VA awards $14.8M for vertical platform lifts, with 2 bids received under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,778 ($14.8K)

Contractor: Bruno Independent Living Aids Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 182 days

Daily Burn Rate: $81/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: VERTICAL PLATFORM LIFT

Place of Performance

Location: BUTLER, BUTLER County, PENNSYLVANIA, 16001

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $14,777.56 to BRUNO INDEPENDENT LIVING AIDS INC for work described as: VERTICAL PLATFORM LIFT Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially limited but functional market for these specific lifts. 3. Risk indicators are low due to a firm-fixed-price contract and a defined delivery period. 4. Performance context suggests a need for reliable mobility aids within VA facilities. 5. Sector positioning places this within the broader medical equipment and assistive technology market.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14.8 million for vertical platform lifts seems aligned with the specialized nature of assistive technology for individuals with mobility impairments. While direct comparisons are difficult without specific model details, the price per unit, if calculable, would be a key benchmark. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, suggesting a well-defined scope of work and a reasonable expectation of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, with two bids received. While two bidders suggest some level of market interest, it also indicates that the market for these specific vertical platform lifts may not be highly saturated. The presence of multiple bidders, even if only two, is positive for price discovery and ensures the VA is not limited to a single source.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition, even with a limited number of bidders, is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages competitive pricing and prevents potential price gouging that could occur with sole-source or limited competition awards.

Public Impact

Veterans requiring enhanced mobility within VA facilities will benefit from improved accessibility. The contract will ensure the delivery of essential vertical platform lift equipment. The geographic impact is primarily within VA facilities in Pennsylvania, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving installation and maintenance technicians.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited long-term maintenance options if only two manufacturers can supply.
Dependence on a small number of suppliers could lead to price increases in future procurements.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Clear delivery period reduces schedule risk.
Competition, even if limited, ensures some market pressure on pricing.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader healthcare and medical equipment sector, specifically focusing on assistive technology. The market for durable medical equipment, including mobility aids like vertical platform lifts, is substantial, driven by an aging population and specific healthcare needs. Spending benchmarks for similar specialized equipment can vary widely based on features, capacity, and installation complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the primary contractor utilizes small businesses for specific components or services not detailed in this award.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which has established procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms. The firm-fixed-price nature of the award simplifies oversight by providing clear cost expectations. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases, and any specific Inspector General investigations would be publicly reported if initiated.

Related Government Programs

Durable Medical Equipment Procurement
Veterans Health Administration Services
Assistive Technology Contracts
Mobility Aid Supply Chain

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact long-term pricing.
Supply chain vulnerability for specialized equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $14,777.56 to BRUNO INDEPENDENT LIVING AIDS INC. VERTICAL PLATFORM LIFT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BRUNO INDEPENDENT LIVING AIDS 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 $14,777.56.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the specific model and capacity of the vertical platform lifts being procured?

The provided data does not specify the exact model or capacity of the vertical platform lifts. This information is crucial for a detailed value assessment, as different models offer varying features, weight capacities, and installation requirements, all of which significantly impact cost. Without these specifics, benchmarking against comparable products is challenging. Future analysis should seek to obtain model numbers and technical specifications to ensure the VA is procuring equipment that precisely meets its needs at a competitive price point.

How does the price per unit compare to similar VA or other federal agency procurements for comparable lifts?

A direct per-unit cost comparison is not possible with the current data. The total award of $14.8 million for an unspecified number of lifts makes calculating an average per-unit cost difficult. To perform this comparison, one would need to know the quantity of lifts purchased and their individual specifications. Benchmarking against past VA contracts for similar mobility equipment or against General Services Administration (GSA) schedules for assistive devices would provide insight into whether this award represents good value. A higher number of bids in future solicitations could also drive down per-unit costs.

What is the track record of BRUNO INDEPENDENT LIVING AIDS INC with VA contracts, particularly for mobility equipment?

BRUNO INDEPENDENT LIVING AIDS INC has secured this $14.8 million contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs. To assess their track record, a review of their past performance on similar VA contracts, especially those involving mobility aids or assistive devices, would be necessary. This would include examining contract completion history, any reported performance issues or disputes, and overall customer satisfaction ratings if available. A history of successful, on-time, and within-budget deliveries for comparable equipment would indicate a lower performance risk for this current contract.

What are the key performance metrics and delivery timelines outlined in the contract?

The contract has a duration of 182 days, with a start date of April 1, 2026, and an end date of September 30, 2026. While specific performance metrics beyond timely delivery are not detailed in the provided summary, typical metrics for such equipment would include installation quality, functionality testing, adherence to safety standards, and potentially warranty service provisions. The firm-fixed-price nature suggests that meeting these defined delivery and installation requirements is paramount for contractor compensation.

Are there any known risks associated with the supply chain for these specific vertical platform lifts?

The primary risk identified stems from the limited competition, with only two bids received. This suggests a potentially concentrated supply chain for these specialized lifts. If BRUNO INDEPENDENT LIVING AIDS INC relies on a single or limited number of manufacturers for components or the final product, disruptions in that supply chain (e.g., material shortages, manufacturing issues, geopolitical events) could impact delivery timelines. The firm-fixed-price contract might offer some protection against cost overruns due to supply chain issues, but delays could still be a concern.

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: 1780 EXECUTIVE DR, OCONOMOWOC, WI, 53066

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,778

Exercised Options: $14,778

Current Obligation: $14,778

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36F79721D0099

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline