HHS awards $390K for veterinary services, with delivery orders extending through June 2026

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $390,000 ($390.0K)

Contractor: Idexx Distribution, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 81 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: IDEXX DISTRIBUTION, INC.:1254707 [26-000422]

Place of Performance

Location: WESTBROOK, CUMBERLAND County, MAINE, 04092

State: Maine Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $390,000 to IDEXX DISTRIBUTION, INC for work described as: IDEXX DISTRIBUTION, INC.:1254707 [26-000422] Key points: 1. Contract value of $390,000 suggests a focused scope for veterinary services. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad market search. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 4. The short performance period (approx. 2 months for this order) implies a need for immediate or short-term services. 5. NIH's reliance on external contracts for specialized veterinary services is noted. 6. The specific nature of 'Veterinary Services' warrants further detail on the exact needs met.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $390,000 for veterinary services appears reasonable for a specific, short-term need. Benchmarking against similar NIH contracts for specialized veterinary support would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm fixed-price structure is a positive indicator for cost control. Without more detailed service descriptions, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the contract size does not immediately suggest overspending.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This process is designed to foster a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and service quality. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition is a positive sign for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by promoting a wider range of offers and potentially driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) benefits from access to specialized veterinary services to support its research and animal care programs. Services delivered likely include animal health monitoring, diagnostic testing, or specialized care for research animals. The geographic impact is primarily focused on the location where the services are rendered, likely near NIH facilities. Workforce implications may involve specialized veterinary professionals, either employed by the contractor or potentially requiring specific clearances.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detail on specific veterinary services required.
Short performance period may indicate reactive or urgent needs.
Potential for contractor lock-in if services are highly specialized and unique.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
Clear end date for service delivery.

Sector Analysis

The veterinary services sector within federal contracting supports a range of needs, from animal care for research institutions like NIH to support for wildlife management and public health initiatives. This contract falls within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services category. Spending in this area is often driven by the operational requirements of agencies with animal research programs or those involved in animal health surveillance.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, small businesses may have participated as subcontractors, but there is no explicit indication of a small business focus in the primary award. Further analysis would be needed to determine subcontracting opportunities and their impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the contracting officer's representative (COR) at NIH, who ensures performance meets contract requirements. Accountability is managed through the firm fixed-price terms, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed budget. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though specific service details may be limited.

Related Government Programs

Veterinary Services
Animal Care and Housing
Research Support Services
Laboratory Animal Services

Risk Flags

Short performance period may indicate urgent need or potential for service discontinuity.
Lack of detailed service description hinders comprehensive value assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $390,000 to IDEXX DISTRIBUTION, INC. IDEXX DISTRIBUTION, INC.:1254707 [26-000422]

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IDEXX DISTRIBUTION, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $390,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the specific nature of the veterinary services being procured by NIH under this contract?

The provided data classifies the service under NAICS code 541940 (Veterinary Services) and a description of 'Veterinary Services'. However, it lacks specific details on the exact tasks. These services could range from routine health checks and preventative care for research animals, diagnostic testing, surgical procedures, to specialized care for specific species or research protocols. Understanding the precise nature of these services is crucial for assessing their necessity, value, and alignment with NIH's research objectives. Without this granular detail, it's difficult to benchmark against comparable services or evaluate the contractor's specific capabilities beyond a general veterinary provision.

How does the $390,000 contract value compare to similar veterinary service contracts awarded by NIH or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking the $390,000 contract value requires comparing it against similar veterinary service contracts, ideally those procured by NIH or other agencies with comparable research animal populations and needs. Factors such as the type of animals supported (e.g., rodents, primates, livestock), the scope of services (e.g., routine care vs. complex surgical interventions), and the duration of the contract significantly influence pricing. A preliminary assessment suggests this value is moderate, likely covering a specific set of services or a defined period for a particular research cohort or facility. A comprehensive analysis would involve querying federal procurement databases for contracts with similar NAICS codes and service descriptions to establish a range of typical costs.

What are the potential risks associated with a short performance period (delivery order ending June 30, 2026)?

A short performance period, such as the delivery order ending June 30, 2026, can present several risks. It may indicate that the services are needed urgently or for a specific, time-limited project, potentially leading to less competitive bidding if contractors have limited availability. There's also a risk of service disruption if follow-on contracts are not secured in a timely manner, impacting ongoing research or animal care continuity. Furthermore, short periods might limit the contractor's ability to fully integrate or provide long-term strategic support. For the government, it necessitates continuous contract management and potential re-competition, adding administrative burden and potential for price increases if market conditions change.

What is the track record of IDEXX DISTRIBUTION, INC. in performing federal contracts, particularly for veterinary services?

IDEXX DISTRIBUTION, INC. has a federal contracting history, as indicated by this award. To assess their track record, one would need to examine past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), any history of contract disputes, timely delivery, and overall satisfaction reported by previous government agencies. Their experience specifically with veterinary services, especially within a research context like NIH, is a key factor. A review of their portfolio of awarded contracts, including size, scope, and duration, would provide insight into their capacity and reliability in fulfilling similar requirements. Without access to specific past performance data, it's presumed they met the criteria for this award.

How does the firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type influence cost control and potential for scope creep?

The Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type is generally favored for its cost control benefits. Under an FFP agreement, the contractor assumes the risk of cost overruns; they are paid a set amount regardless of their actual costs. This incentivizes the contractor to manage their expenses efficiently. For the government, it provides budget certainty. However, FFP contracts can sometimes lead to less flexibility if the scope of work needs to change. If the government requires additional services or modifications, a formal change order process is necessary, which can be time-consuming and may involve price adjustments. Conversely, it strongly discourages scope creep initiated by the contractor, as they are bound to the agreed-upon price for the defined deliverables.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Veterinary Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Idexx Laboratories, Inc.

Address: ONE IDEXX DRIVE, WESTBROOK, ME, 04092

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $390,000

Exercised Options: $390,000

Current Obligation: $390,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N98021D00003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline