VA Awards $239K Contract for General Surgery Physician Services to University of Kentucky

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $239,000 ($239.0K)

Contractor: University of Kentucky

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-07-09

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 356 days

Daily Burn Rate: $671/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: GENERAL SURGERY PHYSICIAN SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: LEXINGTON, FAYETTE County, KENTUCKY, 40536

State: Kentucky Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $239,000 to UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY for work described as: GENERAL SURGERY PHYSICIAN SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract is for general surgery physician services, a critical healthcare need. 2. Competition is limited as the contract is not available for competition. 3. The primary risk lies in the lack of competitive pricing and potential for cost overruns. 4. The healthcare sector is characterized by high demand and specialized services.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Pricing is not available for comparison due to the lack of competition. The firm fixed price contract aims to control costs, but without benchmarks, it's difficult to assess value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract is not available for competition, which limits price discovery. The VA likely has a specific reason for this sole-source or limited competition approach, but it impacts the potential for achieving the best possible price.

Taxpayer Impact: Without competitive bidding, taxpayers may not be receiving the most cost-effective service. The fixed price offers some cost certainty, but the overall value is uncertain.

Public Impact

Ensures continued access to essential general surgery services for veterans. Potential for higher costs due to lack of competitive bidding. Supports a key academic medical center in Kentucky.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 67 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for inflated pricing
Limited transparency on cost justification

Positive Signals

Firm fixed price contract
Addresses a critical healthcare need

Sector Analysis

The healthcare sector, particularly physician services, is a significant area of federal spending. Contracts for specialized medical professionals often face challenges with competition due to unique requirements and provider availability.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve small businesses, as it is awarded to a university. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. The lack of competition warrants close monitoring to ensure fair pricing and quality of service.

Related Government Programs

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Sole source award
Lack of competitive pricing
Potential for cost inefficiency
Limited transparency on justification

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $239,000 to UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY. GENERAL SURGERY PHYSICIAN SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY.

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 $239,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-07-09. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the justification for awarding this contract without competition?

The justification for awarding this contract without competition is not provided in the data. Typically, such awards are made when only one source can provide the required service, or in cases of urgent need. Further investigation into the VA's procurement records would be necessary to understand the specific rationale and ensure it aligns with federal acquisition regulations.

What are the risks associated with a non-competitive contract for physician services?

The primary risk is the potential for paying a higher price than would be achieved through a competitive process. Without competing offers, there's less incentive for the contractor to offer the most cost-effective solution. Additionally, it can limit the VA's ability to explore innovative approaches or find providers with potentially better value propositions.

How will the VA ensure the quality and effectiveness of these physician services?

The VA will likely rely on performance metrics, quality assurance protocols, and direct oversight by medical staff to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the services. Given the firm fixed price, the focus will be on ensuring the contracted services are delivered as specified and meet the required clinical standards for veteran care.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND SURGICAL SVCS

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: 800 ROSE ST, LEXINGTON, KY, 40536

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $239,000

Exercised Options: $239,000

Current Obligation: $239,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24925D0063

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline