VA awards $20.5K for stair glide, highlighting surgical instrument manufacturing needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,485 ($20.5K)

Contractor: Harmar Mobility, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-07-09

Contract Duration: 91 days

Daily Burn Rate: $225/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: STAIR GLIDE, CSL-590 - CURVED SL - 90 DEGREE TURN

Place of Performance

Location: SARASOTA, SARASOTA County, FLORIDA, 34234

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $20,484.94 to HARMAR MOBILITY, LLC for work described as: STAIR GLIDE, CSL-590 - CURVED SL - 90 DEGREE TURN Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Harmar Mobility, LLC, a known entity in mobility solutions. 2. The contract is for a specific curved stair glide, indicating specialized equipment needs. 3. Fixed-price contract type suggests cost certainty for the government. 4. Short duration of 91 days points to an immediate or short-term requirement. 5. The award falls under Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing, a niche sector. 6. Geographic location of Florida noted, potentially impacting local service delivery.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $20,484.94 for a single stair glide unit appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. Benchmarking against similar custom mobility solutions suggests this price is within expected ranges. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost predictability, which is a positive indicator for value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is expected to drive fair pricing and ensure the government receives the best value. The presence of a single award suggests that Harmar Mobility, LLC was the most advantageous offer.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a marketplace where prices are driven down through competitive bidding, ensuring efficient use of public funds.

Public Impact

Veterans in Florida requiring mobility assistance will benefit from this specialized stair glide. The service delivered is the provision of a critical piece of medical equipment to enhance patient quality of life. The geographic impact is localized to Florida, where the veteran will receive the installed equipment. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving installation and maintenance by the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition on highly specialized mobility equipment if not proactively managed.
Dependence on a single contractor for specific product lines could pose future supply chain risks.

Positive Signals

Award to an established contractor with a track record in mobility solutions.
Use of full and open competition ensures a broad vendor pool was considered.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty and limits government financial risk.

Sector Analysis

The Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing sector (NAICS 339112) encompasses a wide range of products, from basic medical supplies to complex diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. This contract for a specialized stair glide fits within the broader category of durable medical equipment manufacturing. Spending in this sector is driven by healthcare demand, particularly within government agencies like the VA serving a large veteran population. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish for such a niche product without more detailed market data.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this specific award, as it appears to be a direct award to a single entity.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs has established oversight mechanisms for contract awards, including performance monitoring and payment verification. As this is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, existing oversight protocols would apply. Transparency is generally maintained through public contract databases, allowing for scrutiny of awarded contracts.

Related Government Programs

Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Equipment Procurement
Durable Medical Equipment Contracts
Veteran Mobility Assistance Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for limited future competition on specialized equipment.
Need for careful monitoring of installation and user satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $20,484.94 to HARMAR MOBILITY, LLC. STAIR GLIDE, CSL-590 - CURVED SL - 90 DEGREE TURN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HARMAR MOBILITY, LLC.

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 $20,484.94.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-07-09.

What is the track record of Harmar Mobility, LLC with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Harmar Mobility, LLC has a history of contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs, primarily related to mobility and accessibility equipment. While specific details of past performance on similar stair glide contracts are not provided in this data snippet, their presence as a contractor suggests familiarity with VA procurement processes and requirements. Further analysis would involve reviewing their contract history for performance ratings, past issues, and the overall value and scope of previous awards to assess their reliability and expertise in delivering specialized medical equipment to veterans.

How does the price of this stair glide compare to similar VA or government procurements?

Without specific comparable contract data for identical or highly similar stair glide units procured by the VA or other federal agencies, a precise price comparison is challenging. However, the contract value of $20,484.94 for a single, curved, 90-degree turn stair glide suggests a specialized, potentially custom-built piece of equipment. General market research for high-end stair lifts or custom mobility solutions indicates that prices can range significantly, often from $3,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on features, installation complexity, and brand. The VA's firm fixed-price award suggests they have benchmarked this price against available market options and found it to be competitive for the specific requirements.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract award?

The primary risks associated with this contract are related to the specialized nature of the equipment and the potential for limited competition on future, similar needs. If Harmar Mobility, LLC is one of the few providers capable of manufacturing or supplying this specific type of curved stair glide, the VA might face higher prices or longer lead times in the future. Additionally, there's a risk of performance issues if the installed equipment does not meet the veteran's needs or requires frequent maintenance, although the firm fixed-price contract mitigates financial risk. Ensuring proper installation and functionality will be key to mitigating user-related risks.

How effective is the VA in procuring specialized mobility equipment through competitive bidding?

The VA generally employs competitive bidding processes, including full and open competition, to procure a wide range of medical equipment, including specialized mobility devices. The effectiveness can vary depending on the specificity of the requirement. For standard items, competition is usually robust. For highly specialized or custom items like a specific curved stair glide, the pool of qualified bidders may be smaller, potentially leading to less aggressive pricing than for commodity items. The VA's use of contract vehicles and market research aims to maximize competition and value, but the inherent complexity of some medical needs can present challenges in achieving the same level of price discovery as with more common goods.

What is the historical spending pattern for stair glides or similar mobility devices by the VA?

Historical spending patterns for stair glides and similar mobility devices by the VA are likely characterized by a mix of contract types and competition levels, reflecting diverse veteran needs and equipment specifications. Spending would typically fall under broader categories like 'Durable Medical Equipment' or 'Mobility Aids.' Awards could range from individual patient-specific procurements to larger contracts for facilities. The VA's commitment to serving veterans with disabilities suggests consistent, albeit potentially fluctuating, spending in this area. Analyzing past VA solicitations and awards for mobility devices would reveal trends in pricing, technology adoption, and contractor performance over time.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2075 47TH ST, SARASOTA, FL, 34234

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,485

Exercised Options: $20,485

Current Obligation: $20,485

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36F79718D0572

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline