NIH awards $4.77M contract for veterinary services to JS TECHNOLOGY, INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,768,869 ($4.8M)

Contractor: JS Technology, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2019-08-12

End Date: 2026-09-21

Contract Duration: 2,597 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: LARC-2025-DVR-0025 CONTRACT 75N98019D00044 TASK ORDER 75N98025F00015

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20892

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $4.8 million to JS TECHNOLOGY, INC for work described as: LARC-2025-DVR-0025 CONTRACT 75N98019D00044 TASK ORDER 75N98025F00015 Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control risks if not managed closely. 3. The duration of the contract is over 6 years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 4. The awardee, JS TECHNOLOGY, INC., has a track record with federal contracts. 5. The contract is for veterinary services, supporting critical research or operational needs within NIH. 6. The contract is managed by the National Institutes of Health, a major health research agency.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount is $4.77 million over approximately 6 years. Without specific performance metrics or detailed cost breakdowns, it is difficult to definitively assess value for money. The Time and Materials pricing structure necessitates close monitoring to ensure costs remain within reasonable bounds and do not escalate unexpectedly. Benchmarking against similar veterinary service contracts would provide a clearer picture of its cost-effectiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The number of bidders is not specified, but this method generally promotes a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The open nature of the competition suggests that the agency sought the best value available in the market.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it is intended to drive down costs through market forces and ensure the government receives competitive pricing.

Public Impact

The contract directly benefits the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by ensuring the availability of essential veterinary services. These services likely support critical biomedical research, animal care protocols, and potentially public health initiatives. The geographic impact is primarily within Maryland, where the NIH is located. The contract may have implications for the veterinary and animal care workforce, potentially creating or sustaining jobs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess efficiency and effectiveness.
The long contract duration (over 6 years) requires sustained oversight to ensure continued value.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
The contract supports a critical agency (NIH) with essential services.
The awardee has prior federal contracting experience.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on veterinary services. The federal government is a significant consumer of such services, particularly agencies like NIH involved in research and development. Comparable spending benchmarks for veterinary services can vary widely based on the scope of work, location, and specific animal populations served. The market for these services includes specialized veterinary clinics, research support companies, and individual practitioners.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a small business set-aside. The primary contractor, JS TECHNOLOGY, INC., will be responsible for fulfilling the contract requirements. Any subcontracting would be at the discretion of the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) contracting officers and program managers. They are responsible for monitoring performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and managing payments. The Time and Materials nature of the contract requires diligent oversight to control costs and verify that labor hours and materials are reasonable and necessary. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, but detailed performance reports are typically internal.

Related Government Programs

NIH Research Support Contracts
Federal Veterinary Services
Biomedical Research Support
Animal Care and Use Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials Pricing
Long Contract Duration
Lack of Specific Performance Metrics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $4.8 million to JS TECHNOLOGY, INC. LARC-2025-DVR-0025 CONTRACT 75N98019D00044 TASK ORDER 75N98025F00015

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JS TECHNOLOGY, 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 $4.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-08-12. End: 2026-09-21.

What is the track record of JS TECHNOLOGY, INC. with federal contracts, particularly with the NIH?

JS TECHNOLOGY, INC. has a history of receiving federal contracts. While specific details on their performance with the NIH for veterinary services require deeper investigation into contract performance reports and past performance evaluations, their presence as an awardee suggests they have met the necessary qualifications and requirements for federal contracting. Further analysis would involve examining their award history across different agencies, the types of services provided, and any reported issues or commendations. Understanding their past performance is crucial for assessing the reliability and effectiveness of their service delivery under this current contract.

How does the cost of this contract compare to similar veterinary service contracts awarded by federal agencies?

Benchmarking the cost of this $4.77 million contract against similar federal veterinary service contracts is challenging without access to detailed pricing structures and service scopes. The Time and Materials (T&M) nature of this contract means costs are driven by labor hours and material expenses, which can fluctuate. To perform a robust comparison, one would need to identify contracts with comparable service requirements, geographic locations, and contract durations. Factors such as the types of animals served, the complexity of procedures, and the level of specialized expertise required significantly influence pricing. A preliminary assessment suggests the duration and total value are substantial, warranting careful cost management.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials contract for veterinary services?

The primary risk with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for veterinary services is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts do not have a predetermined total cost. The government pays for the actual labor hours expended and the cost of materials used. If not managed diligently, contractors may bill for excessive hours or use more expensive materials than necessary, leading to costs exceeding initial estimates. For veterinary services, this could involve extended diagnostic periods, unforeseen complications in animal care, or the use of premium supplies. Effective oversight, clear task definitions, and regular performance reviews are critical to mitigate these risks and ensure value for money.

How effective is the National Institutes of Health in managing long-term contracts like this one?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), as a major research agency, has extensive experience managing a wide array of contracts, including long-term service agreements. Their effectiveness in managing contracts like LARC-2025-DVR-0025 is generally assessed through contract performance metrics, timely delivery of services, and adherence to budget. Agencies like NIH typically employ contracting officers and program managers to oversee contract execution, ensuring compliance with terms and conditions. While specific performance data for this particular contract is not publicly detailed, NIH's consistent funding and operational needs suggest a functional, albeit complex, contract management system is in place. Challenges can arise with T&M contracts, requiring robust oversight to ensure efficiency and cost control over the contract's multi-year duration.

What is the historical spending pattern for veterinary services at the NIH?

Historical spending patterns for veterinary services at the NIH are likely substantial, given its extensive biomedical research activities involving animal models. While specific aggregate data for 'veterinary services' across all NIH institutes is not readily available in summary form, the agency consistently invests significant resources in animal care and research support. This includes costs for animal acquisition, housing, specialized veterinary care, and research protocols. The awarded contract of $4.77 million over six years represents a portion of this broader spending. Analyzing historical contract awards for similar services, including those for animal husbandry, veterinary diagnostics, and specialized surgical support, would reveal trends in spending, contractor types, and pricing over time.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Veterinary Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: LARC-2025-DVR-0025

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7810 PREAKNESS LN, FAIRFAX STATION, VA, 22039

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,300,421

Exercised Options: $4,768,869

Current Obligation: $4,768,869

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N98019D00044

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline