VA awards $7.7M contract for flow cytometry services to University of Wisconsin System

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,699 ($7.7K)

Contractor: University of Wisconsin System

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2023-05-01

End Date: 2026-11-30

Contract Duration: 1,309 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: FLOW CYTOMETRY IS REQUIRED TO ASSESS THE CD4/WBC COUNT OF THE MICE IN OUR ANIMAL PROTOCOL. THE UWCCC FLOW CYTOMETRY FACILITY

Place of Performance

Location: MADISON, DANE County, WISCONSIN, 53715

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $7,698.66 to UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM for work described as: FLOW CYTOMETRY IS REQUIRED TO ASSESS THE CD4/WBC COUNT OF THE MICE IN OUR ANIMAL PROTOCOL. THE UWCCC FLOW CYTOMETRY FACILITY Key points: 1. The contract supports critical research for assessing CD4/WBC counts in animal protocols. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about potential cost savings through competition. 3. Long contract duration (1309 days) requires careful monitoring for performance and cost. 4. The award falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically biotechnology.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract's value of $7.7 million over approximately 3.6 years is difficult to benchmark without specific per-unit cost data. The lack of competition makes it challenging to assess if this price represents fair market value compared to similar flow cytometry services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded sole-source, meaning it was not competed. This limits the government's ability to explore pricing options and potentially secure a lower cost through competitive bidding. The justification for a sole-source award needs to be robust.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in higher costs for taxpayers than if the contract had been competitively bid.

Public Impact

Supports vital animal research for the VA's medical protocols. Ensures continuity of essential laboratory services for ongoing studies. Potential for innovation in biotechnology research through specialized equipment access.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
Long-term contract duration increases risk of cost overruns or performance issues.
Lack of clear performance metrics or benchmarks.

Positive Signals

Supports critical research for the VA.
Utilizes a specialized facility for essential services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically within biotechnology. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement but requires careful oversight to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently, especially when awarded non-competitively.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or considerations for small businesses in this sole-source award to a large university system.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the justification is valid and that the VA is obtaining fair value. Regular performance reviews and cost analysis will be critical throughout the contract's duration.

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 lacks competitive pressure on pricing.
Long contract duration increases risk exposure.
Potential for vendor lock-in due to specialized facility.
Limited transparency on cost breakdown and profit margins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $7,698.66 to UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM. FLOW CYTOMETRY IS REQUIRED TO ASSESS THE CD4/WBC COUNT OF THE MICE IN OUR ANIMAL PROTOCOL. THE UWCCC FLOW CYTOMETRY FACILITY

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 $7,698.66.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-05-01. End: 2026-11-30.

What is the specific justification for awarding this flow cytometry contract sole-source to the University of Wisconsin System, and have alternative sources been thoroughly evaluated?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, specialized equipment, or a lack of other responsible sources. For this contract, the VA would need to demonstrate that the UWCCC Flow Cytometry Facility possesses unique qualifications essential for the research protocol, and that no other vendor could meet these specific requirements within the necessary timeframe or technical specifications.

How will the VA ensure cost-effectiveness and fair pricing over the 3.6-year duration of this sole-source contract, given the absence of competitive bidding?

The VA should implement rigorous cost monitoring and performance evaluation throughout the contract. This includes establishing clear performance metrics, conducting regular price reasonableness checks against industry benchmarks (if available), and potentially negotiating cost reduction initiatives with the contractor. Periodic reviews of the sole-source justification's continued validity are also advisable.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this flow cytometry service contract, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure research objectives are met effectively?

Key performance indicators should focus on the accuracy and reliability of CD4/WBC count assessments, turnaround time for sample analysis, equipment uptime and maintenance, and adherence to animal protocol requirements. The VA should establish baseline metrics and regularly audit results and service delivery to ensure the flow cytometry facility is effectively supporting the research objectives and providing high-quality data.

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: $10,827

Exercised Options: $10,827

Current Obligation: $7,699

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline