NIH awards $151,941 contract for hazardous waste disposal, supporting critical research activities

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $151,942 ($151.9K)

Contractor: Advant-Edge Solutions of Middle Atlantic Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2026-03-11

End Date: 2027-03-10

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $417/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MEDICAL PATHOLOGICAL WASTE (MPW) BOXES TO SUPPORT THE LABORATORIES AND OFFICES ACROSS NIH AND SUSTAIN MISSION CRITICAL ACTIVITIES FOR HEALTH AND LONGEVITY MISSION CRITICAL RESEARCH.

Place of Performance

Location: NEWARK, NEW CASTLE County, DELAWARE, 19713

State: Delaware Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $151,941.6 to ADVANT-EDGE SOLUTIONS OF MIDDLE ATLANTIC INC for work described as: MEDICAL PATHOLOGICAL WASTE (MPW) BOXES TO SUPPORT THE LABORATORIES AND OFFICES ACROSS NIH AND SUSTAIN MISSION CRITICAL ACTIVITIES FOR HEALTH AND LONGEVITY MISSION CRITICAL RESEARCH. Key points: 1. Contract ensures continuity of mission-critical research by providing essential waste disposal services. 2. The fixed-price contract structure offers cost predictability for the agency. 3. Competition under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) suggests a streamlined procurement process. 4. The duration of the contract is one year, with potential for renewal. 5. The service category aligns with hazardous waste treatment and disposal, a specialized sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $151,941 for a one-year period for hazardous waste disposal appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the service. Benchmarking against similar contracts for medical pathological waste (MPW) disposal across federal agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the award helps control costs and provides budget certainty for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for a broader range of competition than sole-source but may not reach the full and open competition level. The data indicates 8 bidders participated, suggesting a healthy level of interest and competition for this requirement. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competition under SAP, with 8 bidders, likely resulted in a fair market price for taxpayers, avoiding the potential for inflated costs associated with less competitive procurements.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the laboratories and offices across the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that rely on these services. The contract ensures the safe and compliant disposal of medical pathological waste, crucial for maintaining laboratory operations. This supports the NIH's mission-critical research in health and longevity. The services are geographically focused on supporting NIH facilities, likely within the Delaware region given the contract's state code.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if unforeseen hazardous materials require specialized handling beyond the scope of standard MPW.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical service could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the duration of the award.
Competition among 8 bidders suggests a robust market for this service, potentially leading to better pricing.
The contract supports essential research infrastructure, aligning with the agency's core mission.

Sector Analysis

The hazardous waste treatment and disposal sector (NAICS 562211) is a critical component of environmental services, supporting various industries including healthcare, research, and manufacturing. Federal spending in this area is driven by regulatory compliance and the need for specialized handling of regulated materials. The NIH's requirement for medical pathological waste boxes falls within this specialized niche, ensuring compliance with environmental and health regulations. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar services can vary significantly based on volume, type of waste, and geographic location.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (SB is false). There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans. Without a small business set-aside, larger, established firms are more likely to compete and win these contracts. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the performance of this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the purview of the contracting officer and the relevant program officials within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As a purchase order under simplified acquisition procedures, the level of formal oversight might be less intensive than for larger, more complex contracts. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Medical Waste Disposal Services
Hazardous Material Management
Laboratory Support Services
Research Infrastructure Support

Risk Flags

Potential for service disruption if contractor fails to meet performance standards.
Risk of non-compliance with hazardous waste regulations if disposal is not handled correctly.
Limited competition under SAP may not yield the absolute lowest price compared to full and open competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $151,941.6 to ADVANT-EDGE SOLUTIONS OF MIDDLE ATLANTIC INC. MEDICAL PATHOLOGICAL WASTE (MPW) BOXES TO SUPPORT THE LABORATORIES AND OFFICES ACROSS NIH AND SUSTAIN MISSION CRITICAL ACTIVITIES FOR HEALTH AND LONGEVITY MISSION CRITICAL RESEARCH.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ADVANT-EDGE SOLUTIONS OF MIDDLE ATLANTIC 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 $151,941.6.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-11. End: 2027-03-10.

What is the track record of Advant-Edge Solutions of Middle Atlantic Inc. with federal contracts, particularly for hazardous waste disposal?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess Advant-Edge Solutions of Middle Atlantic Inc.'s track record. This would involve examining past contract awards, performance evaluations, and any reported issues or disputes. For this specific contract, the award is a purchase order, which is a common instrument for smaller value procurements. Understanding their history with similar services, contract values, and agency satisfaction levels would provide insight into their reliability and capability to fulfill the NIH's requirements for medical pathological waste disposal.

How does the awarded price of $151,941 for one year of hazardous waste disposal compare to market rates for similar services?

Benchmarking this contract's value requires comparing it to similar services procured by other federal agencies or even private sector entities. Factors influencing price include the volume and type of waste, frequency of pickup, disposal methods, and geographic location. Given that this is for medical pathological waste (MPW) boxes to support laboratories, it implies specialized handling and disposal protocols. A preliminary assessment suggests the price is within a reasonable range for a one-year contract of this nature, especially considering the firm fixed-price structure which offers cost certainty. However, a detailed market analysis or comparison with contracts for similar volumes and services in the same region would provide a more definitive answer on value for money.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance failures by the contractor, leading to disruptions in research activities or non-compliance with hazardous waste regulations. Another risk is price escalation if the scope of work expands or unforeseen disposal challenges arise, although the firm fixed-price contract aims to mitigate this. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract oversight by the NIH, clear performance standards outlined in the purchase order, and contingency planning for alternative disposal services if needed. The competitive nature of the award also serves as a risk mitigation factor, as the NIH can potentially switch to another vendor if performance is unsatisfactory.

How effective is the current contract in ensuring the continuity of mission-critical research at NIH?

The effectiveness of this contract in ensuring the continuity of mission-critical research hinges on the reliable and timely disposal of medical pathological waste. By securing this service, the NIH is addressing a fundamental operational need that, if unmet, could halt laboratory activities and compromise research integrity. The contract's one-year duration with a firm fixed-price structure suggests a stable arrangement. Its effectiveness will be demonstrated through consistent service delivery, adherence to all regulatory requirements for waste disposal, and minimal disruption to the research environment. The participation of 8 bidders indicates a competitive market, which generally supports reliable service provision.

What are the historical spending patterns for hazardous waste disposal at NIH, and how does this contract fit within that trend?

To assess historical spending patterns, one would need to analyze NIH's procurement data for similar services (e.g., NAICS code 562211) over several fiscal years. This would reveal trends in contract values, number of awards, and types of services procured. This $151,941 contract for MPW boxes appears to be a relatively modest expenditure within the broader context of NIH's overall operational budget. If NIH has consistently awarded similar-sized contracts for this service annually, it suggests a stable and predictable need. Significant deviations in value or frequency could indicate changes in research volume, regulatory requirements, or market pricing for waste disposal services.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Waste Treatment and Disposal › Hazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal

Product/Service Code: CONTAINERS/PACKAGING/PACKING SUPPL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 75N99C26Q00001

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 17 SHEA WAY, NEWARK, DE, 19713

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $356,686

Exercised Options: $151,942

Current Obligation: $151,942

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline