VA Awards $21.5M for Proficiency Testing to College of American Pathologists
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,504 ($21.5K)
Contractor: College of American Pathologists
Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
Start Date: 2025-01-01
End Date: 2025-12-31
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $59/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Healthcare
Official Description: PROFICIENCY TESTING
Place of Performance
Location: NORTHFIELD, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60093
State: Illinois Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $21,503.56 to COLLEGE OF AMERICAN PATHOLOGISTS for work described as: PROFICIENCY TESTING Key points: 1. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is spending $21.5 million on proficiency testing services. 2. The contract was competed under SAP, suggesting a potentially limited but competitive process. 3. The firm fixed price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the VA. 4. This spending falls within the Medical Laboratories sector, crucial for healthcare quality.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The $21.5 million award for a one-year contract appears reasonable given the specialized nature of proficiency testing services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for laboratory accreditation and quality assurance programs would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating a process designed for smaller value procurements. While this suggests some level of competition, it may not be as broad as full and open competition, potentially impacting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential quality assurance in medical laboratories, ensuring accurate diagnostic testing for veterans.
Public Impact
Ensures quality and accuracy of laboratory testing for veterans' healthcare. Supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' commitment to reliable medical diagnostics. The College of American Pathologists is a recognized leader in laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 59 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP may not yield the best possible price.
- Reliance on a single vendor for a critical service.
- Contract duration of one year limits long-term strategic planning.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed price contract provides cost predictability.
- Award to a specialized and reputable organization.
- Supports essential healthcare quality assurance.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Medical Laboratories sector, specifically focusing on proficiency testing. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining healthcare quality standards and ensuring accurate diagnostic results. Benchmarks for similar services often depend on the scope and volume of testing required.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the proficiency testing services provided by the College of American Pathologists.
Related Government Programs
- Medical Laboratories
- Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
- Department of Veterans Affairs Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for limited competition driving up costs.
- Dependence on a single provider for a critical function.
- Lack of transparency on small business involvement.
- Need for clear performance metrics tied to patient outcomes.
Tags
medical-laboratories, department-of-veterans-affairs, il, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $21,503.56 to COLLEGE OF AMERICAN PATHOLOGISTS. PROFICIENCY TESTING
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is COLLEGE OF AMERICAN PATHOLOGISTS.
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 $21,503.56.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-01-01. End: 2025-12-31.
What is the historical spending trend for proficiency testing services by the VA?
Analyzing historical spending data for proficiency testing would reveal if this $21.5 million award represents an increase, decrease, or stable investment. Understanding trends can highlight changes in service needs, vendor pricing, or strategic shifts within the VA's laboratory quality assurance programs.
Are there alternative vendors capable of providing similar proficiency testing services at a potentially lower cost?
Investigating alternative vendors is crucial for ensuring competitive pricing. While the College of American Pathologists is a recognized leader, exploring other accredited organizations or consortia could uncover opportunities for cost savings or enhanced service offerings, especially if the current competition was limited.
How does the VA measure the effectiveness of these proficiency testing services in improving patient care outcomes?
The VA should have established metrics to link proficiency testing results to improvements in diagnostic accuracy and, ultimately, patient care. This could involve tracking error rates, adherence to standards, and the impact on clinical decision-making, ensuring the investment translates to tangible healthcare benefits 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: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 36C25725Q0096
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 325 WAUKEGAN RD, NORTHFIELD, IL, 60093
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $21,504
Exercised Options: $21,504
Current Obligation: $21,504
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-01-01
Current End Date: 2025-12-31
Potential End Date: 2025-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-10
More Contracts from College of American Pathologists
- Miscellaneous Items — $27.0M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Proficiency Testing — $19.6M (Department of Defense)
- Laboratory Proficiency Testing — $18.4M (Department of Veterans Affairs)
- CAP Efrm Subscription Licenses — $151.1K (Department of Veterans Affairs)
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