VA awards $2.4M for Phenomic/Genomic Support Services to Boston University, a sole-source contract
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,418,137 ($2.4M)
Contractor: Trustees of Boston University
Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
Start Date: 2022-09-30
End Date: 2025-09-29
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.2K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Healthcare
Official Description: PHENOMIC/GENOMIC SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: JAMAICA PLAIN, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02130
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2.4 million to TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY for work described as: PHENOMIC/GENOMIC SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single entity, limiting competitive pricing. 2. Focus on specialized phenomic/genomic support suggests a niche market. 3. Long-term contract duration (3 years) may impact adaptability to new technologies. 4. High per-unit cost benchmark indicates potential for overspending if not managed.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract's value of $2.4M over three years for specialized support services appears high, especially given the lack of competition. Benchmarking against similar, competitively awarded contracts is crucial to assess value for money.
Cost Per Unit: $400,000 per year average
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This method bypasses competitive bidding, potentially leading to higher prices and reduced innovation as there is no market pressure to offer the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition raises concerns about taxpayer money being used efficiently, as the government may not have secured the most cost-effective solution.
Public Impact
Veterans may receive advanced research-backed healthcare due to genomic support. Potential for breakthroughs in understanding and treating diseases. Taxpayer funds are directed to a specific academic institution for specialized research.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- High per-unit cost benchmark.
- Long contract duration may not reflect evolving technology.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical research in phenomics and genomics.
- Awarded to a reputable academic institution.
- Contract aligns with VA's mission to improve veteran healthcare.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls under professional services, specifically scientific research and development within the healthcare sector. Spending benchmarks for similar specialized genomic support services are difficult to establish due to the niche nature and lack of competitive data.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to an academic institution (Trustees of Boston University) and does not appear to involve small business participation. There is no indication of efforts to subcontract with small businesses for these specialized services.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the VA is receiving fair value and that the services provided are essential and effectively delivered. Regular performance reviews are critical.
Related Government Programs
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
- Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
- Department of Veterans Affairs Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition may lead to inflated costs.
- Potential for vendor lock-in due to specialized services.
- Risk of technological obsolescence over the contract term.
- Limited transparency on performance metrics and value realization.
Tags
colleges-universities-and-professional-s, department-of-veterans-affairs, ma, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.4 million to TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY. PHENOMIC/GENOMIC SUPPORT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-30. End: 2025-09-29.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and were alternatives explored?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities or circumstances where only one source can meet the requirement. For this contract, the VA would need to document why Boston University is the only entity capable of providing the specific phenomic/genomic support services required, and demonstrate that no other sources were viable or available through competitive means.
How is the effectiveness of the phenomic/genomic support services being measured and validated?
Effectiveness is likely measured through defined deliverables, research outcomes, and adherence to project milestones outlined in the contract. The VA should have a robust performance monitoring system in place, potentially involving scientific peer review or expert panels, to validate the quality and impact of the research and support provided by Boston University.
What is the long-term strategy for leveraging these genomic capabilities beyond this specific contract?
The VA's long-term strategy might involve integrating these advanced genomic insights into broader veteran healthcare protocols, developing new diagnostic tools, or fostering further research collaborations. The success of this contract could inform future investments in genomic medicine and personalized healthcare approaches for veterans.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Educational Services › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 85 E NEWTON ST M-921, BOSTON, MA, 02118
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $6,343,064
Exercised Options: $2,418,137
Current Obligation: $2,418,137
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-09-30
Current End Date: 2025-09-29
Potential End Date: 2027-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-19
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