USDA Awards $26.8M for Microtomes to VWR International, Highlighting Surgical Supply Needs
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,816 ($26.8K)
Contractor: VWR International LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture
Start Date: 2026-04-07
End Date: 2026-05-01
Contract Duration: 24 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Healthcare
Official Description: MICROTOME
Place of Performance
Location: WAYNE, DELAWARE County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19087
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Agriculture obligated $26,815.52 to VWR INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: MICROTOME Key points: 1. The contract value of $26.8 million for microtomes indicates a significant investment in specialized laboratory equipment. 2. VWR International LLC, a major supplier, secured this award, suggesting established market presence and competitive bidding. 3. The firm fixed price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. The sector is surgical appliance and supplies manufacturing, crucial for research and medical applications.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $26.8 million for microtomes appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment and the duration of the delivery order. Benchmarking against similar contracts for high-precision scientific instruments would provide a more definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The award was made under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process is expected to yield a fair price, ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential research equipment.
Public Impact
Ensures availability of critical research tools for the Agricultural Research Service. Supports advancements in agricultural science through precise sample preparation. Potential for follow-on needs based on research outcomes.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for obsolescence of technology over the contract period.
- Dependence on a single supplier for a critical component.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Firm fixed price contract type.
- Long-term need for microtomes in research.
Sector Analysis
The Agricultural Research Service's need for microtomes falls within the broader scientific and medical equipment sector. Spending in this area is driven by research funding and technological advancements in biological sciences.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this specific contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms should ensure proper execution and accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing
- Department of Agriculture Contracting
- Agricultural Research Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for technological obsolescence.
- Dependence on a single awarded vendor.
- Need for detailed performance specifications.
- Ensuring long-term maintenance and support.
Tags
surgical-appliance-and-supplies-manufact, department-of-agriculture, pa, delivery-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Agriculture awarded $26,815.52 to VWR INTERNATIONAL LLC. MICROTOME
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is VWR INTERNATIONAL LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Agricultural Research Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $26,815.52.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-05-01.
What is the expected lifespan and technological relevance of the microtomes being procured?
The expected lifespan and technological relevance of the microtomes are critical considerations. Given the contract end date of May 2026, the procured equipment should remain technologically current for its intended use. However, rapid advancements in scientific instrumentation necessitate a review of maintenance, upgrade, and replacement strategies to ensure long-term value and operational effectiveness.
What are the specific performance requirements and quality assurance measures for these microtomes?
The specific performance requirements and quality assurance measures are not detailed in the provided data. However, for surgical and research applications, high precision, reliability, and consistency are paramount. The contract likely includes specifications for cutting accuracy, ease of use, and durability, with VWR International LLC expected to adhere to stringent quality control protocols throughout manufacturing and delivery.
How does this procurement align with the broader research objectives of the Agricultural Research Service?
This procurement directly supports the Agricultural Research Service's mission by providing essential tools for detailed biological sample analysis. Microtomes are fundamental for preparing specimens for microscopic examination, enabling research into plant pathology, animal health, food safety, and other agricultural science domains. The acquisition ensures researchers have the necessary equipment to conduct cutting-edge studies.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing › Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 1232SA26Q0297
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Labrepco LLC
Address: 100 W MATSONFORD RD STE 1, WAYNE, PA, 19087
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: $26,816
Exercised Options: $26,816
Current Obligation: $26,816
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS07F119CA
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-07
Current End Date: 2026-05-01
Potential End Date: 2026-05-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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