VA Awards $950K for Laboratory Testing Services to Quest Diagnostics in Missouri

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $95,000 ($95.0K)

Contractor: Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-06-01

End Date: 2027-05-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $261/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: POPLAR BLUFF OY4 TASK ORDER - REFERRAL LABORATORY TESTING SERVICES FOR VISN 15

Place of Performance

Location: POPLAR BLUFF, BUTLER County, MISSOURI, 63901

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $95,000 to QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED for work described as: POPLAR BLUFF OY4 TASK ORDER - REFERRAL LABORATORY TESTING SERVICES FOR VISN 15 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Quest Diagnostics for $950,000. 2. Services are for VISN 15 referral laboratory testing. 3. Contract duration is one year, ending May 31, 2027. 4. The NAICS code 621511 indicates Medical Laboratories. 5. This is a delivery order under an existing contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $950,000 for a one-year contract appears reasonable for specialized laboratory testing services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for referral laboratory services would provide a more precise assessment of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for necessary medical laboratory services.

Public Impact

Veterans in VISN 15 will have access to essential laboratory testing services. The contract ensures continuity of care for diagnostic needs. Quest Diagnostics will provide these critical medical services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Full and open competition utilized
Clear service description and duration

Sector Analysis

The healthcare sector, particularly medical laboratories, is crucial for patient diagnosis and treatment. Spending in this area is driven by demand for diagnostic services and the complexity of medical testing.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this specific task order, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

As a delivery order under an existing contract, oversight may be integrated into the broader contract management framework. The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for ensuring service delivery and quality.

Related Government Programs

Medical Laboratories
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for over-reliance on a single provider
Need for detailed performance metric analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $95,000 to QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED. POPLAR BLUFF OY4 TASK ORDER - REFERRAL LABORATORY TESTING SERVICES FOR VISN 15

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED.

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 $95,000.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the historical pricing for similar referral laboratory testing services within VISN 15 or comparable VA networks?

Historical pricing data for similar services is essential for a comprehensive value assessment. Without specific benchmarks, it's challenging to definitively state if $950,000 represents optimal value. Comparing this award to previous contracts for the same or similar services, adjusted for inflation and scope, would provide a clearer picture of cost-effectiveness and identify potential savings or overspending.

What are the specific performance metrics and quality assurance measures in place for these laboratory services?

Performance metrics and quality assurance are critical for ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of laboratory testing. Key indicators might include turnaround times for test results, accuracy rates, compliance with accreditation standards (e.g., CLIA), and patient satisfaction. Robust oversight mechanisms should be in place to monitor these metrics and address any deficiencies promptly to maintain high standards of care.

Are there any potential risks associated with relying on a single provider for these referral laboratory services, even under full and open competition?

While awarded under full and open competition, potential risks include over-reliance on Quest Diagnostics, which could lead to reduced leverage in future negotiations or service disruptions if the contractor faces unforeseen operational issues. Contingency planning, such as identifying alternative providers or maintaining strong communication channels, can mitigate these risks and ensure uninterrupted service delivery for veterans.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories › Medical Laboratories

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › LABORATORY TESTING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 500 PLAZA DR, SECAUCUS, NJ, 07094

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $95,000

Exercised Options: $95,000

Current Obligation: $95,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C25522D0028

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline