DOJ's $678K PHAMATECH BPA Call for Lab Instruments: A Deep Dive into Value and Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,780 ($6.8K)

Contractor: Phamatech, Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-03-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 213 days

Daily Burn Rate: $32/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PHAMATECH FY26 UA SUPPLIES AND SERVICES OCT-SEPT BPA-15BNAS24A00000044

Place of Performance

Location: ANTHONY, EL PASO County, TEXAS, 79821

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $6,780 to PHAMATECH, INCORPORATED for work described as: PHAMATECH FY26 UA SUPPLIES AND SERVICES OCT-SEPT BPA-15BNAS24A00000044 Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the fixed-price nature and limited duration, but requires benchmarking against similar analytical instrument procurements. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing, though the specific number of bidders is not detailed. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the fixed-price contract type and the established nature of analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing. 4. Performance context is a single BPA call under a larger contract, making direct performance assessment challenging without more call-level data. 5. Sector positioning is within the analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing industry, a critical support sector for federal agencies. 6. The contract is a BPA Call, indicating it's a task order against a broader Basic Ordering Agreement, suggesting a pre-vetted vendor. 7. The contract is for supplies and services, highlighting a comprehensive need beyond just equipment.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $678,000 for a 7-month period suggests a moderate investment. Without specific details on the instruments or services procured, a direct comparison to similar contracts is difficult. However, the firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government. Benchmarking against market rates for analytical laboratory instruments and associated services would be necessary to fully assess value for money. The duration is relatively short, which may limit the scope of services and thus the overall value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is the preferred method for ensuring the widest possible access to potential vendors. This process typically involves public solicitations and allows any responsible source to submit an offer. While the specific number of bids received is not provided, full and open competition generally fosters a competitive environment that can lead to better pricing and innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for receiving competitive pricing and ensures that government funds are used efficiently by selecting the best value offer.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of Justice's Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons, which will receive essential analytical laboratory instruments and services. The services delivered will support laboratory operations, potentially for forensic analysis, health monitoring, or quality control within correctional facilities. The geographic impact is centered in Texas, where the contractor is located, but the ultimate use of the instruments could be nationwide within the BOP. Workforce implications may include the need for trained personnel to operate and maintain the analytical instruments, both within the BOP and potentially at the contractor's facility for support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the instruments and services procured makes it difficult to assess the true value and necessity.
The limited duration of the BPA call (7 months) might indicate a short-term need or a pilot program, raising questions about long-term strategy.
Without knowing the number of bidders, it's hard to confirm the extent of competition and its impact on pricing.
The contract is a BPA Call, which relies on the underlying BPA's vetting; issues with the parent BPA could indirectly affect this call.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust and fair selection process.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability and limits the government's financial risk.
The contractor, PHAMATECH, INCORPORATED, is likely pre-qualified through the parent BPA, indicating a level of established capability.
The contract supports critical functions within the Bureau of Prisons, addressing essential operational needs.

Sector Analysis

The analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing sector is a vital component of the scientific and industrial landscape, providing essential tools for research, development, quality control, and diagnostics across various fields. This sector is characterized by innovation, specialized manufacturing processes, and often high-value products. Federal agencies, including law enforcement and correctional services, rely on these instruments for a range of critical functions, from forensic analysis to health and safety monitoring. Spending in this sector by the government can fluctuate based on modernization needs, new scientific discoveries, and evolving regulatory requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing procurements of similar instruments and services by agencies like the FBI, DEA, or NIST.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses mandated by this specific award. The primary focus was on full and open competition, which generally favors larger, established companies. However, PHAMATECH, INCORPORATED, as the prime contractor, may choose to engage small businesses as subcontractors for specific components or services, though this is not a requirement of this BPA call.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's internal procurement and contract management processes. The Bureau of Prisons likely has specific personnel responsible for monitoring contract performance, ensuring delivery of goods and services, and verifying compliance with the terms and conditions. As a federal contract, it is also subject to oversight by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) for bid protests and audits, and potentially by the DOJ's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) if any concerns regarding waste, fraud, or abuse arise. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS.

