VA awards $157K contract for non-forensic autopsy services to University of New Mexico
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $157,372 ($157.4K)
Contractor: University of NEW Mexico
Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
Start Date: 2022-05-06
End Date: 2027-05-05
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $86/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Healthcare
Official Description: NON-FORENSIC AUTOPSY SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: ALBUQUERQUE, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87108
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $157,371.98 to UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO for work described as: NON-FORENSIC AUTOPSY SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract is for non-forensic autopsy services, a specialized medical service. 2. The University of New Mexico is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract value is relatively low, suggesting a limited scope or regional focus. 4. The service falls under physician offices, a broad category with varying cost benchmarks.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $157,371.98 over five years appears reasonable for specialized autopsy services, but without specific per-case data or comparison to similar VA contracts, a precise valuation is difficult. Benchmarking against private sector or academic institutions would provide better context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed and awarded as a sole-source contract to the University of New Mexico. This limits price discovery and potentially excludes other qualified providers, which could lead to suboptimal pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may not be receiving the most cost-effective solution available, as competition was not leveraged to drive down prices.
Public Impact
Veterans in New Mexico will receive essential non-forensic autopsy services. The award to a university suggests a focus on academic and research-oriented services. Potential for limited provider options could impact service availability or cost over time.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Sole-source award
Positive Signals
- Award to established institution
- Clear service definition
Sector Analysis
The healthcare sector, particularly medical services like autopsies, often involves specialized providers. Benchmarks can vary significantly based on the type of service (forensic vs. non-forensic) and the geographic region. This contract's value is modest within the broader healthcare spending landscape.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to the University of New Mexico, a large academic institution, and does not appear to involve small businesses. There is no indication of efforts to subcontract with small businesses for these specialized services.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants oversight to ensure the University of New Mexico is providing services at a fair and reasonable price and meeting all contractual obligations. Regular performance reviews are crucial.
Related Government Programs
- Offices of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists
- 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 competition.
- No small business participation identified.
- Limited transparency on pricing benchmarks.
Tags
offices-of-physicians-mental-health-spec, department-of-veterans-affairs, nm, definitive-contract, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $157,371.98 to UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO. NON-FORENSIC AUTOPSY SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO.
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 $157,371.98.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-05-06. End: 2027-05-05.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, specialized expertise, or a lack of other responsible sources within the required geographic area. For autopsy services, this could relate to specific facilities, trained personnel, or established relationships with the VA that make the University of New Mexico the only viable option.
How does the pricing compare to similar non-forensic autopsy services procured by the VA or other government agencies?
Without access to specific pricing data for comparable contracts, it's difficult to definitively assess value. However, the contract's total value of $157,371.98 over five years suggests a modest per-case cost. A thorough review would involve comparing the per-autopsy rate against benchmarks for similar services, considering factors like location and scope.
What is the potential impact on service quality and availability due to the lack of competition?
A sole-source award can potentially limit service quality and availability if the awarded contractor faces unforeseen challenges or fails to meet performance standards. Without competitive pressure, there might be less incentive for the contractor to innovate or maintain the highest service levels. However, if the University of New Mexico is a highly reputable provider, quality may be maintained.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Offices of Physicians › Offices of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists
Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND SURGICAL SVCS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1 UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87131
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $157,372
Exercised Options: $157,372
Current Obligation: $157,372
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-05-06
Current End Date: 2027-05-05
Potential End Date: 2027-05-05 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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