VA awards $542.5K for 3D printer to manufacture prosthetics and orthotics

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $54,250 ($54.3K)

Contractor: Proteor USA LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 84 days

Daily Burn Rate: $646/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: 3D PRINTER FOR ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS

Place of Performance

Location: TEMPE, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85282

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $54,250 to PROTEOR USA LLC for work described as: 3D PRINTER FOR ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to PROTEOR USA LLC for specialized manufacturing equipment. 2. Purchase order issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 3. The equipment is intended for the production of orthotics and prosthetics. 4. Contract duration is 84 days, indicating a short-term need or initial deployment. 5. The award was made under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on efficiency for smaller procurements. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 339113 points to the Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $542,500 for a 3D printer for specialized medical devices appears reasonable given the niche application. Benchmarking against similar high-precision manufacturing equipment for medical applications would provide further context. The firm fixed-price nature of the award suggests that the contractor assumed the risk for cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which allows for a broader range of competition for procurements below certain thresholds. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP generally encourages competition. The fact that it was competed suggests that multiple vendors were likely considered, leading to a more competitive price discovery process.

Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down prices through market forces, even for smaller procurements.

Public Impact

Veterans requiring custom orthotics and prosthetics will benefit from potentially faster and more tailored device production. The VA will gain enhanced capabilities in manufacturing specialized medical devices. The contract's impact is primarily within Arizona, where the equipment will be deployed. This could lead to specialized job creation or upskilling within the VA's medical manufacturing facilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if the 3D printer requires proprietary materials or software.
Dependence on PROTEOR USA LLC for maintenance and potential future upgrades.
Ensuring the long-term viability and support for specialized 3D printing technology.

Positive Signals

Award to a single vendor suggests a focused and potentially specialized solution.
The use of SAP indicates an effort to streamline the procurement process.
The firm fixed-price contract shifts cost risk to the contractor.

Sector Analysis

The market for advanced manufacturing equipment, particularly 3D printers for medical applications, is growing rapidly. This contract falls within the surgical appliance and supplies manufacturing sector, which is increasingly leveraging additive manufacturing for patient-specific solutions. Comparable spending in this niche area can vary widely based on printer capabilities and intended use, but investments in such technology are often strategic for healthcare providers seeking to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was competed under SAP and does not specify small business set-asides or subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses is not immediately clear from this award alone. However, the nature of the equipment suggests it is for direct use by the government agency rather than a broad service contract where subcontracting opportunities are common.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for the oversight of this contract. As a purchase order under SAP, oversight would typically involve contract administration to ensure delivery and compliance with terms. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Medical Equipment Procurement
Prosthetics and Orthotics Services
Additive Manufacturing Technology
Veterans Health Administration Services

Risk Flags

Potential for specialized training requirements.
Dependence on proprietary materials or software.
Long-term maintenance and support considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $54,250 to PROTEOR USA LLC. 3D PRINTER FOR ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PROTEOR 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 $54,250.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the specific model or type of 3D printer being procured, and what are its key technical specifications relevant to orthotics and prosthetics?

The provided data does not specify the exact model or technical specifications of the 3D printer. However, given its intended use for orthotics and prosthetics, it is likely a high-resolution printer capable of handling biocompatible or medical-grade materials. Such printers often feature advanced material extrusion or photopolymerization technologies to create complex geometries with smooth surface finishes, crucial for patient comfort and fit. Further details would typically be found in the Statement of Work (SOW) or technical specifications attached to the contract award.

How does the $542,500 cost compare to similar 3D printers used for medical device manufacturing?

The cost of $542,500 for a 3D printer intended for orthotics and prosthetics manufacturing appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized, high-end industrial or medical-grade equipment. Professional-grade 3D printers for medical applications can range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars, depending on their technology (e.g., SLA, SLS, FDM), build volume, material compatibility, speed, and precision. Without knowing the specific model and capabilities, a direct comparison is difficult, but this price point suggests a significant investment in advanced manufacturing technology for the VA.

What is PROTEOR USA LLC's track record with the VA or other federal agencies for providing similar equipment or services?

Information regarding PROTEOR USA LLC's specific track record with the VA or other federal agencies for providing similar 3D printing equipment is not detailed in the provided data. However, PROTEOR USA LLC is known in the prosthetics and orthotics industry. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) and any prior federal contracts awarded to them, particularly those involving advanced manufacturing or medical device supply.

What are the expected performance metrics or outcomes for the use of this 3D printer in producing orthotics and prosthetics?

The expected performance metrics would likely focus on the quality, customization, and efficiency of producing orthotics and prosthetics. Key outcomes could include reduced turnaround times for device fabrication, improved patient-specific fit and comfort, increased durability of devices, and potential cost savings compared to traditional manufacturing methods. The VA would likely track metrics related to device defect rates, patient satisfaction, and the number of devices produced using the new technology.

What is the historical spending pattern of the VA for 3D printing technology or related manufacturing equipment?

The provided data does not include historical spending patterns for 3D printing technology or related manufacturing equipment by the VA. To assess this, one would need to analyze historical contract awards for similar equipment across different VA facilities and programs. This would involve searching federal procurement databases for keywords related to 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and medical device production over several fiscal years to identify trends and the scale of investment in this area.

Are there any identified risks associated with the implementation or long-term use of this specific 3D printing technology for the VA?

Potential risks associated with this 3D printing technology could include the need for specialized training for VA staff to operate and maintain the equipment, ensuring the availability and cost of necessary printing materials, and the potential for technological obsolescence. Cybersecurity risks related to the printer's software and data handling would also need to be managed. Furthermore, ensuring consistent quality control and regulatory compliance for patient-use devices manufactured with this technology is critical.

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: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1236 W SOUTHERN AVE STE 101, TEMPE, AZ, 85282

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $54,250

Exercised Options: $54,250

Current Obligation: $54,250

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline