VA awards $205K biomedical services task order to Yale University for 364 days

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $205,547 ($205.5K)

Contractor: Yale Univ

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-05-01

End Date: 2027-04-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $565/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: 36C24124D0078 - BIOMEDICAL SERVICES - TASK ORDER 10

Place of Performance

Location: WEST HAVEN, NEW HAVEN County, CONNECTICUT, 06516

State: Connecticut Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $205,546.5 to YALE UNIV for work described as: 36C24124D0078 - BIOMEDICAL SERVICES - TASK ORDER 10 Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a firm-fixed-price basis, indicating clear cost expectations. 2. Task order duration of 364 days suggests a defined scope of work. 3. The contract falls under the 'Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools' NAICS code. 4. Awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, aligning with healthcare services. 5. No small business set-aside was utilized for this specific task order. 6. The contract was not competed, raising questions about price discovery.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of $205,546.50 for a 364-day biomedical services task order to Yale University appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized academic and research support. However, without specific details on the services rendered, a direct comparison to similar contracts is challenging. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests the government has a clear understanding of the costs involved, but the lack of competition limits the ability to benchmark pricing against market alternatives.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded as a sole-source delivery order, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities or when circumstances necessitate a direct award. The lack of competition means that the government did not benefit from a bidding process that could have potentially driven down prices or offered a wider range of solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not have received the best possible price due to the absence of a competitive bidding process. This could result in a higher cost than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary of this contract is likely the Department of Veterans Affairs, which will receive biomedical services. The services delivered are expected to support the VA's mission, potentially in research, education, or clinical support. The geographic impact is centered in Connecticut, where Yale University is located and likely where services will be performed or managed. The contract may have implications for the academic and research workforce at Yale University, providing employment and funding for specialized roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition limits price discovery and potential cost savings for taxpayers.
Sole-source award requires justification to ensure necessity and prevent potential overpricing.
Limited transparency into the specific services and deliverables without a competitive bidding process.

Positive Signals

Award to a reputable institution like Yale University suggests a focus on quality and expertise.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract duration is clearly defined, allowing for focused project management.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the higher education and professional services sector, specifically supporting biomedical services. The market for such services is often characterized by specialized expertise and strong ties to academic research institutions. While the direct dollar amount is modest, it represents a segment of federal spending that relies on unique capabilities often found in universities and research centers. Benchmarking is difficult without knowing the specific nature of the biomedical services.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor does it indicate any subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award to a large university suggests that the nature of the services required specialized capabilities not typically met by small businesses in this instance. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this specific task order.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price structure, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon cost. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature, but contract award data is publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

VA Biomedical Research Programs
University Research Grants
Federal Higher Education Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
Limited transparency on specific services and deliverables.
Potential for higher costs due to lack of competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $205,546.5 to YALE UNIV. 36C24124D0078 - BIOMEDICAL SERVICES - TASK ORDER 10

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is YALE UNIV.

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 $205,546.5.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-05-01. End: 2027-04-30.

What specific biomedical services are being procured under this task order?

The provided data does not specify the exact nature of the 'biomedical services.' These could range from laboratory research support, specialized medical equipment maintenance, clinical trial coordination, to educational program development for medical professionals. Without further details, it's impossible to ascertain the precise value or impact of these services. The NAICS code 611310 (Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools) suggests a strong link to academic or research functions rather than direct patient care.

Why was this contract awarded on a sole-source basis to Yale University?

Sole-source awards are typically justified when only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services. For Yale University, this could be due to unique research capabilities, proprietary technology, established expertise in a highly specialized field of biomedical research, or a pre-existing relationship and infrastructure that makes them the only viable option for a specific, time-sensitive need. The Department of Veterans Affairs would have a documented justification for this sole-source determination, often related to the unique qualifications and resources of the institution.

How does the $205,546.50 cost compare to similar biomedical service contracts for academic institutions?

Direct comparison is difficult without knowing the specific services. However, for a one-year duration, this amount is relatively modest for a major research university like Yale. Contracts for specialized research support, consulting, or unique technical services at academic institutions can range significantly. If this task order involves highly specialized personnel or unique equipment access, the price might be justified. Conversely, if it's for more general support, the lack of competition could mean it's not the most cost-effective option available in the broader market.

What is the track record of Yale University as a federal contractor, particularly with the VA?

Yale University, as a major research institution, likely has a history of receiving federal funding and contracts, including potentially with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies like NIH. Their track record would generally be considered strong in terms of academic and research output. Specific performance on federal contracts would be detailed in federal procurement databases, showing past awards, performance ratings, and compliance history. As a recipient of significant federal research grants, they possess established administrative and compliance mechanisms.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for biomedical services?

The primary risk of a sole-source award is the potential for higher costs due to the lack of competitive pressure. There's also a risk that the government might not be getting the most innovative or efficient solution available, as alternatives were not explored. Furthermore, without a competitive process, there's less transparency into the justification for selecting that specific vendor and the reasonableness of the price. Ensuring the contractor meets all requirements and performs effectively requires diligent oversight from the agency.

How does this contract align with the VA's broader mission and spending priorities in healthcare and research?

This contract likely aligns with the VA's mission to provide comprehensive healthcare to veterans, which often includes research initiatives to improve medical treatments and understanding of diseases affecting veterans. Universities like Yale are crucial partners in advancing medical knowledge. Spending on biomedical services through academic institutions supports the VA's efforts in areas such as clinical research, development of new therapies, and potentially training healthcare professionals who may serve veterans. The specific alignment depends on the nature of the services procured.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 150 MUNSON ST, NEW HAVEN, CT, 06511

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), School of Forestry, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $205,547

Exercised Options: $205,547

Current Obligation: $205,547

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24124D0078

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline