Department of Health and Human Services Awarded a Contract to MEDICAL GRAPHICS CORPORATION for $58,883.97

Summary of Award

The federal government awarded a contract detailed by the JSON response object from usaspending.gov, involving a transaction between the U.S. federal government and the Medical Graphics Corporation. This contract represents a delivery order categorized as a Type C contract, predominantly aligned with medical and surgical instrument provision. The awarded contract, identified by the unique ID “CONT_AWD_75H71222F80099_7527_36F79719D0257_3600”, began its period of performance on April 27, 2022, and had an official signing date of May 5, 2022. The anticipated end date is April 30, 2023, with a potential extension to April 30, 2027. The contract was awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), executed through its subsdivision, the Indian Health Service, specifically in its Phoenix Area Service.

The contract, with a total value of $58,883.97, involves the procurement of a "726 Liter Plethysmograph Chamber and Accessories," a specialized medical equipment. The contract was part of a full and open competition that gathered three offers, reflecting healthy market interest and availability. This transaction utilized a firm fixed-price format, ensuring budget predictability and cost management for the purchasing agency.

Medical Graphics Corporation, the recipient of this award, is established in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It's categorized as a U.S.-owned, small business, engaged in manufacturing, notably in surgical and medical instrument manufacturing as described under NAICS code 339112. The company is a corporate entity not exempt from taxes and is actively engaged in producing medical and surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies. Its location at 350 Oak Grove Parkway positions it within Ramsey County in Minnesota. The agency funding this contract was, again, a part of the Department of Health and Human Services, showcasing a direct alignment with its healthcare-focused mission. The Indian Health Service, as both the funding and awarding agency, underscores the critical health service role it plays both for the government and its constituent populations, like the Native American communities in this instance. The contract's latest transaction data reveals two significant actions. The first dated April 27, 2022, corresponds with the issuance of the delivery order. However, there is no transaction amount associated with this initial action. The second transaction, equating to the total obligation amount of $58,883.97, was executed on May 5, 2022, solidifying the financial commitment of the contract. This transaction highlights the straightforward progression of the contract, from issuance to execution, over a concise timeline. The products involved fall under the Product or Service Code 6515, indicating a niche in medical and surgical equipment and supplies, an essential component in facilitating healthcare services across diverse situations and needs. The competition for the contract was open, evidenced by the fair opportunity and full competition extents, promoting transparency and inclusivity in vendor selection. The parent award associated with this contract was under the Department of Veterans Affairs, which reflects a framework of collaboration between government agencies to meet diverse healthcare service needs strategically. The contracting mechanism adhered firmly to domestic and fair competitive policies, ensuring it supported U.S. businesses, particularly those qualifying under several business categories like small and manufactured goods producers. No subcontracting plan was required for this delivery order, which implies direct execution without the involvement of third-party service providers. This reflects positively on the capabilities of Medical Graphics Corporation as a reliable direct supplier, maintaining control over quality and timeliness without relying on external subcontractors. Overall, this contract represents an effective government-private sector partnership that leverages competitive procurement practices to secure necessary medical equipment. The emphasis on full and open competition, along with fixed pricing, seems to exemplify a balanced approach towards cost-efficiency and competitive vendor engagement. The responsiveness of the procurement process is apparent through proactive planning, strategic agency collaboration, and the subsequent award of essential medical equipment, helping fulfill critical public health requirements, especially for indigenous communities served by the Indian Health Service.