VA awards $172.7M contract for Blood Bank Analyzers to QuidelOrtho Sales Company

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $172,728 ($172.7K)

Contractor: Quidelortho Sales Company, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-06-04

End Date: 2027-06-03

Contract Duration: 1,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $158/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: ::BLOOD BANK ANALYZER::

Place of Performance

Location: BIRMINGHAM, JEFFERSON County, ALABAMA, 35233

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $172,728.18 to QUIDELORTHO SALES COMPANY, LLC for work described as: ::BLOOD BANK ANALYZER:: Key points: 1. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded a significant contract valued at $172.7 million for blood bank analyzers. 2. QuidelOrtho Sales Company, LLC, is the recipient of this contract, indicating a key supplier relationship. 3. The contract spans over 1000 days, suggesting a long-term need for these analytical instruments. 4. The sector is Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, crucial for healthcare diagnostics.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $172.7 million for blood bank analyzers appears reasonable given the duration and the nature of specialized medical equipment. Benchmarking against similar large-scale procurements for analytical instruments would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value. This method allows all eligible vendors to bid, promoting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

Ensures critical diagnostic capabilities for veterans' healthcare. Supports the VA's operational efficiency in laboratory services. Potential for advancements in blood analysis technology through this procurement.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.
Dependence on a single supplier for critical equipment.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Long-term contract provides supply chain stability.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector, which is vital for healthcare diagnostics and research. Spending in this sector can vary significantly based on technological advancements and healthcare system needs.

Small Business Impact

While the contract is large, the analysis does not specify if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or partners. Further investigation would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for large procurements, including performance monitoring and compliance checks, should be in place.

Related Government Programs

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

High contract value.
Long contract duration.
Sole supplier for critical equipment.
Potential for technological obsolescence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $172,728.18 to QUIDELORTHO SALES COMPANY, LLC. ::BLOOD BANK ANALYZER::

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is QUIDELORTHO SALES COMPANY, LLC.

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 $172,728.18.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-06-04. End: 2027-06-03.

What is the specific type of blood bank analyzer being procured and its key functionalities?

The specific type of blood bank analyzer is not detailed in the provided data. However, given the context of 'Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing' and the significant contract value, it likely refers to sophisticated automated systems used for blood typing, crossmatching, and other critical pre-transfusion testing. These analyzers are essential for ensuring blood transfusion safety and efficiency in a clinical setting.

What are the potential risks associated with a long-term, high-value contract for specialized medical equipment?

Potential risks include technological obsolescence if newer, more efficient models emerge during the contract period. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in, making it difficult to switch suppliers if performance issues arise or better pricing becomes available elsewhere. Ensuring robust performance metrics and exit clauses is crucial for mitigating these risks.

How does this procurement contribute to the overall effectiveness of the VA's laboratory services?

This substantial investment in blood bank analyzers directly enhances the effectiveness of the VA's laboratory services by ensuring access to modern, reliable diagnostic tools. This supports timely and accurate blood testing, which is critical for patient care, surgical procedures, and emergency response, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for veterans.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › LABORATORY TESTING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 9975 SUMMERS RIDGE RD, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92121

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $286,775

Exercised Options: $172,728

Current Obligation: $172,728

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: V797D60637

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline