HHS Awards $565K for Vitrocell Exposure System Maintenance to Vitrocell Systems GmbH
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $56,523 ($56.5K)
Contractor: Vitrocell Systems Gmbh
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2025-07-22
End Date: 2027-07-27
Contract Duration: 735 days
Daily Burn Rate: $77/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT ON VITROCELL 24/48 EXPOSURE MODULE SYSTEM (ENDS) ELECTRONIC NICOTINE DELIVERY SYSTEM
Place of Performance
Location: JEFFERSON, JEFFERSON County, ARKANSAS, 72079
State: Arkansas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $56,523 to VITROCELL SYSTEMS GMBH for work described as: PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT ON VITROCELL 24/48 EXPOSURE MODULE SYSTEM (ENDS) ELECTRONIC NICOTINE DELIVERY SYSTEM Key points: 1. Contract awarded to the original equipment manufacturer, Vitrocell Systems GmbH. 2. Maintenance is crucial for the operational integrity of the ENDS exposure system. 3. The contract duration is over two years, indicating ongoing support needs. 4. Spending is within the analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award amount of $565,230 for a 2-year maintenance contract appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the Vitrocell 24/48 Exposure Module System. Benchmarking against similar high-tech laboratory equipment maintenance contracts would provide a more definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting it was likely solicited from a limited number of sources, potentially favoring the original manufacturer. This method may limit price discovery compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is the direct cost of the contract, $565,230, for essential maintenance of scientific equipment used by the FDA.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation of critical research equipment for the FDA. Supports regulatory science and product testing related to electronic nicotine delivery systems. Maintains the integrity and reliability of scientific data generated by the system.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 77 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for limited competition due to specialized equipment.
- Reliance on a single vendor for maintenance could lead to higher costs over time.
Positive Signals
- Contract supports essential FDA research capabilities.
- Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
- Maintenance ensures equipment longevity and data reliability.
Sector Analysis
The Food and Drug Administration's purchase falls within the Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector. Spending benchmarks for specialized scientific equipment maintenance can vary widely, but this contract appears to be for a niche, high-value system.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Vitrocell Systems GmbH, a foreign entity, and there is no indication of small business participation in this specific award. The nature of specialized equipment maintenance often favors original manufacturers or highly specialized service providers.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was competed under SAP, which has less stringent oversight requirements than larger procurements. The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for ensuring the necessity and cost-effectiveness of this maintenance service.
Related Government Programs
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- Food and Drug Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for sole-source dependency.
- Limited competition under SAP.
- Foreign vendor reliance.
- Specialized equipment maintenance costs.
Tags
analytical-laboratory-instrument-manufac, department-of-health-and-human-services, ar, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $56,523 to VITROCELL SYSTEMS GMBH. PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT ON VITROCELL 24/48 EXPOSURE MODULE SYSTEM (ENDS) ELECTRONIC NICOTINE DELIVERY SYSTEM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is VITROCELL SYSTEMS GMBH.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Food and Drug Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $56,523.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-07-22. End: 2027-07-27.
What is the specific scientific value derived from the Vitrocell 24/48 Exposure Module System that justifies this maintenance expenditure?
The Vitrocell 24/48 Exposure Module System is critical for the FDA's research into the health effects of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). It allows for controlled exposure of biological samples or devices to aerosols, generating essential data for regulatory decision-making and public health assessments regarding the safety and risks associated with these products.
What are the risks associated with relying solely on Vitrocell Systems GmbH for maintenance of this specialized equipment?
The primary risk is a lack of competitive pricing, as the original manufacturer may be the only entity with the proprietary knowledge and parts. This could lead to inflated maintenance costs over the contract's lifespan. Additionally, delays in service or parts availability from a single source could impact research continuity and data generation timelines.
How does the maintenance of this system contribute to the overall effectiveness of the FDA's regulatory mission concerning ENDS?
Effective maintenance ensures the Vitrocell system operates accurately and reliably, producing high-quality, reproducible scientific data. This data is fundamental to the FDA's ability to assess the risks and benefits of ENDS, inform policy development, and protect public health. Without proper maintenance, the system's effectiveness would be compromised, potentially leading to flawed conclusions or delayed regulatory actions.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 75F40125Q129403
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Pieter VAN Weenen & CO. Gmbh
Address: FABRIK SONNTAG 3, WALDKIRCH
Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $158,220
Exercised Options: $56,523
Current Obligation: $56,523
Actual Outlays: $21,640
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-07-22
Current End Date: 2027-07-27
Potential End Date: 2030-07-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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