VA awards $1.19M contract for Police Forensics Services to Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,900 ($11.9K)

Contractor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-06-01

End Date: 2027-05-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $33/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: POLICE FORENSICS SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: LOUISVILLE, JEFFERSON County, KENTUCKY, 40206

State: Kentucky Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $11,900 to VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER for work described as: POLICE FORENSICS SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract is for police forensics services, a niche but essential function. 2. Vanderbilt University Medical Center is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The fixed-price contract aims to control costs for a 364-day period. 4. The award falls under the 'Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools' NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a firm fixed price delivery order. Pricing is not benchmarked against similar contracts, making direct comparison difficult. The total award amount is $1.19 million.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating limited or no competition. This method may not yield the best price discovery for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for specialized forensics services, with the potential for higher costs due to the lack of competitive bidding.

Public Impact

Ensures critical police forensics services are available to the VA. Supports a major medical and research institution through contract award. Potential for increased costs to taxpayers due to sole-source nature.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 33 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition
Lack of price benchmarks
Potential for higher costs

Positive Signals

Essential service provision
Supports academic institution

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under the 'Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools' sector. Spending in this sector often involves research, education, and specialized services, with varying competitive landscapes.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this sole-source award. The focus appears to be on a specialized provider rather than broad market engagement.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source justification and award process will be critical for oversight. Ensuring the necessity and fairness of the non-competitive award is paramount for accountability.

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 competition
Potential for price inflation
Limited transparency in pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $11,900 to VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER. POLICE FORENSICS SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER.

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 $11,900.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-06-01. End: 2027-05-31.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for a sole-source award typically stems from a unique capability, specialized expertise, or a lack of other qualified sources. For police forensics services, it's possible Vanderbilt University Medical Center possesses unique equipment, highly specialized personnel, or a specific accreditation required by the VA that other institutions do not meet, thus limiting the competitive pool.

What are the risks associated with a sole-source contract for specialized services like forensics?

The primary risk of a sole-source contract is the potential for inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive pressure. There's also a risk of reduced innovation and service quality, as the contractor may have less incentive to improve if they are the only option. Furthermore, it limits opportunities for other capable providers to enter the market.

How does this contract contribute to the VA's overall mission effectiveness?

This contract directly supports the VA's mission by ensuring access to essential police forensics services. These services are crucial for law enforcement, investigations, and maintaining security within VA facilities. Reliable and timely forensics can aid in resolving incidents, ensuring justice, and protecting personnel and property, thereby contributing to the operational effectiveness of the VA.

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: 1161 21ST AVE S STE D3300 MCN, NASHVILLE, TN, 37232

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,900

Exercised Options: $11,900

Current Obligation: $11,900

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24923D0044

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline