VA awards $168.8M for surgical instruments in March 2026, sourced via full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $168,807 ($168.8K)

Contractor: Midmark Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-03-01

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: EXPRESS REPORT: NX ORDERS PLACED DURING MARCH 2026

Place of Performance

Location: VERSAILLES, DARKE County, OHIO, 45380

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $168,806.72 to MIDMARK CORPORATION for work described as: EXPRESS REPORT: NX ORDERS PLACED DURING MARCH 2026 Key points: 1. Significant contract value for surgical and medical instruments. 2. Full and open competition suggests potential for competitive pricing. 3. Delivery order under an existing contract structure. 4. Sector focus on medical instrument manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $168.8M for a 30-day period is substantial. Benchmarking against similar contracts for surgical and medical instruments would be necessary to fully assess pricing effectiveness, but the full and open competition method is a positive indicator.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and can lead to more favorable pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is expected to yield competitive pricing, maximizing the value of taxpayer dollars spent on essential medical supplies.

Public Impact

Ensures availability of critical surgical and medical instruments for VA facilities. Supports the medical needs of veterans through timely procurement. Highlights the government's commitment to competitive sourcing for medical supplies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 100 / 10

Positive Signals

Full and open competition utilized
Clear contract type (Firm Fixed Price)
Specific delivery period identified

Sector Analysis

The Department of Veterans Affairs is a major purchaser within the healthcare sector, specifically for medical equipment and instruments. Spending benchmarks in this area are typically high due to the critical nature of the supplies and the large patient population served.

Small Business Impact

While the data indicates full and open competition, it does not specify if small businesses were actively encouraged or participated. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement in this procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which has established oversight mechanisms for procurement. The use of a delivery order under an existing contract suggests a structured process, but ongoing monitoring of performance and pricing is crucial.

Related Government Programs

Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruption if reliance is heavily on one manufacturer.
Need to monitor for price creep in future delivery orders.
Ensuring sustained small business participation.
Verifying long-term availability of specific instrument types.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $168,806.72 to MIDMARK CORPORATION. EXPRESS REPORT: NX ORDERS PLACED DURING MARCH 2026

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MIDMARK CORPORATION.

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 $168,806.72.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-01. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the historical pricing trend for similar surgical instrument contracts awarded by the VA?

Analyzing historical pricing data for comparable surgical instrument contracts awarded by the VA is crucial. This would involve comparing the per-unit costs and overall contract value against previous awards, considering factors like inflation, technological advancements, and market demand. Understanding these trends helps determine if the current award represents good value or if there are potential cost escalations.

What are the specific risks associated with relying on a single manufacturer for critical surgical instruments, even with open competition?

Even with open competition, over-reliance on a single manufacturer for critical surgical instruments carries risks. These include potential supply chain disruptions due to unforeseen events affecting that specific company, limited flexibility if new or improved technologies emerge from competitors, and potential for price increases in future solicitations if competition dwindles. Ensuring robust contingency plans and monitoring market dynamics are key.

How effectively does the VA ensure the quality and reliability of surgical instruments procured through this contract mechanism?

The VA's effectiveness in ensuring quality and reliability hinges on its contract management and quality assurance processes. This includes rigorous pre-award vendor vetting, adherence to industry standards (e.g., FDA approvals), post-award inspections, and performance monitoring. The firm fixed price structure incentivizes the contractor to meet specifications, but proactive quality control measures are essential for patient safety.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing › Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 60 VISTA DR, VERSAILLES, OH, 45380

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $168,807

Exercised Options: $168,807

Current Obligation: $168,807

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C10G24D0070

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline