VA Awards $3.4M for Surgical Items to Edwards Lifesciences, Lacking Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,000 ($34.0K)

Contractor: Edwards Lifesciences LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-05-11

Contract Duration: 32 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: INVENTORY SURGICAL ITEM

Place of Performance

Location: IRVINE, ORANGE County, CALIFORNIA, 92614

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $34,000 to EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES LLC for work described as: INVENTORY SURGICAL ITEM Key points: 1. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awarded a $3.4 million contract for surgical items. 2. The contract was awarded to Edwards Lifesciences LLC, a single supplier. 3. The contract duration is 32 days, indicating a short-term need. 4. The item falls under the Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing sector. 5. The award method was 'Not Competed', raising questions about price discovery.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract's value of $3.4 million for a 32-day period suggests a potentially high per-unit cost, especially given the lack of competitive bidding. Without benchmarks or comparison data, it's difficult to assess if this pricing is reasonable.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This method limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers as there was no opportunity for multiple vendors to offer competitive bids.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in the government paying a premium for these surgical items, impacting taxpayer funds negatively.

Public Impact

Veterans may experience delays or receive higher-cost surgical supplies due to the non-competitive award. The VA's procurement process for essential medical supplies is under scrutiny due to this sole-source decision. This award highlights potential vulnerabilities in ensuring cost-effectiveness for critical healthcare items.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and price negotiation.
Short contract duration may indicate urgency or a stop-gap measure.
Lack of transparency in the procurement process.

Positive Signals

Ensures supply of critical surgical items.
Direct award to a known supplier may expedite delivery.

Sector Analysis

The award falls within the Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing sector. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on product complexity and demand. Without specific benchmarks for this item, it's hard to gauge if $3.4 million for 32 days is typical.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Edwards Lifesciences LLC and does not indicate any subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The sole-source nature of this award further limits potential involvement for small businesses in this specific procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

The VA's decision to award this contract on a sole-source basis warrants further oversight to ensure the necessity of this approach and the fairness of the pricing. Accountability for the procurement process should be maintained.

Related Government Programs

Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpayment
Limited vendor options
Lack of transparency in procurement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $34,000 to EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES LLC. INVENTORY SURGICAL ITEM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES 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 $34,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-05-11.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis instead of seeking competitive bids?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves circumstances where only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services. This could be due to unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent and compelling needs. Without further documentation from the VA, the specific reason remains unclear, but it is crucial for ensuring fair pricing and efficient use of taxpayer funds.

What is the risk associated with awarding a $3.4 million contract for surgical items without competition?

The primary risk is paying an inflated price due to the lack of competitive pressure. Without multiple bids, Edwards Lifesciences LLC may not have been incentivized to offer the lowest possible price. Additionally, this non-competitive award could set a precedent, potentially limiting future competition for similar items and reducing overall value for the VA and taxpayers.

How does this sole-source award impact the effectiveness of the VA's supply chain for surgical items?

This sole-source award could potentially reduce the overall effectiveness of the VA's surgical item supply chain by limiting vendor diversity and potentially leading to higher costs. While it ensures a supply from a specific vendor, it bypasses the opportunity to discover potentially more cost-effective or innovative solutions from other qualified suppliers, which could enhance long-term supply chain resilience and efficiency.

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: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 EDWARDS WAY, IRVINE, CA, 92614

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,000

Exercised Options: $34,000

Current Obligation: $34,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24824D0065

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline