NIH Spends $11,150 on Research Antibodies and Assays from Research and Diagnostic Systems, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,150 ($11.2K)

Contractor: Research and Diagnostic Systems, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2020-04-23

End Date: 2020-04-23

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: HUMAN ACE-2 ANTIBODY, HUMAN EMMPRIN/DC147 ANTIBODY, HUMAN ADHESION MOL MAG LUMINEX PERFORMANCE, HUMAN MAGNETIC LUMINEX ASSAY

Place of Performance

Location: MINNEAPOLIS, HENNEPIN County, MINNESOTA, 55413

State: Minnesota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $11,150.1 to RESEARCH AND DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS, INC for work described as: HUMAN ACE-2 ANTIBODY, HUMAN EMMPRIN/DC147 ANTIBODY, HUMAN ADHESION MOL MAG LUMINEX PERFORMANCE, HUMAN MAGNETIC LUMINEX ASSAY Key points: 1. Spending is concentrated on specialized research reagents, indicating a niche market. 2. Competition is limited, with a sole-source award suggesting potential for higher prices. 3. Risk of overpayment exists due to lack of competitive bidding. 4. Sector focus is on healthcare research and diagnostics.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract was awarded as a sole-source purchase order with no competition. Without benchmarks or competitive pricing, it's difficult to assess if the $11,150 price is reasonable for these specific research antibodies and assays.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This method limits price discovery and may lead to less favorable pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition raises concerns about the efficient use of taxpayer funds, as a potentially higher price may have been paid.

Public Impact

Supports critical research in health and diagnostics. Ensures availability of specialized biological reagents for scientific advancement. Potential for increased costs due to sole-source procurement.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
No clear justification for sole-source

Positive Signals

Supports critical NIH research
Procurement of specialized reagents

Sector Analysis

This spending falls within the healthcare and research sector, specifically for diagnostic and research supplies. Benchmarks for similar specialized antibodies and assays can vary widely based on specificity and research application.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if Research and Diagnostic Systems, Inc. is a small business. The sole-source nature of the award bypasses opportunities for small businesses to compete.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was a purchase order, which typically has less stringent oversight than larger contracts. The lack of competition warrants further review to ensure the government received fair value.

Related Government Programs

Dental Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks transparency
Potential for inflated pricing
Limited vendor options identified
No clear small business participation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $11,150.1 to RESEARCH AND DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS, INC. HUMAN ACE-2 ANTIBODY, HUMAN EMMPRIN/DC147 ANTIBODY, HUMAN ADHESION MOL MAG LUMINEX PERFORMANCE, HUMAN MAGNETIC LUMINEX ASSAY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RESEARCH AND DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS, 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 $11,150.1.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-04-23. End: 2020-04-23.

What is the justification for awarding this contract as sole-source?

The provided data does not include the justification for the sole-source award. Typically, sole-source awards are granted when only one vendor can provide the required goods or services, or in cases of urgent need. Without this information, it's impossible to fully assess the necessity and potential risks associated with this procurement method.

What is the typical price range for these specific research antibodies and assays?

The typical price range for specialized research antibodies and assays can vary significantly based on factors like target specificity, purity, volume, and manufacturer. Without knowing the exact specifications of the purchased items, providing an accurate benchmark is challenging. However, niche reagents can command premium prices, especially when sourced without competition.

How does this spending align with NIH's research priorities?

The purchase of human ACE-2 and EMMPRIN antibodies, along with related assays, suggests alignment with research areas focused on cellular processes, disease mechanisms, and diagnostic development. These reagents are fundamental tools for many biological and medical research endeavors funded by the NIH.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing › Dental Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Bio-Techne Corporation

Address: 614 MCKINLEY PL NE, MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 55413

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,150

Exercised Options: $11,150

Current Obligation: $11,150

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline