VA awards $18.7M for Analytical Laboratory Instruments, extending contract with Roche Diagnostics
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,683 ($18.7K)
Contractor: Roche Diagnostics Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
Start Date: 2026-05-01
End Date: 2027-04-30
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $51/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Healthcare
Official Description: EXERCISE OPTION YEAR FOUR
Place of Performance
Location: INDIANAPOLIS, MARION County, INDIANA, 46256
State: Indiana Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $18,682.82 to ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS CORPORATION for work described as: EXERCISE OPTION YEAR FOUR Key points: 1. Contract value is $18.7 million over one year. 2. Competition was limited under a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call. 3. The primary risk is potential overpricing due to limited competition. 4. The sector is Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a firm-fixed-price award for an option year. Without specific pricing details or benchmarks for similar analytical laboratory instruments, it's difficult to definitively assess value. However, the limited competition raises concerns about potential overpricing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
This contract was competed under a BPA Call, indicating a limited competition approach. While the specific reasons for this limited competition are not detailed, it can restrict price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs for the government compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these analytical laboratory instruments.
Public Impact
Veterans will continue to receive essential diagnostic services supported by this equipment. The Department of Veterans Affairs maintains operational continuity for its laboratory functions. The award supports a specific manufacturer, potentially limiting access to alternative solutions for the VA.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 51 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for overpricing
- Sole-source potential in future
Positive Signals
- Option year exercised, indicating satisfaction with current service
- Firm fixed price contract type limits cost uncertainty
Sector Analysis
The Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector involves specialized equipment crucial for medical diagnostics. Spending in this sector can vary significantly based on technological advancements and agency needs. Benchmarks are difficult without specific instrument types.
Small Business Impact
This award does not appear to directly benefit small businesses, as it is a direct award to a large corporation, Roche Diagnostics. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this specific contract action.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. The use of a BPA Call suggests existing frameworks are in place, but the limited competition warrants scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and value.
Related Government Programs
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
- Department of Veterans Affairs Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for price inflation
- Lack of transparency in competition method
- No clear small business participation
Tags
analytical-laboratory-instrument-manufac, department-of-veterans-affairs, in, bpa-call, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $18,682.82 to ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS CORPORATION. EXERCISE OPTION YEAR FOUR
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS CORPORATION.
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 $18,682.82.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-05-01. End: 2027-04-30.
What was the justification for competing this requirement under a BPA Call instead of full and open competition?
The justification for using a BPA Call instead of full and open competition is not explicitly provided in the data. Typically, agencies use BPA Calls when they have pre-established Blanket Purchase Agreements with vendors. This method can expedite procurement for specific needs, but it inherently limits the pool of potential offerors, potentially impacting price competitiveness.
How does the unit cost of these analytical laboratory instruments compare to market benchmarks?
The provided data does not include specific unit costs or detailed product information to perform a direct market benchmark comparison. While the contract is firm-fixed-price, the limited competition under the BPA Call raises a flag that the pricing might not be as competitive as it could be under a broader solicitation.
What is the long-term strategy for acquiring analytical laboratory instruments to ensure optimal value and access to innovation?
The long-term strategy is unclear from this single award. Exercising an option year suggests satisfaction with the current vendor, but the limited competition raises questions about future procurement strategies. The VA should consider market research and potential full and open competitions to ensure access to the latest technology and competitive pricing.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT
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
Parent Company: Roche Holding AG
Address: 9115 HAGUE RD, INDIANAPOLIS, IN, 46256
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,683
Exercised Options: $18,683
Current Obligation: $18,683
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 36C25922A0017
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-05-01
Current End Date: 2027-04-30
Potential End Date: 2027-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-10
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