VA awards $2.16M for Overhead Ceiling Lifts, with 3 contracts issued

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,163,221 ($2.2M)

Contractor: Handicare USA LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2023-09-29

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,097 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: OVERHEAD CEILING LIFTS

Place of Performance

Location: MARYLAND HEIGHTS, SAINT LOUIS County, MISSOURI, 63043

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2.2 million to HANDICARE USA LLC for work described as: OVERHEAD CEILING LIFTS Key points: 1. Spending on surgical and medical instruments is significant, with this contract contributing to that sector. 2. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The firm fixed price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 4. The Department of Veterans Affairs is the primary agency involved in this procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.16M for overhead ceiling lifts appears reasonable given the duration and number of contracts. Benchmarking against similar contracts for medical equipment of this nature would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and can lead to more competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for taxpayer value, as it encourages a market-driven price.

Public Impact

Veterans will benefit from improved mobility and care through the acquisition of essential medical equipment. The procurement supports the surgical and medical instrument manufacturing sector. The Department of Veterans Affairs demonstrates its commitment to providing necessary medical supplies and equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases if demand surges beyond initial projections.
Dependence on a single manufacturer for specialized equipment could pose a risk.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Firm fixed price contract type helps control costs.
Long-term contract provides stability for VA's needs.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing sector. Spending in this sector is critical for healthcare delivery, and benchmarks vary widely based on the specific type of instrument and its complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this specific contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement oversight processes should be in place to ensure compliance and performance.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if only one supplier can service the equipment.
Long contract duration may not account for rapid technological advancements.
Limited information on specific performance metrics and quality control.
No explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.2 million to HANDICARE USA LLC. OVERHEAD CEILING LIFTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HANDICARE USA 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 $2.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-29. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the expected impact of these overhead ceiling lifts on patient care and staff efficiency within VA facilities?

Overhead ceiling lifts are designed to significantly improve patient mobility and safety, reducing the risk of injury for both patients and caregivers. They enable staff to transfer patients more easily and efficiently, potentially freeing up staff time for other critical tasks and improving overall workflow within medical facilities. This can lead to better patient outcomes and a more positive care environment.

Are there any identified risks associated with the long-term maintenance and repair of these specific overhead ceiling lift systems?

Potential risks include the availability of spare parts, the need for specialized technicians for repairs, and the cost of ongoing maintenance. If the chosen system relies on a single manufacturer for parts or service, this could lead to higher costs or extended downtime. Proactive maintenance schedules and contingency plans for service disruptions are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How does the firm fixed price contract structure ensure cost-effectiveness over the contract's duration, especially considering potential technological advancements in lifting equipment?

The firm fixed price structure locks in the price, protecting the government from cost overruns if the contractor's expenses increase. However, it also means the government may not benefit if the contractor's costs decrease significantly. To ensure cost-effectiveness against technological advancements, the contract should include provisions for upgrades or replacements if newer, more efficient technologies become available and offer better value.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 36C24523Q0925

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10888 METRO CT, MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO, 63043

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,163,221

Exercised Options: $2,163,221

Current Obligation: $2,163,221

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline