VA awards $17.1M for Refractometers to Melling LLC under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,090 ($17.1K)

Contractor: Melling LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 60 days

Daily Burn Rate: $285/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: REFRACTOMETER

Place of Performance

Location: WILKES BARRE, LUZERNE County, PENNSYLVANIA, 18711

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $17,090.39 to MELLING LLC for work described as: REFRACTOMETER Key points: 1. The contract is for surgical and medical instrument manufacturing, specifically refractometers. 2. Melling LLC is the awardee, with the Department of Veterans Affairs as the agency. 3. The contract was awarded through full and open competition. 4. The period of performance is short, from April 1, 2026, to May 31, 2026.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $17.1 million for a 60-day delivery order seems reasonable given the specialized nature of surgical and medical instruments. Benchmarking against similar contracts for refractometers is difficult without more specific product details.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value. The agency likely conducted market research to identify potential sources.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is expected to yield a fair price for taxpayers, as multiple bidders would have had the opportunity to submit proposals.

Public Impact

Ensures VA medical facilities have necessary refractometers for patient care. Supports the surgical and medical instrument manufacturing sector. Award through competition suggests efficient use of taxpayer funds.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Full and open competition utilized
Clear agency and product identified

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under the Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing sector. Spending in this sector is driven by healthcare demand and technological advancements in medical devices. Benchmarks vary widely based on instrument complexity and volume.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific requirement or outcome for this contract, as the 'sb' field is false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any small businesses were involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for oversight of this contract. The use of full and open competition and a firm-fixed-price contract type are generally positive indicators for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of specific product details hinders precise cost analysis.
Short performance period may impact cost-effectiveness.
Need for historical pricing benchmarks for validation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $17,090.39 to MELLING LLC. REFRACTOMETER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MELLING 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 $17,090.39.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-05-31.

What specific type of refractometer is being procured, and how does its functionality impact the price?

The specific type of refractometer is not detailed in the provided data, which is crucial for accurate price assessment. Refractometers vary significantly in complexity, from basic handheld models to sophisticated laboratory instruments used for precise measurements in diagnostics or research. The intended application within VA medical facilities (e.g., clinical chemistry, ophthalmology) would dictate the required features and, consequently, the price point.

What is the historical pricing for similar refractometers procured by the government or other large healthcare providers?

Historical pricing data for similar refractometers is essential for a robust value assessment. Without this benchmark, it's challenging to definitively state if $17.1 million for a 60-day delivery order is competitive. Factors like unit volume, specific technical requirements, and the number of competing bids would influence the final price. Accessing contract award databases or industry reports could provide comparative pricing.

How does the short performance period (60 days) influence the overall cost-effectiveness of this award?

A short 60-day performance period for a $17.1 million award suggests a need for immediate or urgent supply of refractometers. While firm-fixed-price contracts aim to control costs, a compressed timeline can sometimes lead to premium pricing due to expedited production or delivery requirements. The VA's justification for this short period and its impact on the unit cost are key considerations for effectiveness.

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: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 658 S COLUMBUS ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,090

Exercised Options: $17,090

Current Obligation: $17,090

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36F79722D0189

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline