VA Awards $3.2M for Chemistry Analyzers to Abbott Laboratories Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,215,408 ($3.2M)

Contractor: Abbott Laboratories Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-10-01

End Date: 2025-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: ::CHEMISTRY ANALYZERS::

Place of Performance

Location: NORTH CHICAGO, LAKE County, ILLINOIS, 60064

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $3.2 million to ABBOTT LABORATORIES INC. for work described as: ::CHEMISTRY ANALYZERS:: Key points: 1. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is procuring chemistry analyzers valued at $3.2 million. 2. Abbott Laboratories Inc. is the sole awardee, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is one year, suggesting a need for immediate or short-term supply. 4. The sector is Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, a critical area for healthcare diagnostics.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award price of $3.2 million for a one-year contract appears reasonable given the nature of analytical laboratory instruments. Benchmarking against similar contracts for advanced diagnostic equipment would provide a more precise valuation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method typically drives competitive pricing and ensures the government receives fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process is expected to result in cost savings for taxpayers by securing the best possible price for these essential laboratory instruments.

Public Impact

Ensures VA medical facilities have access to essential diagnostic tools for patient care. Supports the VA's mission to provide comprehensive healthcare services to veterans. Potentially impacts diagnostic turnaround times and accuracy for veteran health assessments.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 88 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for sole-source follow-on if Abbott's instruments become standard.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical equipment.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Clear contract period with defined end date.
Firm fixed price contract limits cost overruns.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector, which is crucial for medical diagnostics. Spending in this sector is driven by healthcare demand and technological advancements in testing capabilities.

Small Business Impact

The awardee is Abbott Laboratories Inc., a large corporation. There is no indication in the provided data that small businesses were involved in this specific contract award, either as prime contractors or subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which has established oversight mechanisms for its procurements. The use of full and open competition suggests adherence to standard procurement regulations.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential vendor lock-in if instruments become integrated into VA workflows.
Dependence on a single supplier for critical medical equipment.
Risk of obsolescence if technology advances rapidly.
Need for robust maintenance and support from the vendor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $3.2 million to ABBOTT LABORATORIES INC.. ::CHEMISTRY ANALYZERS::

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ABBOTT LABORATORIES INC..

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 $3.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-01. End: 2025-09-30.

What is the specific type and capability of the chemistry analyzers being procured, and how do they compare to existing VA equipment?

The specific type and capabilities of the chemistry analyzers are not detailed in the provided data. Understanding the model and its diagnostic functions is crucial to assess if it represents an upgrade or a replacement for existing VA equipment. This information would help determine the true value and impact on patient care efficiency and accuracy.

What was the competitive landscape like during the bidding process, and were there any significant price differences between competing bids?

While the award was made under 'full and open competition,' the provided data does not detail the number of bids received or the price differences between them. Knowing this would offer insight into the intensity of the competition and whether the winning bid truly represented the best value or if there was room for further price negotiation.

How will the performance and reliability of these specific chemistry analyzers be monitored throughout the contract period to ensure effectiveness?

The data does not specify the performance monitoring mechanisms. Effective oversight would involve tracking uptime, maintenance records, diagnostic accuracy rates, and user feedback from VA technicians. Regular performance reviews and adherence to service level agreements are essential to ensure the analyzers consistently meet clinical needs.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

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: 100 ABBOTT PARK RD DEPT 943 BLDG AP6C-3, NORTH CHICAGO, IL, 60064

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,923,151

Exercised Options: $3,215,408

Current Obligation: $3,215,408

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36F79719D0024

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline