NEI Awards $747K for EPICA Service to Maintain Critical Animal Facility Equipment
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $74,700 ($74.7K)
Contractor: Epica Medical Innovations LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2024-05-01
End Date: 2027-04-30
Contract Duration: 1,094 days
Daily Burn Rate: $68/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Healthcare
Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACQUISITION IS TO SECURE EPICA SERVICE AND WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONAL INTEGRITY OF CRITICAL EQUIPMENT WITHIN THE BUILDING 49 CENTRAL ANIMAL FACILITY, OVERSEEN BY THE NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE (NEI), DIVISIO
Place of Performance
Location: SAN CLEMENTE, ORANGE County, CALIFORNIA, 92673
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $74,700 to EPICA MEDICAL INNOVATIONS LLC for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACQUISITION IS TO SECURE EPICA SERVICE AND WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONAL INTEGRITY OF CRITICAL EQUIPMENT WITHIN THE BUILDING 49 CENTRAL ANIMAL FACILITY, OVERSEEN BY THE NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE (NEI), DIVISIO Key points: 1. The contract focuses on essential maintenance for the National Eye Institute's animal facility. 2. EPICA MEDICAL INNOVATIONS LLC is the sole provider, raising questions about competition. 3. The firm fixed price contract aims to control costs for service and warranty. 4. This acquisition supports critical research infrastructure within the healthcare sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The $747,000 award for a 3-year service contract appears reasonable given the specialized nature of EPICA equipment and the need for manufacturer warranty. Benchmarking is difficult without specific service level details.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to EPICA MEDICAL INNOVATIONS LLC. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs than a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a critical but non-competed service, potentially at a premium due to the lack of market pressure.
Public Impact
Ensures continuity of critical research operations at the National Eye Institute. Supports the maintenance of specialized equipment vital for animal research. Potential for increased costs due to sole-source nature of the award.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 68 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition
- Lack of price benchmark for specialized equipment service
Positive Signals
- Supports critical research infrastructure
- Firm fixed price contract for cost control
Sector Analysis
This acquisition falls within the healthcare sector, specifically supporting research facilities. Spending on specialized equipment maintenance is common to ensure operational integrity and research continuity.
Small Business Impact
The awardee is EPICA MEDICAL INNOVATIONS LLC. There is no indication in the provided data whether this is a small business or if small businesses were considered for subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is a purchase order awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Oversight would involve ensuring service delivery meets the terms of the firm fixed price contract.
Related Government Programs
- Cutting Tool and Machine Tool Accessory Manufacturing
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Potential for inflated pricing
- Dependence on a single vendor
- Lack of transparency in competition
Tags
cutting-tool-and-machine-tool-accessory-, department-of-health-and-human-services, ca, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $74,700 to EPICA MEDICAL INNOVATIONS LLC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACQUISITION IS TO SECURE EPICA SERVICE AND WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONAL INTEGRITY OF CRITICAL EQUIPMENT WITHIN THE BUILDING 49 CENTRAL ANIMAL FACILITY, OVERSEEN BY THE NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE (NEI), DIVISIO
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is EPICA MEDICAL INNOVATIONS LLC.
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 $74,700.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-05-01. End: 2027-04-30.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and were alternative solutions explored?
The justification for the sole-source award is not detailed in the provided data. Typically, sole-source awards are made when only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services. Agencies must document the justification thoroughly, and alternatives should be explored to ensure the government receives fair and reasonable pricing, even in sole-source situations.
How does the $747,000 cost compare to similar service contracts for specialized research equipment?
Without specific details on the EPICA equipment model, the scope of services included (preventative maintenance, emergency repairs, parts coverage), and the service level agreements, it is difficult to provide a precise cost comparison. However, for specialized, critical research equipment, service contracts can be substantial, and sole-source awards often carry a premium compared to competitive bids.
What is the potential impact on research continuity if EPICA MEDICAL INNOVATIONS LLC cannot provide timely service under this contract?
The potential impact on research continuity could be significant. The contract is for critical equipment within an animal facility, suggesting that downtime could halt ongoing experiments, compromise animal welfare, and delay research progress. The agency relies on the vendor's ability to provide timely and effective service as outlined in the contract terms.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing › Cutting Tool and Machine Tool Accessory Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT
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
Address: 901 CALLE AMANECER STE 150, SAN CLEMENTE, CA, 92673
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $74,700
Exercised Options: $74,700
Current Obligation: $74,700
Actual Outlays: $49,800
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-05-01
Current End Date: 2027-04-30
Potential End Date: 2029-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-10
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