VA awards $247K for bladder incontinence stimulators, a specialized medical device

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,700 ($24.7K)

Contractor: Medtronic USA Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-11-07

End Date: 2026-04-08

Contract Duration: 152 days

Daily Burn Rate: $163/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: ALTAVIVA IMPLANT- BLADDER INCONTINENCE STIM- ANKLE DEVICE

Place of Performance

Location: MINNEAPOLIS, ANOKA County, MINNESOTA, 55432

State: Minnesota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $24,700 to MEDTRONIC USA INC for work described as: ALTAVIVA IMPLANT- BLADDER INCONTINENCE STIM- ANKLE DEVICE Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable for a specialized medical device with a 152-day performance period. 2. Competition dynamics for this specific device are not fully detailed, but the award was made under SAP. 3. Risk indicators are low given the firm-fixed-price nature and short duration. 4. Performance context is limited to the specified device and its intended use. 5. This contract falls within the broader medical device and surgical appliance manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $247,000 for a 152-day period for specialized medical devices like bladder incontinence stimulators seems within a reasonable range. Without specific comparable contract data for this exact device, a direct price-per-unit benchmark is challenging. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the VA has negotiated a set cost, which aids in budget predictability. The value appears to be fair for a niche medical product.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a less extensive competition process than full and open competition. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP is generally used for procurements under the simplified acquisition threshold, suggesting a potentially smaller pool of interested vendors compared to larger contracts. This approach aims for efficiency but may limit price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competition under SAP can lead to quicker acquisition but potentially higher prices than if a broader, more competitive bidding process were employed.

Public Impact

Veterans experiencing bladder incontinence will benefit from access to advanced stimulation devices. The services delivered involve the provision of specialized medical equipment. The geographic impact is primarily within Minnesota, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving the contractor's manufacturing and distribution personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP could result in less favorable pricing.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes assessing effectiveness challenging.
Reliance on a single purchase order limits long-term vendor relationship insights.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Short performance period minimizes long-term financial commitment risk.
Contract addresses a specific medical need for veterans.

Sector Analysis

This contract operates within the medical device manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on surgical appliances and supplies. The market for incontinence management devices is significant, driven by an aging population and advancements in medical technology. This award represents a small portion of overall federal spending on healthcare and medical supplies, which often involves complex supply chains and regulatory considerations.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses in its supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order would typically fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' procurement and contracting offices. Accountability is established through the firm-fixed-price agreement, requiring delivery of the specified goods. Transparency is moderate, as basic contract award details are publicly available, but detailed performance monitoring and Inspector General involvement would depend on specific VA policies and any reported issues.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Equipment Procurement
Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing
Medical Devices for Incontinence Management
Federal Purchase Orders

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for price not being optimized due to SAP

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $24,700 to MEDTRONIC USA INC. ALTAVIVA IMPLANT- BLADDER INCONTINENCE STIM- ANKLE DEVICE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MEDTRONIC USA INC.

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 $24,700.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-11-07. End: 2026-04-08.

What is the track record of MEDTRONIC USA INC with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Medtronic USA Inc. is a major medical device manufacturer with a history of supplying various products to federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). While this specific award is a purchase order for bladder incontinence stimulators, Medtronic's broader portfolio includes a wide range of devices used across different medical specialties. Analyzing their past performance with the VA would involve reviewing numerous contracts, delivery orders, and any associated performance evaluations or disputes. Generally, large, established companies like Medtronic have extensive experience navigating federal procurement processes. However, specific performance on individual contracts can vary, and a detailed review of their history with the VA would be necessary to fully assess their track record for this particular product category.

How does the value of this contract compare to similar procurements for bladder incontinence stimulators?

Benchmarking the value of this $247,000 contract for bladder incontinence stimulators against similar procurements is challenging without access to a comprehensive database of comparable federal contracts for this specific device. The contract value is for a 152-day period, suggesting a focus on immediate supply needs rather than long-term contracts. Factors influencing price include the specific technology of the stimulator, the quantity ordered, and the negotiated profit margins. Given that it was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), the pricing might reflect a balance between speed of acquisition and cost-effectiveness. A thorough comparison would require identifying other VA or DoD contracts for similar devices, analyzing quantities, contract types, and performance periods to establish a reliable per-unit or total contract value benchmark.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract award?

The primary risks associated with this contract award appear to be relatively low. The contract is a firm-fixed-price purchase order, which shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, MEDTRONIC USA INC. The performance period is short (152 days), limiting the duration of potential issues. Key risks could include potential delays in delivery, the possibility of the device not meeting performance specifications, or supply chain disruptions affecting the contractor's ability to fulfill the order. However, given the nature of the product and the established vendor, these risks are likely mitigated. The limited competition under SAP could also be considered a risk if it leads to a suboptimal price, though this is more of a value-for-money concern than a performance risk.

How effective is the Department of Veterans Affairs in procuring specialized medical devices like this?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a complex system for procuring specialized medical devices, aiming to balance cost, quality, and timely access for veterans. Their effectiveness can be assessed through various lenses. The VA utilizes a range of procurement methods, including competitive bidding and simplified acquisition, to meet diverse needs. For specialized items like bladder incontinence stimulators, the VA likely relies on market research and established relationships with manufacturers like Medtronic. Effectiveness is demonstrated when veterans receive the necessary equipment promptly and reliably. Challenges can arise from the complexity of medical technology, fluctuating demand, and the need to navigate federal acquisition regulations. While this specific award suggests a successful procurement, a broader assessment would require analyzing overall VA spending patterns, patient outcomes, and satisfaction surveys related to medical equipment provision.

What are the historical spending patterns for bladder incontinence stimulators by the VA?

Historical spending patterns for bladder incontinence stimulators by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are not detailed in the provided data. This specific award is a single purchase order valued at $247,000 with a 152-day duration. To understand historical spending, one would need to analyze aggregated contract data over several fiscal years, looking for recurring awards to Medtronic or other vendors for similar devices. Factors influencing historical spending would include the prevalence of bladder incontinence among the veteran population, the availability and adoption of new treatment technologies, and VA budget allocations for medical supplies. Without access to historical contract databases or specific reports on this product category, it is impossible to describe the patterns.

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: Medtronic Public Limited Company

Address: 710 MEDTRONIC PKWY, MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 55432

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,700

Exercised Options: $24,700

Current Obligation: $24,700

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline