VA awards $58.9K for vertical platform lifts to Knable General Contracting, competition method unclear
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $58,869 ($58.9K)
Contractor: Knable General Contracting Services LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
Start Date: 2026-04-06
End Date: 2026-09-01
Contract Duration: 148 days
Daily Burn Rate: $398/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Healthcare
Official Description: CEILING LIFT VERTICAL PLATFORM LIFT
Place of Performance
Location: POWHATAN, POWHATAN County, VIRGINIA, 23139
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $58,869.26 to KNABLE GENERAL CONTRACTING SERVICES LLC for work described as: CEILING LIFT VERTICAL PLATFORM LIFT Key points: 1. Spending on vertical platform lifts for VA facilities. 2. Contract awarded to Knable General Contracting Services LLC. 3. Potential for limited competition due to specialized equipment. 4. Sector: Healthcare/Medical Equipment.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award amount of $58,869.26 for a vertical platform lift appears within a reasonable range for specialized medical equipment. Benchmarking against similar VA or GSA contracts for similar lifts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), but the specific competition method (e.g., RFQ, limited competition) is not detailed. This lack of clarity makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of price discovery and whether the best possible price was obtained.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential accessibility equipment. The impact is positive in terms of accessibility, but the value for money depends on the competitive process.
Public Impact
Enhances accessibility for veterans at VA facilities. Supports the operational needs of medical facilities. Ensures compliance with accessibility standards.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of clarity on competition method under SAP.
- Potential for limited competition impacting price.
- No clear indication of small business participation.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a specific accessibility need.
- Awarded to a single vendor, potentially streamlining delivery.
- Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This purchase falls within the healthcare and medical equipment sector, specifically for accessibility devices. Spending benchmarks for similar vertical platform lifts can vary significantly based on features, installation complexity, and vendor.
Small Business Impact
There is no explicit information provided regarding small business participation in this contract. Further investigation would be needed to determine if small businesses were solicited or subcontracted.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would involve ensuring the lift meets specifications, is installed correctly, and that the procurement process followed all applicable regulations, especially given the unclear competition method.
Related Government Programs
- Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing
- Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
- Department of Veterans Affairs Programs
Risk Flags
- Unclear competition method.
- Potential for price non-competitiveness.
- Lack of small business participation details.
- Reliance on a single vendor for a critical item.
Tags
surgical-appliance-and-supplies-manufact, department-of-veterans-affairs, va, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $58,869.26 to KNABLE GENERAL CONTRACTING SERVICES LLC. CEILING LIFT VERTICAL PLATFORM LIFT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is KNABLE GENERAL CONTRACTING SERVICES 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 $58,869.26.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-09-01.
What was the specific competition method used under SAP for this contract, and how did it ensure fair pricing?
The competition method under SAP for this contract is not explicitly stated. Simplified Acquisition Procedures can include various methods like RFQs to multiple sources or limited competition. Without further details, it's impossible to definitively assess if the chosen method maximized price competition and ensured the government received the best value.
What are the key risks associated with procuring specialized medical equipment like vertical platform lifts through simplified acquisition procedures?
Key risks include limited competition, potentially leading to higher prices than a fully open process. There's also a risk of inadequate technical specifications if not carefully defined, or if the vendor lacks sufficient experience. Ensuring compliance with accessibility standards and proper installation also presents risks that require diligent oversight.
How effectively does this purchase address the accessibility needs of the VA facility and its beneficiaries?
This purchase directly addresses the need for vertical accessibility, likely for individuals with mobility impairments. Assuming the lift meets all required specifications and is properly installed, it significantly enhances the usability and inclusivity of the VA facility for veterans and staff, contributing to a more functional and compliant environment.
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: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1685 ANDERSON HWY, POWHATAN, VA, 23139
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $58,869
Exercised Options: $58,869
Current Obligation: $58,869
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-06
Current End Date: 2026-09-01
Potential End Date: 2026-09-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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