Related Government Programs

Department of Justice - Bureau of Prisons Medical Services
Federal Forensic Science Support Contracts
Laboratory Equipment and Supplies Procurement
Analytical Instrument Maintenance and Calibration Services

Risk Flags

Limited detail on specific instruments/services
Potential for performance issues if contractor support is lacking
Need for market research to confirm competitive pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $6,780 to PHAMATECH, INCORPORATED. PHAMATECH FY26 UA SUPPLIES AND SERVICES OCT-SEPT BPA-15BNAS24A00000044

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 $6,780.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What specific analytical laboratory instruments and services are being procured under this BPA call?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'UA SUPPLIES AND SERVICES' related to 'Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing' (NAICS 334516). However, the specific types of instruments (e.g., spectrometers, chromatographs, microscopes) and the nature of the services (e.g., maintenance, calibration, consumables, training) are not detailed in the summary data. To understand the full scope, one would need to review the BPA call document itself or associated statements of work. This information is crucial for assessing the necessity and value of the procurement.

How does the $678,000 value of this BPA call compare to typical spending on similar analytical instruments by the Bureau of Prisons or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking this $678,000 BPA call requires comparing it to similar procurements for analytical laboratory instruments and services. Given the firm-fixed-price structure and a duration of approximately seven months (March 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026), this represents a moderate investment. Without knowing the specific items, it's difficult to provide precise comparisons. However, procurements for major analytical equipment can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the sophistication and quantity. This BPA call likely covers a specific set of needs or a limited quantity of instruments/services, rather than a large-scale capital investment. Further analysis would involve searching contract databases for similar items procured by the Bureau of Prisons or other agencies like the FBI or HHS.

What is PHAMATECH, INCORPORATED's track record with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Justice or Bureau of Prisons?

PHAMATECH, INCORPORATED has a history of federal contracting, as evidenced by this BPA call. To assess their track record, one would need to examine their past performance on similar contracts. Key factors include on-time delivery, quality of goods/services, adherence to budget, and any history of disputes or contract terminations. Information on their past performance ratings, if available in federal databases (like CPARS), would be invaluable. Their ability to secure this BPA call, especially under full and open competition, suggests they meet the basic qualifications, but a deeper dive into their performance history is necessary for a comprehensive risk assessment.

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

Potential risks include performance issues (e.g., delayed delivery, faulty equipment, inadequate service), cost overruns (less likely with FFP but possible through scope creep or change orders), and contractor viability. Given the firm-fixed-price (FFP) nature, the primary financial risk lies with the contractor. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract oversight by the Bureau of Prisons, clear performance standards in the BPA call document, regular progress reviews, and potentially performance bonds. The use of a Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) implies PHAMATECH has already been vetted, reducing some initial risk. However, ongoing monitoring of performance and adherence to the contract terms remains critical.

How does this contract align with the Bureau of Prisons' broader strategy for laboratory operations and equipment modernization?

This BPA call for analytical laboratory instruments and services suggests the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is actively managing its laboratory needs. The specific alignment depends on the nature of the instruments and services procured. If they are for essential operational support, routine maintenance, or replacing aging equipment, it aligns with maintaining current capabilities. If they represent new technology or expanded capacity, it could indicate a modernization effort or a response to evolving requirements (e.g., new testing protocols, increased caseloads). Understanding the BOP's strategic plan for its forensic and analytical laboratories would provide context for how this specific procurement fits into the larger picture.

What has been the historical spending pattern for analytical laboratory instruments and services by the Department of Justice over the past five fiscal years?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for analytical laboratory instruments and services by the Department of Justice (DOJ) over the past five fiscal years would reveal trends, identify major vendors, and highlight fluctuations in demand. This data can be obtained from federal procurement databases (like FPDS). Such an analysis would show whether spending in this category has been consistent, increasing, or decreasing, and whether the BOP represents a significant portion of the DOJ's overall expenditure in this area. It would also help contextualize the $678,000 value of this specific BPA call within the broader spending landscape.

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: $6,780

Exercised Options: $6,780

Current Obligation: $6,780

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15BNAS24A00000044

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline