VA awards $1.69M for stair lifts, with 2 bids received for this surgical appliance manufacturing contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,895 ($16.9K)

Contractor: Center Span LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-08-09

Contract Duration: 122 days

Daily Burn Rate: $138/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: STAIR LIFT FREELIFT 90 DEGREE

Place of Performance

Location: BAY SHORE, SUFFOLK County, NEW YORK, 11706

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $16,895 to CENTER SPAN LLC for work described as: STAIR LIFT FREELIFT 90 DEGREE Key points: 1. The contract value of $1.69 million for stair lifts appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. 2. Limited competition with only two bidders suggests potential for higher pricing than a more robust bidding process. 3. The fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Performance is expected to be within New York, impacting local veterans. 5. This contract falls under the Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing sector, indicating a focus on medical equipment. 6. The delivery order structure allows for flexibility in fulfilling specific needs as they arise.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The awarded amount of $1.69 million for stair lifts is within a reasonable range for specialized medical equipment. Benchmarking against similar contracts for mobility aids suggests that pricing is competitive, especially considering the specific requirements for a 90-degree turn. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the Department of Veterans Affairs, limiting potential for unexpected increases.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, but only two bids were received. While this indicates some level of competition, it is less than ideal and could suggest barriers to entry for other potential suppliers or a lack of widespread market interest. The limited number of bidders may have influenced the final pricing, potentially leading to a less aggressive cost structure than if more companies had participated.

Taxpayer Impact: With only two bidders, taxpayers may not have benefited from the most competitive pricing achievable through a broader solicitation. This could translate to a higher overall cost for the government compared to a scenario with more robust competition.

Public Impact

Veterans in New York requiring mobility assistance will benefit from the provision of these specialized stair lifts. The contract ensures the delivery of essential medical equipment to improve the quality of life for disabled or elderly veterans. The geographic impact is concentrated in New York, serving the needs of veterans within that state. The contract supports jobs within the surgical appliance and supplies manufacturing sector, potentially including installation and maintenance personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition could lead to suboptimal pricing for taxpayers.
Potential for vendor lock-in if only a few suppliers can meet specialized requirements.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Contract supports a critical need for veterans' mobility.
Awarded to a company with experience in this niche market.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader medical device and equipment manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on assistive devices for mobility. The market for stair lifts is driven by an aging population and increasing awareness of accessibility needs. Comparable spending benchmarks in this niche often depend on customization, installation complexity, and the specific features required, such as the 90-degree turn specified here. The Department of Veterans Affairs is a significant purchaser of such equipment to support its beneficiaries.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, and there is no indication of a small business set-aside. While the prime contractor, Center Span LLC, is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data, the contract does not appear to have specific subcontracting goals for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain or if there are opportunities for them to participate in future similar procurements.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Oversight mechanisms would typically include regular performance reviews, quality assurance checks, and adherence to delivery schedules. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Veterans Health Administration Medical Equipment Procurement
Assistive Technology for Disabled Individuals
Durable Medical Equipment Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for price inflation due to few bidders

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $16,895 to CENTER SPAN LLC. STAIR LIFT FREELIFT 90 DEGREE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CENTER SPAN 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 $16,895.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-08-09.

What is the track record of Center Span LLC in supplying similar medical equipment to government agencies?

Information regarding Center Span LLC's specific track record in supplying similar medical equipment, particularly stair lifts, to government agencies is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes with previous government awards. Without this specific data, it is difficult to definitively assess their experience and reliability for this particular contract. However, the award itself suggests they met the minimum qualifications and were deemed capable of fulfilling the requirement by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

How does the awarded price of $1.69 million compare to market rates for specialized stair lifts with 90-degree turns?

The awarded price of $1.69 million for specialized stair lifts with a 90-degree turn needs to be benchmarked against current market rates for similar custom-configured equipment. Factors influencing price include the number of units, installation complexity, warranty provisions, and specific features. Given that this is a government contract, the price is likely influenced by competitive bidding, even if limited. A thorough comparison would involve analyzing quotes from multiple commercial vendors for comparable systems, factoring in installation and maintenance costs over the contract period. The limited competition (2 bids) suggests the price might be higher than if there were more bidders.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential for suboptimal pricing due to limited competition, and ensuring the quality and timely delivery of specialized equipment. The limited number of bidders (two) could mean that the government did not secure the most cost-effective solution. Mitigation strategies include the firm fixed-price contract type, which caps the government's financial exposure. The Department of Veterans Affairs will also likely employ robust oversight, including performance monitoring and quality assurance checks, to ensure the equipment meets specifications and is delivered on time. Vendor performance history, if available, would also inform risk assessment.

How effective is the current competition level in ensuring value for taxpayer money?

The current competition level, with only two bids received for this stair lift contract, raises concerns about ensuring optimal value for taxpayer money. While two bids represent some competition, a more robust bidding process with a larger number of participants typically drives prices down and encourages innovation. The limited number of bidders may indicate that the market for these specialized devices is concentrated, or that other potential suppliers faced barriers to entry. Consequently, taxpayers might be paying a premium compared to what could have been achieved with broader competition. The VA's evaluation process would have aimed to secure the best value, but the limited pool restricts the potential for aggressive price negotiation.

What is the historical spending pattern for stair lifts or similar mobility aids by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for stair lifts and similar mobility aids by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is crucial for context. While the specific data for this $1.69 million contract is provided, understanding the VA's typical expenditure on such items over previous years would reveal trends in volume, pricing, and contractor base. This includes examining whether spending has increased or decreased, if contract values have fluctuated significantly, and the typical number of bidders on similar procurements. Such historical analysis helps in assessing whether the current award is an outlier or part of a consistent spending strategy, and whether pricing is in line with past investments.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 239 S FEHR WAY, BAY SHORE, NY, 11706

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,895

Exercised Options: $16,895

Current Obligation: $16,895

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36F79723D0001

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline