VA awards $23.7M contract for mouse housing and care, supporting research on prostate inflammation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,746 ($23.7K)

Contractor: University of Wisconsin System

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2018-01-01

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 3,072 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: MOUSE HOUSING, HUSBANDRY, AND VETERINARY CARE AT UW LAR FOR VA MERIT AWARD TITLED PROSTATIC INFLAMMATION AND FIBROSIS IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF BPH/LUTS. FOR RESEARCH DEPT AT MADISON VA

Place of Performance

Location: MADISON, DANE County, WISCONSIN, 53705

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $23,745.79 to UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM for work described as: MOUSE HOUSING, HUSBANDRY, AND VETERINARY CARE AT UW LAR FOR VA MERIT AWARD TITLED PROSTATIC INFLAMMATION AND FIBROSIS IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF BPH/LUTS. FOR RESEARCH DEPT AT MADISON VA Key points: 1. Contract supports critical research into benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). 2. Long-term contract duration (2018-2026) suggests ongoing research needs. 3. Sole-source award raises questions about potential cost efficiencies and market alternatives. 4. Research focus aligns with a significant health concern for aging male veterans. 5. The awardee, University of Wisconsin System, is a state-funded entity, potentially impacting cost structures. 6. Contract value is modest within the broader federal R&D spending landscape.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific details on the scope of services and the number of animals involved. However, the duration and total value suggest a consistent need for these specialized research support services. Given it was not competed, it's difficult to assess if the pricing is competitive. Further analysis would require comparing per-animal costs or service rates to similar contracts at other research institutions or federal labs.

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 contractor possesses unique capabilities or when it's impractical or uneconomical to compete. The lack of competition means there was no direct price pressure from other bidders, which could potentially lead to higher costs for the government compared to a fully competed contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards limit opportunities for other qualified vendors and may result in taxpayers paying a premium due to the absence of competitive bidding.

Public Impact

Veterans suffering from or at risk of developing BPH/LUTS are the ultimate beneficiaries of the research enabled by this contract. The contract provides essential laboratory animal housing, husbandry, and veterinary care services. Research conducted at the Madison VA facility in Wisconsin will contribute to scientific understanding and potential treatment advancements. The contract supports scientific and veterinary professionals employed by the University of Wisconsin System.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to suboptimal pricing.
Sole-source awards can limit innovation by excluding potential new entrants.
Contract duration is long, requiring careful monitoring of performance and costs.

Positive Signals

Supports critical medical research for a common veteran health issue.
Awardee is a public university system with a mission to serve the state, potentially aligning with public good objectives.
Long-term commitment indicates a stable environment for research continuity.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector, specifically supporting laboratory animal care. This is a crucial but often behind-the-scenes component of biomedical research. The market for such services is specialized, often involving academic institutions or dedicated contract research organizations (CROs). Federal spending in this area supports the advancement of medical knowledge and the development of new treatments, particularly for conditions affecting large populations like veterans.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not competed and does not appear to have small business set-aside provisions. The awardee is a large public university system. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from this specific award, nor is there an explicit effort to boost small business participation through this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracting officers and program managers. The VA has an Office of Inspector General (OIG) that investigates fraud, waste, and abuse within the department, which could potentially review this contract if concerns arise. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, but detailed performance metrics and cost breakdowns are often not publicly available.

Related Government Programs

VA Research and Development Programs
Biotechnology Research Contracts
Laboratory Animal Care Services
Prostate Cancer Research Funding

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition.
Long contract duration requires ongoing performance monitoring.
Potential for cost overruns without competitive benchmarking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $23,745.79 to UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM. MOUSE HOUSING, HUSBANDRY, AND VETERINARY CARE AT UW LAR FOR VA MERIT AWARD TITLED PROSTATIC INFLAMMATION AND FIBROSIS IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF BPH/LUTS. FOR RESEARCH DEPT AT MADISON VA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM.

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 $23,745.79.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-01-01. End: 2026-05-31.

What is the specific scope of 'mouse housing, husbandry, and veterinary care' covered by this contract?

The contract details are limited in the provided data, but typically 'mouse housing, husbandry, and veterinary care' encompasses providing appropriate living conditions (cages, environmental controls), daily care (feeding, watering, waste removal), health monitoring, and veterinary services for research mice. This includes preventative care, diagnostics, and treatment of illnesses, as well as euthanasia and disposal services when necessary. The specific protocols and standards would be defined in the contract's statement of work, ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations and research protocols.

How does the $23.7 million contract value compare to similar research support contracts within the VA or other federal agencies?

Without access to a comprehensive database of comparable contracts, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, $23.7 million over approximately 8 years (2018-2026) averages around $3 million per year. This figure is within the expected range for significant, long-term laboratory animal support services at a major research institution. Contracts for similar services can vary widely based on the number of animals, species, complexity of research, and specific services required. A sole-source award might also influence the price compared to competitively bid contracts.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source award for essential research support services?

The primary risk of a sole-source award is the potential for inflated costs due to the lack of competitive pressure. Taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible value for their money. Additionally, it can stifle innovation by preventing other qualified vendors, potentially with more efficient or advanced methods, from entering the market. There's also a risk of complacency from the awarded contractor, as they face no direct competition for future renewals or similar contracts. Ensuring robust oversight and performance management becomes even more critical in sole-source situations.

What is the track record of the University of Wisconsin System in providing laboratory animal care services to federal agencies?

The University of Wisconsin System, particularly the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has a long-standing history of conducting significant biomedical research, which inherently includes extensive experience in laboratory animal care. As a major public research university, it operates under strict federal guidelines (e.g., Animal Welfare Act, PHS Policy) and typically maintains accreditation from the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC). While specific federal contract history beyond this award isn't detailed here, their institutional capacity and regulatory compliance suggest a strong capability in this area.

How does this contract contribute to the VA's overall mission regarding veteran health research?

This contract directly supports the VA's mission by providing essential infrastructure and services for research aimed at understanding and treating conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). These conditions are prevalent, particularly among aging male veterans, and can significantly impact quality of life. By funding this research support, the VA facilitates the scientific inquiry necessary to develop better diagnostic tools, preventative strategies, and therapeutic interventions, ultimately improving the health outcomes and well-being of the veteran population.

Are there any specific performance metrics or milestones tied to this contract that ensure research progress?

The provided data does not specify performance metrics or milestones. However, federal research support contracts, especially those involving animal care, typically include detailed requirements in the Statement of Work (SOW). These often involve adherence to specific animal welfare standards, timely veterinary interventions, accurate record-keeping, and potentially reporting on animal health status. While direct research progress metrics might be tied to the research grants themselves, the contractor's performance is evaluated based on the reliable and compliant provision of the support services.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: VA252-18-AP-1281

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 432 N LAKE ST, MADISON, WI, 53706

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: $56,222

Exercised Options: $23,746

Current Obligation: $23,746

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline