide a more comprehensive view of their reliability as a federal contractor. Their consistent presence in government solicitations suggests a capacity to meet federal procurement requirements.

What specific research or operational need does this PCR detection system fulfill for the NIH?

The data indicates the procurement is for a 'PCR DETECTION SYSTEM' under the NAICS code for 'Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing'. This strongly suggests the system is intended for biological research, diagnostics, or related scientific analysis conducted by the National Institutes of Health. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technology is fundamental for amplifying DNA or RNA, enabling applications such as gene sequencing, pathogen detection, genetic analysis, and disease research. The specific need could range from supporting a particular research project investigating a disease to equipping a laboratory with essential analytical capabilities.

What is the historical spending trend for PCR detection systems at NIH?

Historical spending trends for PCR detection systems at NIH are likely substantial, given NIH's mission and extensive research activities. While this specific $24,994.50 award is modest, NIH procures a wide array of laboratory equipment, including numerous PCR instruments, over time. Annual spending can fluctuate based on research priorities, funding cycles, and technological advancements. Analyzing aggregated contract data for PCR equipment over several fiscal years would reveal trends in spending volume, average award values, and the types of PCR systems most frequently acquired. This specific award represents a small fraction of the overall NIH investment in such technologies.

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: 12351 SUNRISE VALLEY DR, RESTON, VA, 20191

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,995

Exercised Options: $24,995

Current Obligation: $24,995

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSN263201000064B

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline