VA awards $340K for Transcatheter Heart Valves from Edwards Lifesciences LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,000 ($34.0K)

Contractor: Edwards Lifesciences LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-08-06

Contract Duration: 122 days

Daily Burn Rate: $279/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE

Place of Performance

Location: IRVINE, ORANGE County, CALIFORNIA, 92614

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $34,000 to EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES LLC for work described as: TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE Key points: 1. The VA is procuring transcatheter heart valves, a critical medical device. 2. Edwards Lifesciences LLC is a significant player in the medical device market. 3. The contract value is relatively small, suggesting a specific need or pilot program. 4. The sector is medical devices, which often involves high R&D and regulatory hurdles.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $340,000 for 1 unit over 122 days is difficult to assess without per-unit cost data. Given the specialized nature of transcatheter heart valves, pricing can vary significantly based on model and features.

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 had the opportunity to bid. This method is generally expected to yield competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The relatively low contract value suggests a minimal direct taxpayer impact for this specific award.

Public Impact

Ensures access to critical medical technology for veterans. Supports the use of advanced cardiovascular treatments. Potential for improved patient outcomes in cardiac care.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed unit cost data for price benchmarking.
Limited contract duration may require future procurements.
Sole reliance on one vendor for this specific award, despite full and open competition.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Utilizes a firm fixed price contract type.
Supports critical healthcare needs for veterans.

Sector Analysis

The medical device sector, particularly for cardiovascular implants, is characterized by high innovation, stringent regulatory requirements, and significant R&D investment. Spending benchmarks are highly variable based on device complexity and volume.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this procurement. Given the specialized nature of transcatheter heart valves, it is possible that larger, established manufacturers dominate this market.

Oversight & Accountability

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

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Lack of unit cost data
Limited contract duration
Potential for vendor lock-in
High cost of specialized medical devices

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $34,000 to EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES LLC. TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE

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 $34,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-08-06.

What is the per-unit cost of the transcatheter heart valve, and how does it compare to market benchmarks for similar devices?

The provided data does not include the per-unit cost, making direct comparison impossible. Transcatheter heart valves are highly specialized and can range from tens of thousands to over $30,000 per unit, depending on the specific technology, manufacturer, and implantation complexity. A detailed cost analysis would require unit pricing information and comparison with GSA schedules or other federal contract data for similar devices.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single vendor, even under full and open competition, for critical medical devices?

Even with full and open competition, relying on a single vendor for critical medical devices like transcatheter heart valves can pose risks. These include potential supply chain disruptions, limited negotiation leverage in future procurements, and a lack of competitive pressure to drive innovation or cost reductions. It's important to monitor market dynamics and consider alternative sourcing strategies.

How effectively does this procurement support the VA's overall mission to provide advanced cardiac care to veterans?

This procurement directly supports the VA's mission by ensuring access to advanced transcatheter heart valve technology for veterans who may benefit from less invasive cardiac procedures. By providing these devices, the VA can potentially improve patient outcomes, reduce recovery times, and offer crucial treatment options, thereby enhancing the quality of care delivered.

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

Solicitation ID: 646-P6V949

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, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,000

Exercised Options: $34,000

Current Obligation: $34,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline