VA awards $31,939 for pharmacy refrigerators, highlighting need for specialized medical equipment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,939 ($31.9K)

Contractor: Meak Solutions LLC.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-07-30

Contract Duration: 115 days

Daily Burn Rate: $278/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: (3) MEDICAL-GRADE PHARMACY REFRIGERATORS

Place of Performance

Location: MENTOR, LAKE County, OHIO, 44060

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $31,939.44 to MEAK SOLUTIONS LLC. for work described as: (3) MEDICAL-GRADE PHARMACY REFRIGERATORS Key points: 1. Contract addresses a critical need for temperature-controlled storage of pharmaceuticals. 2. Competition under SAP suggests a streamlined process for acquiring essential medical supplies. 3. The award to MEAK SOLUTIONS LLC. indicates a specific market capability for this equipment. 4. Fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government. 5. The short duration suggests an immediate or urgent requirement. 6. Geographic location of awardee in Ohio may influence delivery timelines and support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $31,939 for three medical-grade pharmacy refrigerators appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. While direct comparisons are difficult without specific model details, similar government solicitations for commercial refrigeration units often fall within this price range. The firm fixed-price structure helps manage cost risks for the VA. Further benchmarking against commercial market prices for equivalent medical-grade units would provide a more precise value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders compared to full and open competition. While the exact number of bids received is not specified, SAP is designed for procurements below certain dollar thresholds, aiming for efficiency. The limited competition may mean less aggressive pricing than a broader solicitation, but it ensures timely acquisition of necessary equipment.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP can lead to slightly higher prices than a fully competed large contract, but it ensures the VA can quickly obtain critical medical equipment needed for patient care.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving pharmaceutical treatments will benefit from properly stored medications. The Department of Veterans Affairs gains essential equipment for its pharmacy operations. The contract supports the VA's mission to provide quality healthcare services. Workforce in VA pharmacies will have reliable equipment for medication management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may not yield the absolute lowest price.
Dependence on a single awardee for specialized equipment could pose supply chain risks if not managed.
Ensuring the 'medical-grade' specifications meet all current VA standards is crucial.

Positive Signals

Award addresses a clear and essential need for medical infrastructure.
Firm fixed-price contract provides budget predictability.
Short performance period indicates responsiveness to an immediate requirement.

Sector Analysis

The market for commercial and industrial refrigeration equipment, including specialized medical-grade units, is diverse. This contract falls within the manufacturing and distribution sector for such equipment. The government is a significant purchaser of medical supplies and equipment, with agencies like the VA frequently procuring items to maintain healthcare facilities. Benchmarking against other federal procurements for similar medical refrigeration units would provide further context on pricing and market dynamics.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While MEAK SOLUTIONS LLC. may be a small business, the procurement method (SAP) and the nature of the product do not inherently suggest a focus on small business subcontracting opportunities. Further analysis would be needed to determine if MEAK SOLUTIONS LLC. is a small business and if any subcontracting plans were required or implemented.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order would primarily reside within the Department of Veterans Affairs' procurement and logistics departments. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of financial oversight by locking in costs. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like FPDS. Specific Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the procurement process or contract performance.

Related Government Programs

Medical Equipment Procurement
Pharmacy Operations Support
Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare Services
Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing

Risk Flags

Potential for higher cost due to limited competition under SAP.
Risk of delivery delays given the short performance period.
Need to ensure strict adherence to 'medical-grade' specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $31,939.44 to MEAK SOLUTIONS LLC.. (3) MEDICAL-GRADE PHARMACY REFRIGERATORS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MEAK SOLUTIONS 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 $31,939.44.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-07-30.

What specific medical-grade standards must these pharmacy refrigerators meet, and how were these verified?

The solicitation likely specified adherence to relevant medical-grade standards, such as those set by the FDA or specific temperature control and monitoring requirements crucial for pharmaceutical integrity. Verification would typically occur through manufacturer certifications, product specifications submitted by the vendor, and potentially post-delivery inspections or testing by the VA. Ensuring compliance with these standards is paramount to prevent spoilage and maintain the efficacy of stored medications, directly impacting patient safety and treatment outcomes. The contract's success hinges on the precise fulfillment of these critical specifications.

How does the price of these refrigerators compare to similar commercial or government purchases?

Benchmarking the $31,939 cost for three medical-grade pharmacy refrigerators requires comparing it against similar government contracts and commercial market prices. While direct comparisons are challenging without specific model numbers and detailed specifications, the average price per unit is approximately $10,646. Government contracts for specialized medical equipment can sometimes be higher due to stringent requirements and smaller order volumes compared to large commercial bulk purchases. However, SAP procurements aim for fair and reasonable pricing. A review of recent VA or other agency procurements for comparable refrigeration units, factoring in quantity and specifications, would provide a more robust comparison.

What is MEAK SOLUTIONS LLC.'s track record with the VA or other federal agencies for similar equipment?

Assessing MEAK SOLUTIONS LLC.'s track record involves reviewing their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving medical equipment or refrigeration. Data from the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) would indicate if they have a history of successful awards, timely delivery, and satisfactory performance ratings. A lack of extensive prior federal contract history might indicate a higher performance risk, whereas a strong record suggests reliability. Understanding their experience with the VA specifically is important for gauging their familiarity with agency requirements and operational needs.

What are the potential risks associated with the short performance period (115 days)?

The short 115-day performance period suggests an urgent need for these pharmacy refrigerators. Potential risks include rushed manufacturing or delivery, which could compromise quality control or lead to expedited shipping costs. It also limits the time for thorough inspection and acceptance testing. If MEAK SOLUTIONS LLC. encounters unforeseen production delays or logistical challenges, meeting the deadline could become difficult, potentially impacting the VA's pharmacy operations. The VA must ensure robust oversight during this condensed period to mitigate these risks and confirm timely, compliant delivery.

What is the typical spending pattern for pharmacy refrigerators by the VA or similar agencies?

The VA, like other large healthcare providers, regularly procures medical equipment, including pharmacy refrigerators, to maintain its facilities. Spending patterns vary based on facility upgrades, replacement cycles, and expansion needs. Historically, agencies procure such items through various contract vehicles, including SAP for smaller needs and larger IDIQs or GSA schedules for bulk or recurring requirements. Analyzing historical spending data for similar items would reveal average quantities, price points, and the frequency of such procurements, helping to contextualize this specific $31,939 award within the VA's broader procurement landscape.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Ventilation, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing › Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: REFRIG, AIR CONDIT/CIRCULAT EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C24726Q0382

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7315 INDUSTRIAL PARK BLVD, MENTOR, OH, 44060

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,939

Exercised Options: $31,939

Current Obligation: $31,939

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline