VA Awards $16.6M Contract for Histology Services to University of Wisconsin System
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,588 ($16.6K)
Contractor: University of Wisconsin System
Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
Start Date: 2023-04-01
End Date: 2026-11-30
Contract Duration: 1,339 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CARCHMAN NEEDS HISTOLOGY SERVICES BY EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL PATHOLOGY LABORATORY (EAPL)
Place of Performance
Location: MADISON, DANE County, WISCONSIN, 53715
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $16,588.27 to UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM for work described as: CARCHMAN NEEDS HISTOLOGY SERVICES BY EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL PATHOLOGY LABORATORY (EAPL) Key points: 1. The contract is for essential histology services, indicating a need for specialized laboratory support. 2. The award to the University of Wisconsin System suggests a reliance on academic institutions for research services. 3. The lack of competition raises questions about potential price discovery and value for taxpayer money. 4. The sector is R&D in Biotechnology, a critical area for medical advancements.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $16.6 million over approximately 3.5 years needs further benchmarking against similar histology service contracts. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to ascertain if this price represents fair market value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source or limited competition award. This method can lead to higher prices and reduced innovation as there is no market pressure to offer the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these histology services.
Public Impact
Veterans may benefit from research advancements enabled by these histology services. The award supports a state university system, potentially fostering local economic ties. Transparency in sole-source contracts is crucial to ensure public trust and accountability.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpayment
- Limited transparency
Positive Signals
- Supports research and development
- Long-term contract duration
Sector Analysis
The Biotechnology R&D sector is vital for medical and scientific progress. Spending in this area often involves specialized services and equipment, with contract values varying widely based on scope and duration.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract award, as it appears to be a direct award to a university system.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the services are necessary, performed effectively, and priced appropriately. Accountability is key when competition is absent.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
- Department of Veterans Affairs Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of demonstrated competition
- Potential for inflated pricing
- Limited transparency in award justification
Tags
research-and-development-in-biotechnolog, department-of-veterans-affairs, wi, definitive-contract, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $16,588.27 to UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM. CARCHMAN NEEDS HISTOLOGY SERVICES BY EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL PATHOLOGY LABORATORY (EAPL)
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 $16,588.27.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-04-01. End: 2026-11-30.
What specific factors justified the sole-source award for these histology services, and were alternative competitive approaches considered?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or a lack of other qualified sources. Without further documentation, it's unclear if the VA thoroughly explored competitive options or if specific circumstances at the Experimental Animal Pathology Laboratory (EAPL) made it the only viable provider.
How will the VA ensure fair pricing and value for money given the absence of a competitive bidding process for this $16.6 million contract?
The VA should implement rigorous price analysis, potentially using historical data, independent cost estimates, or benchmarking against similar services from other institutions. Regular performance reviews and audits can also help ensure the contractor is meeting expectations and that the pricing remains reasonable throughout the contract's duration.
What is the expected impact of these histology services on the VA's research and development goals, particularly concerning veteran health outcomes?
Histology services are fundamental to understanding disease mechanisms and testing potential treatments. The data generated from these services can directly inform research into conditions affecting veterans, potentially leading to improved diagnostic tools, therapies, and a better understanding of disease progression, ultimately aiming to enhance veteran health.
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
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 21 N PARK ST STE 6301, MADISON, WI, 53715
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: $24,516
Exercised Options: $24,516
Current Obligation: $16,588
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-04-01
Current End Date: 2026-11-30
Potential End Date: 2026-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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