VA awards $2.59M contract for scientific consulting, modifying terms per acquisition policy flash

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,586,167 ($2.6M)

Contractor: National Academy of Sciences

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-01-16

End Date: 2028-01-15

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MOD TO INCORPORATE 852.222-71 INTO THE CONTRACT PER ACQUISITION POLICY FLASH! 25-06.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20418

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2.6 million to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES for work described as: MOD TO INCORPORATE 852.222-71 INTO THE CONTRACT PER ACQUISITION POLICY FLASH! 25-06. Key points: 1. Contract value is modest, suggesting a focused scope of work. 2. The modification indicates adherence to evolving federal acquisition regulations. 3. Sole-source award raises questions about potential cost efficiencies from competition. 4. The duration of the contract (729 days) is standard for consulting services. 5. The National Academy of Sciences is a reputable, non-profit entity for scientific advice. 6. The specific nature of the consulting services is not detailed, impacting performance assessment.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.59 million for approximately two years of service is within a reasonable range for specialized scientific consulting. However, without specific details on the services rendered or comparable contracts for similar expertise, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult. The modification to incorporate acquisition policy flash 25-06 suggests a procedural update rather than a change in scope or price, which is a neutral factor in value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when a specific entity possesses unique qualifications or capabilities essential for the requirement. While the National Academy of Sciences is a highly respected institution for scientific advice, the lack of competition limits the opportunity for price discovery and potentially higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards mean taxpayers do not benefit from competitive bidding, which could lead to higher prices than if multiple firms had vied for the contract.

Public Impact

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the primary beneficiary, likely receiving expert scientific advice to inform policy or programs. The contract supports scientific and technical consulting services, the specifics of which are not detailed. The geographic impact is centered in the District of Columbia, where the National Academy of Sciences is located. Workforce implications are likely minimal, as the National Academy of Sciences operates with its own established personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
Scope of services is not clearly defined, posing a risk to performance expectations.
Reliance on a single source could limit flexibility if needs change significantly.

Positive Signals

Award to a highly reputable scientific body ensures quality of advice.
Modification indicates proactive compliance with federal acquisition regulations.
Fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' category (NAICS 541690). This sector encompasses a broad range of advisory services. The National Academy of Sciences is a prominent player in providing independent, objective advice to the government on science and technology matters. Comparable spending in this sector varies widely based on the complexity and duration of the consulting engagement.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. Given the sole-source nature and the specific entity awarded, subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are unlikely unless initiated by the National Academy of Sciences for specific tasks.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the contracting officer and program officials within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature and lack of detailed public information on the specific services. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

VA Advisory Committee Support
Scientific and Technical Advisory Services
Federal Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition.
Lack of detailed scope of work hinders performance assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.6 million to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. MOD TO INCORPORATE 852.222-71 INTO THE CONTRACT PER ACQUISITION POLICY FLASH! 25-06.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.

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 $2.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-16. End: 2028-01-15.

What specific scientific or technical advice is the VA seeking from the National Academy of Sciences under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact nature of the scientific or technical advice being sought. The contract falls under NAICS code 541690, 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services.' The National Academy of Sciences is known for providing independent, objective advice on matters of science, technology, and health. The VA likely requires this expertise for policy development, program evaluation, or addressing complex challenges within its healthcare or research domains. Further details would typically be found in the contract's statement of work, which is not available in the provided data.

How does the $2.59 million contract value compare to similar consulting contracts awarded by the VA or other agencies for scientific expertise?

Benchmarking this $2.59 million contract is challenging without knowing the specific services rendered. Consulting contracts for scientific expertise can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the duration, complexity, and the reputation of the consulting body. The National Academy of Sciences, as a non-profit entity, may have different pricing structures than for-profit consulting firms. However, given its sole-source nature, it's difficult to ascertain if this represents optimal value compared to a competitive scenario. A direct comparison would require identifying contracts with identical or highly similar scopes of work and durations.

What are the primary risks associated with awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The primary risk of a sole-source award is the potential for inflated costs due to the absence of competitive pressure. Taxpayers may not receive the best possible price for the services. Additionally, there's a risk that the government might not be exposed to innovative solutions or alternative approaches that could have been offered by other qualified firms. While the National Academy of Sciences is a reputable institution, the lack of competition limits the government's ability to explore a broader market and ensure maximum value for its investment. This also reduces transparency in the pricing process.

What is the track record of the National Academy of Sciences in delivering scientific consulting services to federal agencies?

The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has a long-standing and distinguished track record of providing high-quality, independent scientific and technical advice to the U.S. government. Established by Congress, it operates under a congressional charter to advise the nation on science, engineering, and medicine. NAS regularly publishes reports and convenes expert committees to address critical issues for various federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs. Their reputation is built on objectivity, rigorous analysis, and the expertise of their appointed members, making them a trusted source for complex scientific guidance.

What does the modification to incorporate 'ACQUISITION POLICY FLASH! 25-06' signify for this contract?

The modification indicates that the contract is being updated to comply with a recent change in federal acquisition policy, specifically identified as 'ACQUISITION POLICY FLASH! 25-06.' These flashes typically communicate urgent or important updates to acquisition regulations, procedures, or guidance. Incorporating this flash ensures the contract remains compliant with current federal procurement laws and best practices. It suggests a procedural adjustment rather than a change in the core services, cost, or duration, aiming to maintain regulatory adherence and potentially mitigate future compliance risks.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2101 CONSTITUTION AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20418

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,586,167

Exercised Options: $2,586,167

Current Obligation: $2,586,167

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24523D0128

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline