VA awards $68,000 for heart valves to Edwards Lifesciences LLC under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $68,000 ($68.0K)

Contractor: Edwards Lifesciences LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-07-09

Contract Duration: 91 days

Daily Burn Rate: $747/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: HEART VALVES

Place of Performance

Location: WEST ROXBURY, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02132

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $68,000 to EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES LLC for work described as: HEART VALVES Key points: 1. The contract is for heart valves, a critical medical device. 2. Edwards Lifesciences LLC is the sole awardee, indicating potential market concentration. 3. The contract duration is short (91 days), suggesting a need for immediate supply. 4. The award is a Purchase Order, typically used for routine purchases.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $68,000 for heart valves appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the product. Benchmarking against similar, smaller-scale procurements for medical devices suggests this pricing is within an expected range for a limited quantity.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is ideal for ensuring the government receives the best possible pricing and quality. This method allows any qualified vendor to bid, fostering a competitive environment.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to taxpayer savings by driving down prices through market forces.

Public Impact

Ensures access to essential medical devices for veterans. Supports the healthcare needs of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Potentially impacts the supply chain for critical cardiovascular equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 74 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited contract duration may indicate a need for ongoing procurement.
Sole awardee could warrant future market analysis for broader competition.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Clear end date for the contract.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the healthcare sector, specifically medical devices. Spending benchmarks for surgical appliances and supplies can vary widely based on device complexity and volume, but this award appears modest in scale.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms should ensure compliance and accountability.

Related Government Programs

Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Short contract duration.
Potential for future price increases if competition narrows.
Lack of quantity data prevents per-unit cost analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $68,000 to EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES LLC. HEART VALVES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES 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 $68,000.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the projected per-unit cost of these heart valves based on this award?

The provided data does not specify the quantity of heart valves being procured under this $68,000 purchase order. Without knowing the number of units, it is impossible to calculate a per-unit cost or benchmark it against industry standards. Further details on the quantity are needed for a precise cost analysis.

What is the risk associated with a sole awardee for this type of medical device?

A sole awardee, even under full and open competition, can pose a risk of future price increases or supply chain disruptions if that vendor faces issues. It also limits the government's ability to leverage competition for better terms in subsequent procurements. Monitoring market dynamics and encouraging new entrants is crucial.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' method for specialized medical devices like heart valves?

Full and open competition is generally the most effective method for ensuring value and quality. However, for highly specialized or patented medical devices, the number of capable vendors may be limited, potentially reducing the competitive pressure. The VA's success here depends on the actual number of qualified bidders.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 EDWARDS WAY, IRVINE, CA, 92614

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $68,000

Exercised Options: $68,000

Current Obligation: $68,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline