VA awards $15K contract for curved stairlifts, highlighting need for specialized medical equipment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,999 ($15.0K)

Contractor: Gordon Industries Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 182 days

Daily Burn Rate: $82/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: CURVED STAIRLIFT

Place of Performance

Location: LEBANON, LEBANON County, PENNSYLVANIA, 17042

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $14,999 to GORDON INDUSTRIES INC for work described as: CURVED STAIRLIFT Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized medical equipment, but requires benchmarking against similar procurements. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for this type of product. 3. Contract duration is relatively short, indicating potential for frequent re-competition or evolving needs. 4. The award is for a specific medical device, fitting within the broader healthcare supply chain. 5. Performance is tied to a fixed-price structure, aligning incentives for cost control. 6. Geographic focus on Pennsylvania suggests localized demand or service requirements.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14,999 for a curved stairlift is modest. Without specific details on the model, installation complexity, or duration of use, a direct value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, given the specialized nature of the equipment and the full and open competition, the price is likely competitive. Benchmarking against similar VA or other federal agency procurements for stairlifts would provide a clearer picture of its 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 were likely solicited and allowed to bid. The presence of two bids suggests a degree of market interest and competition for this specific requirement. This competitive process is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically leads to better pricing for taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment among vendors.

Public Impact

Veterans in Pennsylvania requiring mobility assistance will benefit from this specialized equipment. The contract ensures the delivery of a curved stairlift, improving accessibility and quality of life for beneficiaries. The geographic impact is concentrated in Pennsylvania, serving local veteran populations. While not directly creating jobs, the contract supports the supply and installation workforce within the medical equipment sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if additional features or services are required beyond the initial contract.
Ensuring timely delivery and installation to meet veteran's immediate mobility needs.
Verification of equipment quality and compliance with all relevant medical device standards.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust vendor pool.
Fixed-price contract structure helps control costs and manage budget.
Clear delivery and performance periods defined.

Sector Analysis

The medical equipment manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on durable medical equipment like stairlifts, is a niche but essential part of the broader healthcare industry. This contract falls under the Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing (NAICS 339113) category. Spending in this area is driven by the healthcare needs of specific populations, such as veterans, and is influenced by technological advancements and regulatory requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other federal and state procurements for similar mobility devices.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). While Gordon Industries Inc. is the prime contractor, there is no explicit information on subcontracting plans to small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether Gordon Industries utilizes small business subcontractors for manufacturing, installation, or related services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring delivery of the specified product. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Equipment Procurement
Durable Medical Equipment Contracts
Home Health and Accessibility Aids
Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) for Medical Supplies

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition if market shrinks or barriers to entry increase.
Risk of price increases in future procurements if competition remains limited.
Need to ensure equipment meets evolving VA accessibility and safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $14,999 to GORDON INDUSTRIES INC. CURVED STAIRLIFT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GORDON INDUSTRIES INC.

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 $14,999.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the specific model and manufacturer of the curved stairlift awarded under this contract, and how does its pricing compare to commercially available models?

The provided data does not specify the exact model or manufacturer of the curved stairlift. The contract value is $14,999. To compare pricing, one would need to identify the specific model procured and research its commercial price, factoring in potential bulk discounts or government-specific pricing agreements. Additionally, the contract value likely includes installation and potentially a warranty period, which are factors that differentiate it from a simple product purchase. Without this detailed information, a direct price comparison is speculative. However, given the competitive bidding process, it is reasonable to assume the price reflects a fair market value for the specified equipment and services within the federal procurement landscape.

What is the track record of Gordon Industries Inc. in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for medical equipment?

Gordon Industries Inc. has been awarded this contract by the Department of Veterans Affairs. To assess their track record, a review of their past federal contract awards would be necessary. This would involve searching federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for previous contracts awarded to Gordon Industries Inc., noting the agencies involved, the types of goods or services provided, contract values, and performance history. Information on past performance, including any awards, terminations, or disputes, would offer insight into their reliability and capability in fulfilling government requirements, especially within the medical equipment sector.

How does the $14,999 contract value for a curved stairlift compare to historical VA spending on similar equipment?

The $14,999 contract value for a curved stairlift is a specific instance of VA spending. To establish a historical comparison, one would need to analyze past VA procurements for curved stairlifts or similar mobility devices. This analysis should consider the number of units procured, the specific features and complexity of the stairlifts, installation costs, and the contract type (e.g., fixed-price, cost-plus). Examining trends in average unit prices over time, as well as the volume of such procurements, would reveal whether this $14,999 award is within the expected range or represents an outlier. Factors like inflation and technological advancements also play a role in historical price comparisons.

What are the specific performance requirements and delivery timelines outlined in this contract, and what are the potential risks associated with non-compliance?

This contract has a duration of 182 days, with a performance period from April 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026. The specific performance requirements would detail the technical specifications of the curved stairlift, including its load capacity, safety features, installation standards, and any required training or maintenance. Risks associated with non-compliance could include delays in providing essential mobility support to veterans, potential safety hazards if the equipment is faulty or improperly installed, and financial penalties or contract termination for the vendor. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract means the contractor is responsible for meeting these requirements within the agreed budget.

Given the 'full and open competition' and two bidders, what does this suggest about the market maturity and potential for future cost savings?

The fact that this contract was awarded under 'full and open competition' with two bidders suggests a moderately competitive market for curved stairlifts within the VA's procurement sphere. While two bidders indicate some level of market engagement, it is not as robust as a scenario with numerous bidders, which could drive prices down more aggressively. This level of competition is generally positive, allowing the VA to select from qualified vendors and achieve a reasonable price. For future cost savings, the VA could explore strategies to encourage more vendors to participate in solicitations, perhaps by refining requirements, increasing contract values for larger quantities, or leveraging existing federal supply schedules if applicable. Continued monitoring of bid levels will be key.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 358 NORTH ST, RANDOLPH, MA, 02368

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,999

Exercised Options: $14,999

Current Obligation: $14,999

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: V797D50501

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline