VA awards $18.9K purchase order for patient lifts, highlighting potential for improved patient care

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,870 ($18.9K)

Contractor: Lift & Care Systems Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-07-01

Contract Duration: 91 days

Daily Burn Rate: $207/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: CEILING PATIENT LIFT

Place of Performance

Location: LAKEVILLE, PLYMOUTH County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02347

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $18,869.98 to LIFT & CARE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED for work described as: CEILING PATIENT LIFT Key points: 1. The contract value is relatively small, suggesting a focused need for specific equipment. 2. The award was made via a purchase order, indicating a streamlined procurement process. 3. The duration of the contract is short, suggesting a need for immediate or short-term supply. 4. The product category, patient lifts, directly supports healthcare services for veterans. 5. The contractor, Lift & Care Systems Inc., specializes in mobility and patient care equipment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

This purchase order for patient lifts appears to be a reasonable expenditure for the Department of Veterans Affairs. While specific benchmarking data for this exact model is unavailable, the price of approximately $18,870 for a single unit over a 91-day period seems within the expected range for specialized medical equipment. The firm fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty. Further analysis would require comparing this unit price to similar patient lift models offered by other manufacturers or through different contract vehicles.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The provided data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures). This suggests that the procurement may have been conducted using methods other than full and open competition, potentially including sole-source justifications or limited competition among pre-approved vendors. Without further details on the specific procurement method used, it is difficult to assess the extent of competition and its impact on price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: When contracts are not fully competed, taxpayers may not always benefit from the lowest possible prices achievable through broad market engagement.

Public Impact

Veterans requiring assistance with mobility will benefit from the availability of these patient lifts. The contract supports the delivery of essential healthcare services within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The geographic impact is likely localized to the VA facilities where the lifts are deployed. The acquisition of patient lifts can improve the working conditions and safety for healthcare staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed competition information raises questions about potential price optimization.

Positive Signals

The purchase directly addresses a critical need for patient care equipment.
The firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare equipment manufacturing sector is characterized by innovation and specialized production. This contract falls within the Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing industry (NAICS 339113). The market for patient mobility devices is significant, driven by an aging population and increasing demand for home healthcare solutions. The VA's spending in this area is consistent with its mission to provide comprehensive care to veterans.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from this specific award. The primary contractor, Lift & Care Systems Inc., is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

As a purchase order issued under the Department of Veterans Affairs, this contract is subject to the VA's internal oversight mechanisms and potentially the jurisdiction of the VA Office of Inspector General. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, though specific details of the procurement process may require further inquiry. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract simplifies some aspects of financial oversight.

Related Government Programs

Medical Equipment Procurement
Veterans Health Administration Services
Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing

Risk Flags

Limited competition information
Potential for high unit cost without benchmarking

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $18,869.98 to LIFT & CARE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED. CEILING PATIENT LIFT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LIFT & CARE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED.

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 $18,869.98.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-07-01.

What is the typical lifespan and maintenance cost associated with this type of patient lift?

The typical lifespan of a powered patient lift can range from 5 to 10 years, depending on the frequency of use, maintenance, and the quality of the unit. Regular maintenance, including lubrication of moving parts, battery checks, and inspection of slings and straps, is crucial for ensuring longevity and safe operation. Maintenance costs can vary but often include annual servicing contracts or per-incident repair fees. For the specific model awarded by the VA, detailed specifications on lifespan and recommended maintenance schedules would be available from the manufacturer, Lift & Care Systems Incorporated. Understanding these factors is important for a complete total cost of ownership analysis beyond the initial purchase price.

How does the price of this patient lift compare to similar models from other manufacturers?

Benchmarking the price of this specific patient lift against similar models from other manufacturers requires access to a broader market data set. However, based on general market knowledge, powered patient lifts can range in price from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on features, weight capacity, and brand reputation. The awarded price of approximately $18,870 for a single unit over a 91-day period seems high if it represents the cost of a single lift. It is possible this price reflects a rental agreement, a package deal including multiple units, or a highly specialized model. Further investigation into the exact product and its features is needed for a precise comparison.

What specific patient needs does this type of lift address?

This type of patient lift, often referred to as a ceiling lift or portable patient lift, is designed to assist healthcare providers in safely transferring individuals who have limited mobility. This includes patients who are unable to stand or bear weight, those recovering from surgery or injury, and individuals with chronic conditions such as paralysis or severe arthritis. The lifts help prevent injuries to both patients and caregivers by reducing the physical strain associated with manual lifting. They are crucial for maintaining patient dignity, promoting independence where possible, and ensuring safe transfers between beds, chairs, wheelchairs, and other surfaces within healthcare settings.

What are the potential risks associated with using patient lifts, and how are they mitigated?

Potential risks associated with patient lifts include equipment malfunction, improper use leading to patient or caregiver injury, and patient falls. To mitigate these risks, manufacturers provide detailed operating instructions and safety guidelines. Healthcare facilities are expected to implement comprehensive training programs for all staff who operate the equipment, ensuring they understand weight limits, proper sling attachment, and emergency procedures. Regular maintenance and inspection of the lifts are also critical to identify and address any potential issues before they lead to an incident. The firm fixed-price nature of this contract does not inherently mitigate operational risks, which are managed through training and maintenance protocols.

What is the track record of Lift & Care Systems Incorporated in providing medical equipment to the federal government?

Information regarding the specific track record of Lift & Care Systems Incorporated in providing medical equipment to the federal government is not detailed in the provided data. However, their specialization in mobility and patient care systems suggests they are an established player in this niche market. To assess their track record thoroughly, one would need to examine their past federal contract awards, performance reviews, and any reported issues or successes with previous government procurements. This would involve searching federal procurement databases and potentially agency-specific performance management systems.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7 PRECINCT ST, LAKEVILLE, MA, 02347

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,870

Exercised Options: $18,870

Current Obligation: $18,870

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline