VA awards $17.7M for communication devices, with Tobii Dynavox LLC as the sole awardee

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,669 ($17.7K)

Contractor: Tobii Dynavox LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 90 days

Daily Burn Rate: $196/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: COMMUNICATION DEVICE

Place of Performance

Location: PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15203

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $17,668.74 to TOBII DYNAVOX LLC for work described as: COMMUNICATION DEVICE Key points: 1. The contract value of $17.7 million for communication devices appears to be a significant investment in assistive technology. 2. The sole awardee suggests a potentially limited competitive landscape for these specific devices. 3. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but the absence of competition warrants scrutiny. 4. The short duration of 90 days for this delivery order may indicate a need for immediate or supplemental equipment. 5. The contract's focus on communication devices highlights a critical need for individuals with speech or motor impairments. 6. The geographic focus on Pennsylvania for the contractor's location is noted, but the service delivery area is not specified.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this $17.7 million contract is challenging without more specific details on the communication devices procured and their intended use. Given it was awarded under full and open competition, it suggests a market exists, but the single awardee raises questions about price competitiveness. Comparing this to similar contracts for specialized assistive communication technology would be necessary to determine if the pricing is aligned with market rates. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were eligible to bid. However, only one award was made, suggesting that Tobii Dynavox LLC was the only responsive or best-value offeror. The limited number of bidders, despite open competition, could imply a specialized market or a high barrier to entry for other potential suppliers.

Taxpayer Impact: While open competition was advertised, the single award may mean taxpayers did not benefit from the full price discovery that multiple competitive bids typically provide. This could potentially lead to a higher price than if several strong offers were contending.

Public Impact

Veterans requiring advanced communication devices to overcome speech or motor impairments are the primary beneficiaries. The contract facilitates the delivery of essential communication tools, enhancing the quality of life and independence for users. The services delivered are critical for individuals who have difficulty with traditional forms of communication. The contract supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' mission to provide comprehensive care and support to veterans.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition despite open solicitation may indicate potential for higher costs.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess effectiveness beyond delivery.
The specific nature of 'communication devices' could encompass a wide range of technologies, making value assessment difficult without further detail.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, ensuring a broad initial solicitation.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Addresses a critical need for assistive technology for veterans.

Sector Analysis

The market for assistive communication devices is a specialized segment within the broader healthcare technology and medical equipment sector. This sector is characterized by innovation driven by the needs of individuals with disabilities. Spending in this area is often tied to government healthcare programs and rehabilitation services. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing procurements for similar high-tech communication aids for individuals with specific medical needs.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract involved a small business set-aside. Given the specialized nature of advanced communication devices, it is possible that larger, more established manufacturers dominate this market. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the supply chain for these devices.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for the oversight of this contract. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, oversight would likely involve monitoring delivery schedules, product specifications, and payment terms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, but specific performance monitoring details are typically internal to the agency.

Related Government Programs

Assistive Technology Devices
Medical Supplies and Equipment
Veterans Health Administration Procurement
Communication Aids

Risk Flags

Limited competition despite open solicitation.
Lack of detailed product specification in summary data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $17,668.74 to TOBII DYNAVOX LLC. COMMUNICATION 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 $17,668.74.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What specific types of communication devices are being procured under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'COMMUNICATION DEVICE' with the NAICS code 334111, which pertains to Electronic Computer Manufacturing. However, the specific sub-types of communication devices are not detailed in the summary data. These could range from speech-generating devices (SGDs) to specialized computer interfaces for individuals with severe motor impairments. Understanding the exact nature of these devices is crucial for assessing their technological sophistication, intended user base, and comparative pricing against market alternatives. Further investigation into the contract's statement of work or product descriptions would be necessary to ascertain the precise nature of the communication devices.

How does the $17.7 million contract value compare to historical spending on similar communication devices by the VA?

To compare the $17.7 million contract value to historical VA spending, one would need to access and analyze past contract awards for similar communication devices. This would involve searching federal procurement databases (like FPDS or USASpending) for contracts with comparable product descriptions, NAICS codes (e.g., 334111, 339113 - Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing, or specific service codes), and agencies (primarily VA). Analyzing the total dollar amounts, contract types, and awardees over several fiscal years would reveal trends. A higher current award compared to historical averages might suggest inflation, increased demand, or procurement of more advanced technology. Conversely, a lower award could indicate successful cost-saving measures or a decrease in the scope of procurement. Without access to this historical data, a direct comparison cannot be made.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will their achievement be measured?

The provided summary data does not include specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. Typically, for contracts involving the procurement of goods like communication devices, KPIs would focus on aspects such as timely delivery, adherence to technical specifications, product functionality, and potentially user satisfaction or reliability. Measurement methods would likely involve inspection of delivered goods against the contract's technical requirements, verification of delivery dates, and possibly post-delivery testing or feedback mechanisms. The firm fixed-price nature suggests that the contractor is incentivized to meet these requirements to receive full payment. A thorough review of the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS) would be necessary to identify the defined KPIs and their measurement criteria.

What is Tobii Dynavox LLC's track record with the Department of Veterans Affairs and similar government contracts?

Tobii Dynavox LLC is a known provider of eye-tracking and assistive technology solutions. To assess their track record with the VA and other government agencies, one would need to query federal procurement databases. This would involve searching for past contracts awarded to Tobii Dynavox LLC by the VA and other departments (e.g., Department of Defense, Health and Human Services). Key aspects to examine would include the types of products or services delivered, contract values, performance ratings (if available), and any history of contract modifications, disputes, or terminations. A positive track record with consistent performance and successful contract completions would indicate reliability, while a history of issues might raise concerns about their capacity to fulfill this current $17.7 million award effectively.

Given the 'full and open competition' but single award, what factors might have limited the number of bidders?

Several factors could explain why a contract advertised under 'full and open competition' resulted in only a single award. The specialized nature of advanced communication devices may mean that only a few companies possess the necessary technology, manufacturing capabilities, and expertise. Tobii Dynavox LLC might be the sole manufacturer of a patented or proprietary technology essential for the VA's needs. Alternatively, the technical specifications or requirements outlined in the solicitation could have been so stringent or unique that only one bidder could meet them. High pre-qualification requirements, significant research and development investment needed to compete, or the specific contract vehicle used (e.g., if it was a task order under an existing IDIQ contract where Tobii Dynavox was already a pre-qualified vendor) could also limit the pool of eligible and competitive bidders.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing › Electronic Computer Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

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: $17,669

Exercised Options: $17,669

Current Obligation: $17,669

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F421DA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline