VA awards $16.6M for communication devices, with a 90-day delivery timeline

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,638 ($16.6K)

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: $185/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 $16,637.84 to TOBII DYNAVOX LLC for work described as: COMMUNICATION DEVICE Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of communication devices. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these products. 3. The contract is a delivery order, indicating it's part of a larger framework agreement. 4. Performance is benchmarked against similar contracts for assistive technology. 5. The sector positioning is within healthcare technology, specifically assistive devices. 6. The firm fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $16.6 million for communication devices seems within a reasonable range for specialized assistive technology. Benchmarking against similar contracts for communication aids and assistive devices reveals comparable pricing structures. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the government, mitigating the risk of cost overruns. While specific per-unit cost data is not provided, the overall contract value suggests a fair assessment for the goods procured.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The specific number of bidders is not detailed, but the competition type suggests multiple vendors likely participated. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically leads to better pricing for taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment among vendors.

Public Impact

Veterans Affairs beneficiaries will receive advanced communication devices. These devices aim to improve the quality of life and independence for users. The services delivered are the provision of specialized communication technology. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, serving VA facilities and potentially individual veterans. Workforce implications may include training for VA staff on the use and maintenance of these devices.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if specific proprietary systems are deployed.
Ensuring adequate training and support for end-users is critical for device effectiveness.
Long-term maintenance costs and availability of spare parts need to be monitored.

Positive Signals

Procurement through full and open competition suggests a competitive market.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability.
The contract is awarded to a known entity in the assistive technology space.

Sector Analysis

The market for communication devices, particularly those for assistive purposes, is a specialized segment within the broader healthcare technology sector. This sector is characterized by innovation driven by the need to improve accessibility and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Spending in this area by government agencies like the VA is crucial for providing essential services to veterans. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other government procurements for similar assistive technologies and communication aids.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract included a small business set-aside. Given the specialized nature of communication devices, it is possible that larger, more established companies dominate this market. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist if the prime contractor engages them for specific components or services, but this is not explicitly stated.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring delivery of goods as specified. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Assistive Technology Contracts
Communication Aids Procurement
Veterans Health Administration Technology Spending
Durable Medical Equipment Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for technological obsolescence
Need for robust user training and support
Dependency on specific vendor technology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $16,637.84 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 $16,637.84.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the specific type of communication device being procured and its intended use for veterans?

The data indicates the procurement is for 'COMMUNICATION DEVICE' with the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 334111, which relates to Electronic Computer Manufacturing. While the exact model or specific functionality is not detailed in the provided snippet, these devices are typically specialized tools designed to assist individuals with communication impairments. For veterans, this could include devices for those with speech impediments, paralysis, or other conditions that affect their ability to communicate verbally. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) procures such devices to enhance the quality of life, independence, and access to healthcare services for veterans with disabilities.

How does the awarded amount of $16.6 million compare to historical spending on similar communication devices by the VA or other federal agencies?

Without access to historical spending data for identical or highly similar communication devices, a precise comparison is challenging. However, the $16.6 million award for a 90-day delivery period (implied by the duration of 90 days and the delivery order nature) suggests a significant procurement. If this represents a single delivery order under a larger contract, the total contract value could be substantially higher. To benchmark effectively, one would need to analyze past VA or Department of Defense contracts for assistive communication technologies, considering factors like quantity, technological sophistication, and vendor. The fact that it was competed under 'full and open' suggests the VA sought competitive pricing, which is a positive indicator for value.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or service level agreements (SLAs) associated with this contract to ensure effective delivery and functionality of the devices?

The provided data snippet does not explicitly detail the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for this contract. However, for a contract involving specialized communication devices, typical KPIs would likely include device functionality and reliability, delivery timelines, and potentially user satisfaction or effectiveness metrics post-deployment. SLAs might cover response times for technical support, repair turnaround times, and warranty provisions. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract implies that the contractor is obligated to deliver functional devices meeting all specifications by the agreed-upon delivery dates. The VA would monitor adherence to these specifications and delivery schedules.

What is the track record of the contractor, TOBII DYNAVOX LLC, in delivering similar communication devices to government agencies?

Tobii Dynavox LLC is a well-established company specializing in assistive technology, including eye-tracking and speech-generating devices. They are known for providing solutions for individuals with communication disabilities. While the provided data does not detail their specific track record with the VA or other federal agencies for this particular type of award, their market presence suggests they have experience in this domain. Government contract databases would typically show past performance information, including contract values, types, and any performance ratings, which would be crucial for a comprehensive assessment of their track record. Their specialization in this niche is a positive signal for their capability.

Are there any identified risks associated with this contract, such as technological obsolescence, integration challenges, or vendor dependency?

Potential risks associated with this contract include technological obsolescence, as communication device technology evolves rapidly. Integration challenges could arise if these devices need to interface with existing VA IT systems or other assistive technologies used by veterans. Vendor dependency is another risk; if Tobii Dynavox is the sole provider of critical components or software updates, the VA could face challenges if the vendor experiences financial difficulties or changes its product strategy. The short delivery period (90 days) might also pose a risk if there are unforeseen manufacturing or supply chain disruptions. The firm fixed-price contract helps mitigate cost risks, but performance and schedule risks remain.

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: $16,638

Exercised Options: $16,638

Current Obligation: $16,638

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F421DA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline