HHS awards $293K IDIQ for lab instruments to Becton, Dickinson and Company, not competed under SAP

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $292,988 ($293.0K)

Contractor: Becton, Dickinson and Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $805/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: BASE YEAR (2026) OF A 5-YEAR (2026-2030, BASE YEAR PLUS FOUR OPTION YEARS) OF IDIQ CONTRACT WITH BD BIOSCIENCES. BD BIOSCIENCES - CLONTECH:1109645 [26-002633]

Place of Performance

Location: SAN JOSE, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 95131

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $292,988 to BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY for work described as: BASE YEAR (2026) OF A 5-YEAR (2026-2030, BASE YEAR PLUS FOUR OPTION YEARS) OF IDIQ CONTRACT WITH BD BIOSCIENCES. BD BIOSCIENCES - CLONTECH:1109645 [26-002633] Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Becton, Dickinson and Company for analytical laboratory instruments. 2. The contract is a 5-year IDIQ with a base year value of $292,988. 3. Procurement was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 4. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the awarding agency. 5. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The base year value of $292,988 for analytical laboratory instruments appears reasonable for a single unit or small quantity. However, without knowing the specific instruments or quantities, a direct pricing comparison is difficult. The firm fixed price structure provides cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under SAP, suggesting it may have been awarded through other limited sources or potentially sole-source if no other vendors met requirements. This lack of broad competition could limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition raises concerns about whether the government secured the best possible price for these analytical laboratory instruments, potentially impacting taxpayer value.

Public Impact

Researchers at NIH will have access to necessary analytical laboratory instruments. The contract supports the advancement of scientific research within the Department of Health and Human Services. Potential for increased costs due to limited competition could divert funds from other research initiatives.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 80 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpayment

Positive Signals

Supports critical research
Firm Fixed Price contract

Sector Analysis

The Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector (NAICS 334516) is crucial for scientific research and development. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on instrument complexity and quantity. This award appears to be for specialized equipment supporting health research.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not competed under SAP and the awardee is Becton, Dickinson and Company, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which is a missed opportunity for small business engagement.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made by the Department of Health and Human Services (NIH). Oversight would involve monitoring contract performance, adherence to terms, and ensuring the instruments meet specified requirements. The lack of competition warrants closer scrutiny of the justification for limited sourcing.

Related Government Programs

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition may lead to higher costs.
Lack of transparency in the procurement process.
Potential for missed small business opportunities.
Unclear total contract value over the 5-year period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $292,988 to BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY. BASE YEAR (2026) OF A 5-YEAR (2026-2030, BASE YEAR PLUS FOUR OPTION YEARS) OF IDIQ CONTRACT WITH BD BIOSCIENCES. BD BIOSCIENCES - CLONTECH:1109645 [26-002633]

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY.

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 $292,988.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.

What was the specific justification for not competing this contract under SAP, and were alternative vendors considered?

The justification for not competing under SAP is not provided in the data. Typically, this could be due to specific technical requirements, urgency, or a determination that only one vendor could meet the need. A thorough review would involve examining the contracting officer's justification and any market research conducted to ensure fair and reasonable pricing was pursued.

What is the estimated total value of the 5-year IDIQ contract, and how does it compare to market benchmarks for similar instruments?

The base year value is $292,988, and the contract has four option years, but their values are not specified. Without knowing the specific instruments and quantities, a precise market benchmark is difficult. However, the lack of competition suggests a potential risk of the total contract value exceeding market rates if options are exercised.

What mechanisms are in place to ensure the effectiveness and proper utilization of these analytical laboratory instruments by NIH researchers?

Effectiveness is typically ensured through the contract's technical specifications and acceptance testing. Proper utilization relies on NIH's internal training and management protocols for their research staff. The contracting officer should monitor performance and user feedback to address any issues promptly.

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: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Becton, Dickinson and CO

Address: 2350 QUME DR, SAN JOSE, CA, 95131

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: $292,988

Exercised Options: $292,988

Current Obligation: $292,988

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline