VA awards $4.1M contract for eyeglasses, bypassing competition for interim supply

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,098,982 ($4.1M)

Contractor: PDS Consultants, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2026-01-31

Contract Duration: 122 days

Daily Burn Rate: $33.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: VISN 1 INTERIM EYEGLASS IDIQ 10/01/25 - 01/31/26 | P.D.S. CONSULTANTS, INC.

Place of Performance

Location: BEDFORD, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01730

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $4.1 million to PDS CONSULTANTS, INC for work described as: VISN 1 INTERIM EYEGLASS IDIQ 10/01/25 - 01/31/26 | P.D.S. CONSULTANTS, INC. Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a firm-fixed-price basis, indicating defined scope and cost. 2. Short contract duration of 122 days suggests an interim or bridging requirement. 3. No small business set-aside utilized, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller firms. 4. Awarded to P.D.S. Consultants, Inc., a single entity for this specific requirement. 5. The contract falls under the Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing NAICS code. 6. This award represents a small portion of overall federal spending in healthcare supplies.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $4.1 million for a 122-day period for eyeglasses seems high on a daily basis, but without specific details on the quantity of eyeglasses or associated services, a direct value-for-money assessment is difficult. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty. Benchmarking against similar interim contracts for medical supplies is challenging due to the limited public data on such specific, short-term awards.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. The reason for not competing is not detailed in the provided data. Sole-source awards can sometimes lead to higher prices due to the lack of competitive pressure. The absence of multiple bidders means there was no opportunity for price discovery through a competitive bidding process.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not have received the best possible price due to the lack of competition. Without a competitive process, there is a risk that the awarded price is higher than what could have been achieved through open bidding.

Public Impact

Veterans will receive necessary ophthalmic goods, specifically eyeglasses, through this contract. The services delivered will ensure continuity of care for beneficiaries requiring vision correction. The geographic impact is primarily within VISN 1, serving veterans in that region. Workforce implications are likely limited to the contractor's personnel and potentially support staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpricing and reduced value for taxpayer funds.
The sole-source nature limits transparency and opportunities for small businesses.
Short contract duration may indicate a reactive procurement rather than strategic planning.

Positive Signals

Ensures timely provision of essential medical supplies (eyeglasses) to veterans.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Award to an existing entity may leverage established supply chains for rapid deployment.

Sector Analysis

The ophthalmic goods manufacturing sector involves the production of eyeglasses, contact lenses, and related optical equipment. Federal spending in this area typically supports healthcare services for specific populations, such as veterans or military personnel. While this contract is for a relatively small amount, it fits within the broader category of medical supplies procurement, where competition and value analysis are crucial for efficient resource allocation.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. The sole-source nature further limits the potential for small business participation. This award does not contribute to the federal government's small business contracting goals.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' procurement and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified goods. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award, with minimal public insight into the justification for bypassing competition.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Equipment Procurement
Ophthalmic Goods and Services
Federal Healthcare Supply Chain Management

Risk Flags

Sole-source award bypasses competition
Potential for overpricing due to lack of competition
Limited transparency in procurement justification
No small business participation noted

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $4.1 million to PDS CONSULTANTS, INC. VISN 1 INTERIM EYEGLASS IDIQ 10/01/25 - 01/31/26 | P.D.S. CONSULTANTS, INC.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PDS CONSULTANTS, INC.

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 $4.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-01-31.

What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The provided data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED' and awarded as a sole-source. A common justification for sole-source awards, especially for interim needs, is urgency or the unavailability of other sources within the required timeframe. For instance, if a previous contract expired unexpectedly or if there was an unforeseen surge in demand, the VA might opt for a sole-source award to P.D.S. Consultants, Inc. if they were deemed the only capable provider able to meet the immediate need. However, without explicit documentation from the VA detailing the specific circumstances and justification (e.g., urgent and compelling reasons, unique capabilities of the contractor), it remains an assumption. Further investigation into the contract file or VA procurement records would be necessary to ascertain the precise reason.

How does the per-diem cost of this contract compare to similar interim eyeglass contracts?

A direct comparison of the per-diem cost for this $4.1 million contract over 122 days is difficult without knowing the quantity and type of eyeglasses being procured, as well as any associated services. The total value divided by the duration yields approximately $33,598 per day. However, this figure represents the total contract value, not necessarily the cost of goods alone. To benchmark effectively, one would need data on the unit cost of the eyeglasses, the number of units expected, and the specific services included (e.g., fitting, adjustments). Comparing this daily burn rate to other interim contracts is challenging as such specific, short-term awards are not always publicly detailed with sufficient granularity for direct cost-per-unit or cost-per-day comparisons across different contracts or agencies.

What is P.D.S. Consultants, Inc.'s track record with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

P.D.S. Consultants, Inc. has a history of receiving contracts from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The provided data shows this specific award is to 'P.D.S. CONSULTANTS, INC.' under the 'VISN 1 INTERIM EYEGLASS IDIQ'. While this indicates a direct relationship, the extent of their overall track record, past performance evaluations, and the types of previous contracts awarded by the VA are not detailed here. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing historical contract awards, performance reviews, and any potential past issues or successes with the VA or other federal agencies. This particular award, being a sole-source, might suggest a pre-existing relationship or a specific capability the VA relied upon.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for essential medical supplies?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award for essential medical supplies like eyeglasses is the potential for inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive bidding. Without competing offers, the government may pay more than necessary, representing a poor value for taxpayer money. Another risk is reduced innovation and service quality, as the contractor may face less pressure to improve offerings. Furthermore, sole-source awards can limit opportunities for other qualified businesses, particularly small businesses, to enter the market or expand their federal contracting footprint. This can also create a dependency on a single supplier, which can be problematic if that supplier faces disruptions.

How does this contract align with the VA's broader strategy for providing vision care to veterans?

This contract appears to be an interim solution to ensure the continuity of eyeglass provision within VISN 1, rather than a long-term strategic procurement. The short duration (122 days) suggests it's intended to bridge a gap until a more comprehensive or competitively awarded contract is in place. The VA's broader strategy for vision care likely involves a mix of in-house services, larger IDIQ contracts for medical supplies, and potentially other competitive procurements for specialized optical services. This specific award addresses an immediate need for eyeglasses, supporting the VA's mission to provide comprehensive healthcare to veterans, but it doesn't represent the entirety of their vision care strategy.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing › Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3801 BISHOP LN, LOUISVILLE, KY, 40218

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,327,982

Exercised Options: $7,327,982

Current Obligation: $4,098,982

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24125D0044

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline