USDA Awards $400K to Purdue University for HPAI Testing Amidst Animal Health Concerns

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $400,000 ($400.0K)

Contractor: Purdue University

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2027-04-02

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: NATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH LABORATORY NETWORK ORDER FOR HPAI TESTING.

Place of Performance

Location: WEST LAFAYETTE, TIPPECANOE County, INDIANA, 47907

State: Indiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $400,000 to PURDUE UNIVERSITY for work described as: NATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH LABORATORY NETWORK ORDER FOR HPAI TESTING. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI) testing, a critical area for animal health. 2. Purdue University, a known research institution, is the sole awardee. 3. The contract is a delivery order under an existing agreement, with a firm fixed price. 4. The spending is categorized under Veterinary Services, indicating a focus on animal disease control.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The $400,000 award for HPAI testing appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the service and the duration. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized laboratory services would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a limited competition approach. The award to Purdue University without broader competition may limit price discovery and potentially increase costs.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition raises questions about whether taxpayers received the best possible price for these critical HPAI testing services.

Public Impact

Ensures continued surveillance and testing for HPAI, protecting the nation's animal agriculture. Supports research and diagnostic capabilities at a key university, enhancing national preparedness. Addresses a significant public health and economic risk associated with animal disease outbreaks.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition for a critical service.
Potential for higher costs due to lack of competitive bidding.

Positive Signals

Addresses a high-priority national health concern.
Utilizes a known research institution for specialized services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Healthcare' sector, specifically focusing on animal health and veterinary services. Spending benchmarks for specialized laboratory testing and disease surveillance contracts would be relevant for comparison.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. There is no indication of specific efforts to include small businesses in the subcontracting process.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a delivery order under an existing agreement, suggesting some level of prior oversight. However, the limited competition warrants further scrutiny to ensure accountability and value for taxpayer funds.

Related Government Programs

Veterinary Services
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Lack of small business participation
Potential for non-optimal pricing
Reliance on a single entity for critical service

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $400,000 to PURDUE UNIVERSITY. NATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH LABORATORY NETWORK ORDER FOR HPAI TESTING.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PURDUE UNIVERSITY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $400,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2027-04-02.

What is the justification for limiting competition for these HPAI testing services, and what steps were taken to ensure fair pricing?

The justification for limited competition is not explicitly provided in the data. Typically, such limitations might stem from unique capabilities, existing partnerships, or specific research requirements. To ensure fair pricing, the agency should have conducted a thorough price analysis based on historical data, market research, or comparison with similar services, even if not formally competed.

What are the specific risks associated with relying on a single provider for HPAI testing, particularly concerning supply chain disruptions or capacity limitations?

Relying on a single provider for critical HPAI testing introduces risks such as supply chain vulnerabilities, potential capacity constraints during peak demand, and a lack of alternative testing options if the primary provider faces unforeseen issues. This could delay crucial diagnostic results, impacting disease containment efforts and potentially leading to wider outbreaks and economic losses.

How effective is Purdue University's HPAI testing program in contributing to the overall national animal health surveillance strategy?

The effectiveness of Purdue University's HPAI testing program is likely significant, given their role as a key institution in the National Animal Health Laboratory Network. Their contribution would be measured by the accuracy and timeliness of their test results, their capacity to handle high volumes, and their integration into the broader surveillance and response framework managed by APHIS.

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: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 155 S GRANT ST, WEST LAFAYETTE, IN, 47907

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public)

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $400,000

Exercised Options: $400,000

Current Obligation: $400,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12639521D0086

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline