VA awards $16.6M for Speech Devices to Tobii Dynavox LLC under competitive SAP

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,630 ($16.6K)

Contractor: Tobii Dynavox LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 28 days

Daily Burn Rate: $594/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: SPEECH DEVICE

Place of Performance

Location: CORAOPOLIS, ALLEGHENY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15108

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $16,629.84 to TOBII DYNAVOX LLC for work described as: SPEECH DEVICE Key points: 1. Significant award for specialized speech-generating devices. 2. Competition under SAP suggests potential for price efficiency. 3. Risk is moderate, tied to device efficacy and long-term support. 4. Sector focus on medical devices and assistive technology.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award value of $16.6M for speech devices appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the technology. Benchmarking against similar complex assistive technology contracts would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating a limited competition approach. While this can expedite procurement, it may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential assistive technology, aiming to improve the quality of life for veterans. The efficiency of the procurement process under SAP will influence the overall value for money.

Public Impact

Enhances communication capabilities for veterans with speech impairments. Supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' mission to provide comprehensive care. Potential for improved patient outcomes and reduced reliance on caregivers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 59 / 10

Warning Flags

Device compatibility and integration with existing veteran healthcare systems.
Long-term maintenance and support costs for specialized hardware/software.
Ensuring equitable access for all eligible veterans.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical need for assistive communication technology.
Award to a known provider in the speech device market.
Competitive SAP process may have driven some cost efficiencies.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the healthcare technology sector, specifically focusing on assistive devices. Spending in this area is driven by the need to support individuals with disabilities and improve their quality of life, with benchmarks varying widely based on device complexity and user needs.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this procurement. 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 regulations and contract management practices should ensure accountability and proper execution of the award.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for high long-term maintenance costs.
Dependence on a single supplier for specialized technology.
Need for robust user training and support infrastructure.
Ensuring device adaptability to evolving user needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $16,629.84 to TOBII DYNAVOX LLC. SPEECH DEVICE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TOBII DYNAVOX 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 $16,629.84.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the specific functionality and expected lifespan of these speech devices to justify the $16.6M award?

The specific functionality of the speech devices, likely including advanced text-to-speech, symbol-based communication, and environmental control, is crucial for understanding the value. The expected lifespan, encompassing hardware durability and software updates, directly impacts the total cost of ownership and justifies the significant investment. Without detailed specifications, it's difficult to definitively assess value.

What are the potential risks associated with vendor lock-in or the long-term availability of support for these specialized devices?

Vendor lock-in is a potential risk if the devices use proprietary software or require specialized maintenance only Tobii Dynavox can provide. This could lead to higher future costs and limited options for upgrades or repairs. Ensuring clear service level agreements and exploring options for third-party support or open standards can mitigate these risks.

How will the effectiveness of these speech devices be measured to ensure they meet the needs of veterans?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through user satisfaction surveys, clinical assessments of communication improvement, and tracking the devices' uptime and functionality. The VA should establish clear performance metrics and conduct regular reviews with recipients and clinicians to ensure the devices are meeting intended communication goals and improving quality of life.

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

Parent Company: Tobii Assistive Technology, Inc.

Address: 1400 CHERRINGTON PKWY BLDG 100, CORAOPOLIS, PA, 15108

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,630

Exercised Options: $16,630

Current Obligation: $16,630

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline