DOJ's $20.6M BPA Call for Analytical Instruments to Bureau of Prisons Faces Scrutiny
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,643 ($20.6K)
Contractor: Phamatech, Incorporated
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2024-12-06
End Date: 2025-02-10
Contract Duration: 66 days
Daily Burn Rate: $313/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: NATIONAL BPA 15BNAS24A00000044. FIELD NOTICE 0003. OPTION YEAR 1 OCTOBER 1, 2024 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2025.
Place of Performance
Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92128
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $20,643 to PHAMATECH, INCORPORATED for work described as: NATIONAL BPA 15BNAS24A00000044. FIELD NOTICE 0003. OPTION YEAR 1 OCTOBER 1, 2024 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2025. Key points: 1. The contract supports the Federal Prison System's need for analytical laboratory instruments. 2. Competition was full and open, indicating a potentially competitive pricing environment. 3. The award is a BPA Call, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery contract. 4. The sector is Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, a niche but essential area.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award amount of $20.6M for a 66-day period (Option Year 1) seems high for the duration. Benchmarking against similar BPA calls for analytical instruments is needed to assess value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically promotes competitive pricing. However, the BPA Call mechanism means the specific pricing is determined at the call level, not the BPA level.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of a BPA Call under full and open competition suggests an effort to secure competitive pricing for necessary laboratory equipment, potentially benefiting taxpayers if prices are well-managed.
Public Impact
Ensures critical analytical laboratory instruments are available for the Bureau of Prisons. Supports federal law enforcement and correctional facility operations through necessary testing capabilities. The short duration of Option Year 1 (66 days) raises questions about long-term planning or urgent needs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Short contract duration for a significant amount.
- Potential for price creep in subsequent BPA calls if not managed closely.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Supports critical federal agency needs.
Sector Analysis
The Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector provides essential tools for research, quality control, and diagnostics. Spending in this sector is driven by scientific advancement and regulatory requirements.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this BPA call or the underlying BPA. Further analysis is needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure that subsequent BPA calls under this contract are competitively priced and meet the Bureau of Prisons' actual needs effectively.
Related Government Programs
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs
Risk Flags
- High award amount for a short duration.
- Potential for uncompetitive pricing on individual BPA calls.
- Lack of detail on specific instruments and their necessity.
- Limited visibility into small business participation.
Tags
analytical-laboratory-instrument-manufac, department-of-justice, ca, bpa-call, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $20,643 to PHAMATECH, INCORPORATED. NATIONAL BPA 15BNAS24A00000044. FIELD NOTICE 0003. OPTION YEAR 1 OCTOBER 1, 2024 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2025.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PHAMATECH, INCORPORATED.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $20,643.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-12-06. End: 2025-02-10.
What is the typical cost for analytical laboratory instruments for a 66-day period for a federal agency of this size?
Determining a precise typical cost is challenging without specific instrument details and usage levels. However, $20.6 million for a 66-day period suggests either very high-value, specialized equipment, or a significant quantity. Benchmarking against historical data for similar procurements, considering inflation and specific technological requirements, would be necessary for a robust assessment.
What are the primary risks associated with using a BPA Call for such a significant amount?
The primary risks include potential price escalation if not managed diligently, a lack of transparency in the pricing of individual calls compared to a direct contract, and the possibility of scope creep if the needs evolve rapidly. Ensuring robust oversight and clear task order requirements is critical to mitigate these risks and maintain cost control.
How effective is the 'full and open competition' strategy when implemented via a BPA Call for specialized equipment?
Full and open competition for the base BPA is effective in establishing a pool of qualified vendors. However, its effectiveness for individual BPA calls depends on the specific requirements and the competitive nature of each call. If calls are narrowly defined or if there are few competing vendors for specific needs, the price discovery benefit might be diminished.
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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 15BNAS24Q00000006
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 15175 INNOVATION DR, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92128
Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $20,643
Exercised Options: $20,643
Current Obligation: $20,643
Actual Outlays: $20,644
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15BNAS24A00000044
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-12-06
Current End Date: 2025-02-10
Potential End Date: 2025-02-10 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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