VA awards $76.7K for kitchen prep tables, exceeding benchmark by 0.1%

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $76,660 ($76.7K)

Contractor: Dietary Equipment Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-07-10

Contract Duration: 100 days

Daily Burn Rate: $767/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: KITCHEN PREP TABLE

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBIA, RICHLAND County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29201

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $76,660.28 to DIETARY EQUIPMENT INCORPORATED for work described as: KITCHEN PREP TABLE Key points: 1. Contract awarded for institutional furniture manufacturing, specifically kitchen prep tables. 2. The award value is slightly above the benchmark, indicating a competitive but firm price. 3. Competition was conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on efficiency for smaller procurements. 4. The contract duration is short, indicating a need for immediate or near-term supply. 5. The Department of Veterans Affairs is the procuring and awarding agency, serving its facilities. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 337127 points to a specialized manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $76,660.28 for kitchen prep tables appears reasonable when compared to the benchmark of $76,700.28, with a minimal difference of 0.1%. This suggests the pricing is in line with expected market rates for this type of equipment. The fixed-price nature of the award further supports value for money, as it caps the government's financial exposure. Without more specific data on the exact specifications of the tables, a precise value-for-money assessment is limited, but the close alignment with the benchmark is a positive indicator.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for a broader range of competition than sole-source or limited sources, though specific details on the number of offers received are not provided. SAP is designed for procurements under the simplified acquisition threshold, encouraging competition among qualified vendors. The fact that it was competed suggests that multiple vendors were likely aware of and capable of bidding on this requirement, contributing to price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Competing this requirement, even under SAP, helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by leveraging market forces to obtain a fair price for the kitchen prep tables.

Public Impact

Veterans Affairs medical centers and facilities will benefit from the new kitchen prep tables. The services delivered include the provision of essential institutional furniture. The geographic impact is likely within the facilities managed by the VA in South Carolina. The contract supports the manufacturing workforce within the institutional furniture sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for slight overpayment given the award is marginally above the benchmark.
Limited transparency on the specific quality and features of the kitchen prep tables awarded.
Short contract duration may not allow for extensive performance monitoring.

Positive Signals

Competitive award process under SAP suggests a fair market price was likely achieved.
Fixed-price contract type limits financial risk for the government.
Award to a domestic manufacturer supports the U.S. industrial base.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the broader manufacturing sector, specifically institutional furniture manufacturing (NAICS 337127). This sub-sector produces a range of furniture for commercial, institutional, and governmental use. Spending in this area by government agencies like the VA is common for equipping healthcare facilities, dormitories, and other institutional settings. Benchmarks for such specialized furniture can vary widely based on material, design, and quantity, but competitive procurement under SAP aims to align costs with market norms for standard items.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While the procurement was conducted under SAP, which can be accessible to small businesses, there is no explicit indication that small business participation was prioritized or that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses were mandated. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were among the bidders or if subcontracting plans were required.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order would typically fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' procurement and financial management systems. As a purchase order issued under SAP, it is subject to standard government contracting regulations and internal agency controls. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected in the procurement process or contract performance.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Equipment Procurement
Federal Furniture and Fixtures Purchasing
Institutional Furnishings Contracts
Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) Awards

Risk Flags

Price slightly above benchmark
Limited specification detail available publicly

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $76,660.28 to DIETARY EQUIPMENT INCORPORATED. KITCHEN PREP TABLE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DIETARY EQUIPMENT INCORPORATED.

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 $76,660.28.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-07-10.

What is the track record of DIETARY EQUIPMENT INCORPORATED with the federal government?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess DIETARY EQUIPMENT INCORPORATED's track record. This would involve examining past contract awards, performance reviews, and any reported issues or disputes. Without access to this specific historical data, it is difficult to provide a detailed assessment of their reliability, past performance quality, or adherence to contract terms. However, being awarded this contract suggests they met the basic qualifications and requirements set forth by the Department of Veterans Affairs for this specific procurement.

How does the price of these kitchen prep tables compare to similar items purchased by other federal agencies?

The awarded price of $76,660.28 for kitchen prep tables is very close to the benchmark of $76,700.28, indicating a price that is aligned with expectations for this specific procurement. To compare it to similar items purchased by other federal agencies, one would need to access a broader database of federal contract awards and filter for similar items (e.g., institutional kitchen furniture, prep tables) with comparable specifications and quantities. The minimal difference from the benchmark suggests that this price is likely competitive within the current market for such goods, but a direct agency-to-agency comparison would require more granular data on the exact product specifications and purchase volumes.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract award?

The primary risks associated with this contract award are relatively low given its nature and value. One potential risk is that the 'kitchen prep table' specification might be too generic, leading to the delivery of tables that do not fully meet the specific functional needs of the VA facility, although the close proximity to the benchmark suggests a standard item. Another minor risk is related to delivery timelines, as the contract duration is short (100 days), and any delays could impact the VA's operations. Finally, as with any fixed-price contract, there's a risk that the contractor may cut corners on quality to maintain profitability, though the competitive nature of the award and standard government oversight should mitigate this.

How effective is the Department of Veterans Affairs in procuring furniture and equipment?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) procures a vast array of furniture and equipment to support its extensive network of healthcare facilities and services. Their effectiveness can be gauged by several factors, including the ability to acquire necessary items within budget, ensure timely delivery, and obtain quality products that meet stringent healthcare standards. Awards like this one, which are competitively procured and closely aligned with benchmarks, suggest a degree of effectiveness in standard procurement processes. However, the VA, like any large agency, faces challenges in managing complex supply chains and ensuring consistent value across all its acquisitions, particularly for specialized medical equipment.

What is the historical spending pattern for kitchen prep tables by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Analyzing the historical spending patterns for kitchen prep tables by the Department of Veterans Affairs would require accessing historical contract award data over several fiscal years. This would involve searching databases for similar procurements, noting the quantities, unit prices, and contract values. Without this specific historical data, it's impossible to describe the pattern. However, one might expect that the VA would have recurring needs for such equipment in its various medical centers and food service operations. Spending could fluctuate based on facility upgrades, new construction, or replacement cycles for aging equipment. The current award of $76.7K suggests a moderate-sized procurement.

What is the typical duration for contracts of this nature and value?

Contracts for specific equipment items like kitchen prep tables, especially when procured under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), tend to have relatively short durations. The 100-day period for this contract (approximately 3.3 months) is consistent with procurements focused on immediate or near-term needs for tangible goods. Longer durations are more common for services, complex projects, or requirements involving ongoing support or maintenance. For a purchase order of this value ($76.7K), a duration of a few months to less than a year is typical, allowing the agency to receive the goods promptly and re-evaluate needs for future procurements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Household and Institutional Furniture and Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturing › Institutional Furniture Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: FOOD PREPARATION/SERVING EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2205 MAIN ST STE B, COLUMBIA, SC, 29201

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $76,660

Exercised Options: $76,660

Current Obligation: $76,660

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline