VA awards $124,560 contract for water sample testing in Montana

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,456 ($12.5K)

Contractor: State of Montana Department of Health and Human Services

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-11-01

End Date: 2025-10-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $34/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: LAB TEST OF WATER SAMPLES

Place of Performance

Location: HELENA, LEWIS AND CLARK County, MONTANA, 59601

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $12,456 to STATE OF MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES for work described as: LAB TEST OF WATER SAMPLES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to State of Montana Department of Health and Human Services. 2. Testing Laboratories and Services (NAICS 541380) sector. 3. Potential for limited competition due to state agency award. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $124,560 for a 12-month period appears reasonable for specialized laboratory testing services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for water sample analysis would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) and awarded as a BPA Call. While this suggests some level of competition, the award to a state agency may indicate limited outreach to private sector providers.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP and BPA calls aims for efficiency, but the limited competition could potentially lead to higher prices than a fully open competition.

Public Impact

Ensures safe drinking water for veterans by testing water samples. Supports public health initiatives within Montana. Provides essential laboratory services to a federal agency.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may impact price.
Geographic concentration of awardee.

Positive Signals

Supports state-federal partnership.
Addresses critical health and safety need.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically testing laboratories. Spending in this sector is driven by regulatory compliance, research, and quality assurance needs across various government agencies.

Small Business Impact

The award to a state government agency suggests that small businesses were likely not the primary focus of this specific procurement, although they may be subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of BPA calls under SAP is a standard procurement method. Oversight would focus on ensuring the services meet quality standards and the pricing remains fair throughout the contract period.

Related Government Programs

Testing Laboratories and Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for higher costs
Geographic concentration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $12,456 to STATE OF MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. LAB TEST OF WATER SAMPLES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STATE OF MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.

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 $12,456.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-11-01. End: 2025-10-31.

What is the typical cost for similar water sample testing services in the region?

Benchmarking the cost against similar contracts for water sample testing in the Montana region is crucial. Without specific data on the number and type of samples, and the tests performed, a precise comparison is difficult. However, typical costs can range from tens to hundreds of dollars per sample depending on the complexity of the analysis required.

What are the risks associated with awarding to a state agency versus a private laboratory?

Awarding to a state agency can offer benefits like established infrastructure and potential cost savings through existing state contracts. However, risks include potentially limited flexibility in service delivery compared to private firms, and a narrower competitive landscape which might reduce price discovery and innovation.

How effective is this contract in ensuring the quality of water for veterans?

The effectiveness hinges on the scope of work, the rigor of the testing protocols, and the timeliness of reporting. If the contract mandates comprehensive testing for relevant contaminants and timely delivery of accurate results, it is likely effective in ensuring water quality. Regular performance reviews are key.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Testing Laboratories and Services

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › LABORATORY TESTING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2401 COLONIAL DR, HELENA, MT, 59604

Business Categories: Category Business, Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,456

Exercised Options: $12,456

Current Obligation: $12,456

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C25922A0008

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline