VA awards $28K for disposable privacy curtains, highlighting a need for specialized medical supplies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,000 ($28.0K)

Contractor: Aml-American Made Logistics

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-03-31

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 91 days

Daily Burn Rate: $308/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: DISPOSABLE PRIVACY CURTAINS TOMS RIVER

Place of Performance

Location: TOMS RIVER, OCEAN County, NEW JERSEY, 08755

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $27,999.52 to AML-AMERICAN MADE LOGISTICS for work described as: DISPOSABLE PRIVACY CURTAINS TOMS RIVER Key points: 1. The contract value is relatively small, suggesting a focused need for specific medical consumables. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are not fully detailed, but it was competed under SAP. 3. The short duration of the contract (91 days) indicates an immediate or short-term requirement. 4. The product category, 'Blind and Shade Manufacturing,' seems unusual for privacy curtains, warranting further investigation. 5. The award to AML-AMERICAN MADE LOGISTICS suggests a focus on domestic sourcing for medical supplies.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $27,999.52 is modest. Without specific benchmarks for disposable privacy curtains, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. However, the price appears reasonable for a specialized medical consumable. The fixed-price nature of the contract shifts risk to the contractor. Further analysis would require comparing pricing with similar items or bulk purchase agreements.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a less extensive competition process than full and open competition. While four bids were received, the specific nature of SAP means the pool of potential bidders might have been smaller or pre-qualified. This level of competition can still yield competitive pricing but may not always achieve the lowest possible price.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competition under SAP generally offers a balance between efficient procurement and reasonable pricing, though it may not always secure the absolute best deal compared to broader competition.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving care at VA facilities will benefit from enhanced privacy through the use of these disposable curtains. The services delivered involve the supply of essential medical consumables, contributing to patient comfort and infection control. The geographic impact is primarily within VA facilities served by the New Jersey region, where the contractor is located. The contract supports the manufacturing and logistics workforce involved in producing and distributing these specialized medical supplies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The classification under 'Blind and Shade Manufacturing' for privacy curtains is a potential mismatch and requires clarification to ensure the correct product is being procured.
The limited competition under SAP, while efficient, might not have explored all available market options for the best price.
The short contract duration could indicate a reactive procurement rather than strategic planning for ongoing supply needs.

Positive Signals

The award to a domestic manufacturer (AMERICAN MADE LOGISTICS) supports U.S. jobs and supply chains.
The use of a firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
The receipt of four bids suggests some level of market interest and availability for this product.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare sector relies heavily on a consistent supply of medical consumables. Disposable privacy curtains are a niche but essential item for maintaining patient dignity and hygiene in healthcare settings. The market for such items is often fragmented, with specialized manufacturers. This contract fits within the broader category of medical equipment and supplies procurement, where the VA is a significant purchaser.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. The award was made to AML-AMERICAN MADE LOGISTICS, which may or may not be a small business. Further investigation would be needed to determine its size status and any potential impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a Purchase Order, a common instrument for acquiring goods and services. Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of Veterans Affairs responsible for medical supplies. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General oversight would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Supply Procurement
Medical Consumables Contracts
Patient Privacy Solutions
Healthcare Facility Supplies

Risk Flags

Potential Product Misclassification
Limited Competition Under SAP
Unclear Contractor Past Performance in Medical Sector

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $27,999.52 to AML-AMERICAN MADE LOGISTICS. DISPOSABLE PRIVACY CURTAINS TOMS RIVER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AML-AMERICAN MADE LOGISTICS.

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 $27,999.52.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-31. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the specific product being procured under the classification 'Blind and Shade Manufacturing'?

The data indicates the procurement is for 'DISPOSABLE PRIVACY CURTAINS'. The classification 'Blind and Shade Manufacturing' (NAICS 337920) appears to be a misclassification or an overly broad categorization for the actual product. While some components or manufacturing processes might overlap, privacy curtains are typically considered medical supplies or textiles rather than window coverings. This discrepancy warrants clarification from the procuring agency to ensure the correct product specifications were met and that the classification accurately reflects the item's use and market.

How does the price of these disposable privacy curtains compare to similar items purchased by the VA or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking the price of these disposable privacy curtains is challenging without more specific product details and volume information. The total award of $27,999.52 for a 91-day period suggests a unit price that would need to be calculated based on the quantity ordered. Typically, the VA procures a wide range of medical supplies, and prices can vary significantly based on material, features, and quantity discounts. A comparative analysis would involve searching for other VA or DoD contracts for similar disposable privacy curtains, examining their award values, quantities, and unit prices, and considering the contract duration and any specific requirements.

What are the potential risks associated with procuring medical supplies under a 'Blind and Shade Manufacturing' NAICS code?

The primary risk is that the procured item may not meet the specific requirements for medical-grade privacy curtains. The 'Blind and Shade Manufacturing' NAICS code (337920) is intended for establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing blinds and shades. While some materials might be similar, medical privacy curtains often require specific properties like flame resistance, antimicrobial treatments, or ease of disposal that may not be standard for window coverings. This misclassification could lead to receiving products that are inadequate for their intended healthcare environment, potentially impacting patient safety, infection control, or regulatory compliance. It also suggests a potential lack of market research or understanding of the specific product need by the contracting office.

What is the track record of AML-AMERICAN MADE LOGISTICS in supplying medical products to the federal government?

Information on AML-AMERICAN MADE LOGISTICS' track record specifically in supplying medical products to the federal government is not detailed in the provided data. The company's name suggests a focus on logistics and domestic manufacturing. To assess their track record, one would need to consult federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) to review their past contract awards, performance history, and any reported issues. Without this historical data, it's difficult to gauge their experience and reliability in the medical supply chain, especially for specialized items like privacy curtains.

Given the short duration, is this a one-time purchase or part of a larger, ongoing need for privacy curtains?

The contract has a duration of 91 days, with an effective date likely around the award date and an expiration date of June 30, 2026. This short timeframe strongly suggests it is either a one-time purchase to fulfill an immediate, urgent need, or it represents the initial delivery period of a larger requirement that might be fulfilled through subsequent contracts or orders. It is less likely to be a comprehensive, long-term supply contract given its brevity. The VA may be testing the market, addressing a sudden shortage, or planning follow-on procurements based on the success and performance of this initial award.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Furniture Related Product Manufacturing › Blind and Shade Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: HOUSEHOLD/COMMERC FURNISH/APPLIANCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3874 SANDY POINT DRIVE, BLYTHE, CA, 92225

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,000

Exercised Options: $28,000

Current Obligation: $28,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline