VA Awards Sole Source Dermatology Services Contract to University of Washington for $162,503.50
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $162,504 ($162.5K)
Contractor: University of Washington
Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
Start Date: 2025-03-01
End Date: 2026-02-28
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $446/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT
Sector: Healthcare
Official Description: SOLE SOURCE AFFILIATE DERMATOLOGY PHYSICIAN SERVICES - FUND BASE YEAR 5
Place of Performance
Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98108
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $162,503.5 to UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON for work described as: SOLE SOURCE AFFILIATE DERMATOLOGY PHYSICIAN SERVICES - FUND BASE YEAR 5 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single affiliate, raising questions about competition. 2. Services are for dermatology physician support, a critical healthcare need. 3. The contract value is relatively modest for a year of specialized services. 4. Limited competition may impact price discovery and overall value for taxpayers.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $162,503.50 for one year of physician services appears reasonable for specialized medical support. However, without competitive bidding, a precise value assessment against market rates is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating no other vendors were considered. This method limits price discovery and may not secure the best possible pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could lead to higher costs than a competitively bid contract, potentially impacting taxpayer funds negatively.
Public Impact
Veterans will receive specialized dermatology care, ensuring access to necessary medical services. The sole-source nature of the award warrants scrutiny to ensure fair pricing. Reliance on a single provider could pose continuity risks if issues arise.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of competitive pricing data
- Potential for price escalation with economic adjustment
Positive Signals
- Ensures continuity of care for veterans
- Supports a known provider with established relationships
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the healthcare sector, specifically professional medical services. Spending benchmarks for physician services vary widely by specialty and location, but competitive bidding typically drives efficiency.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to a university affiliate, not a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in this sole-source award.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source justification should be thoroughly reviewed by oversight bodies to ensure it meets regulatory requirements and that taxpayer funds are used efficiently. Transparency in the justification process is key.
Related Government Programs
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
- Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
- Department of Veterans Affairs Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Potential for higher costs due to lack of bidding.
- Economic price adjustment introduces cost uncertainty.
- Lack of transparency in vendor selection process.
Tags
colleges-universities-and-professional-s, department-of-veterans-affairs, wa, delivery-order, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $162,503.5 to UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON. SOLE SOURCE AFFILIATE DERMATOLOGY PHYSICIAN SERVICES - FUND BASE YEAR 5
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON.
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 $162,503.5.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-03-01. End: 2026-02-28.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and were alternative competitive strategies explored?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or specific circumstances where only one vendor can meet the requirement. Agencies must document these reasons thoroughly. Exploring alternative competitive strategies, even if ultimately deemed unsuitable, is often a requirement to ensure the government obtains the best value and promotes fair competition.
How does the economic price adjustment clause impact the potential long-term cost and taxpayer exposure?
An economic price adjustment (EPA) clause allows for contract price changes based on fluctuations in economic factors like inflation or material costs. While it can protect contractors from unforeseen cost increases and ensure service continuity, it also exposes taxpayers to potentially higher costs over the contract's duration. The specific index and caps within the EPA are critical for managing this risk.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure the quality and effectiveness of dermatology services provided under this sole-source contract?
Quality assurance and performance monitoring are crucial for sole-source contracts. The agency should have clear performance standards, regular reviews, and feedback mechanisms to ensure the contractor meets expectations. This includes tracking patient outcomes, provider performance metrics, and adherence to clinical protocols to guarantee effective service delivery.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Educational Services › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND SURGICAL SVCS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT (K)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: University of Washington Inc
Address: 4333 BROOKLYN AVE NE, SEATTLE, WA, 98195
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. Local Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public)
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $162,504
Exercised Options: $162,504
Current Obligation: $162,504
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 36C26021D0006
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-03-01
Current End Date: 2026-02-28
Potential End Date: 2026-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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