VA awards $4.76M contract for van conversions to A-Ability Medical Equipment, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $47,582 ($47.6K)

Contractor: A-Ability Medical Equipment, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2027-05-08

Contract Duration: 395 days

Daily Burn Rate: $120/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: VAN CONVERSION

Place of Performance

Location: TAMPA, HILLSBOROUGH County, FLORIDA, 33610

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $47,582 to A-ABILITY MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, INC. for work described as: VAN CONVERSION Key points: 1. Contract awarded through Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 2. The contract is for a firm-fixed-price purchase order, providing cost certainty for the government. 3. The duration of 395 days indicates a need for ongoing services or a phased delivery. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 339113 points to specialized medical equipment manufacturing. 5. Awarded to a single vendor, A-Ability Medical Equipment, Inc., raising questions about the extent of competition. 6. The contract is a purchase order, a common instrument for acquiring goods and services. 7. The vendor is located in Florida, potentially indicating a regional focus for service delivery.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $4.76 million for van conversions is moderate. Without specific benchmarks for van conversion costs or details on the scope of work (e.g., number of vans, customization level), a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) typically implies that the government aims for efficiency and competitive pricing within a certain spending threshold. Further analysis would require comparing this price to similar contracts for specialized vehicle modifications or understanding the specific technological requirements.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP, which allows for streamlined procurement processes, often involving fewer bidders than full and open competition. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP procurements can sometimes result in limited competition, especially if specialized capabilities are required. The fact that it was competed suggests that multiple vendors were likely solicited, but the extent of this competition is not fully clear from the provided data. The award to a single vendor implies that A-Ability Medical Equipment, Inc. was selected as the most advantageous offer.

Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP can offer a balance between efficiency and price discovery. While not as broad as full and open competition, it aims to solicit offers from a reasonable number of sources to ensure fair pricing for taxpayers. The limited nature of competition here means taxpayers may not benefit from the absolute lowest price achievable through a wider bidding process.

Public Impact

Veterans will benefit from the conversion of vans, likely for accessibility or specialized medical transport needs. The services delivered will involve the modification of vehicles to meet specific requirements of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The geographic impact is indicated by the vendor's location in Florida (FL), suggesting potential service delivery within that state or region. Workforce implications may include employment opportunities at A-Ability Medical Equipment, Inc. for manufacturing, assembly, and technical roles related to vehicle conversion.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may not yield the best possible pricing for taxpayers.
Lack of detailed scope of work makes it difficult to assess the true value for money.
The contract is a purchase order, which can sometimes be less rigorously defined than other contract types.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process under SAP, indicating an effort to solicit offers.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract duration suggests a sustained need for these specialized services.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the broader sector of medical equipment manufacturing and specialized vehicle modification. The NAICS code 339113 specifically covers Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing, indicating a focus on products that aid in medical procedures or patient care. The market for such specialized vehicle conversions is niche, often driven by government agencies like the VA requiring customized solutions for mobility and healthcare delivery. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within government procurement data for similar vehicle modification contracts or specialized medical equipment.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false) and there is no specific mention of subcontracting goals for small businesses (sb: false). Therefore, this contract does not appear to directly support small business set-aside initiatives. The award to A-Ability Medical Equipment, Inc. does not preclude them from subcontracting, but without explicit requirements, the impact on the small business ecosystem is not guaranteed to be positive or negative.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracting officers and program managers. As a purchase order, it is subject to standard procurement regulations and oversight. The VA has an Office of Inspector General (OIG) that investigates fraud, waste, and abuse within VA programs and contracts, providing an additional layer of accountability. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases, though detailed performance metrics may not always be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Equipment Procurement
Specialized Vehicle Modification Contracts
Healthcare Mobility Solutions
Medical Supply Chain Management

Risk Flags

Limited competition due to SAP
Potential for scope creep
Uncertainty regarding specific conversion details

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $47,582 to A-ABILITY MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, INC.. VAN CONVERSION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is A-ABILITY MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, 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 $47,582.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2027-05-08.

What is the specific nature of the van conversions being procured?

The provided data identifies the contract's purpose as 'VAN CONVERSION' under NAICS code 339113 (Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing). This suggests the conversions are likely related to making standard vans suitable for medical purposes. This could include modifications for patient transport (e.g., accessibility features like ramps or lifts, specialized seating), mobile medical clinics, or the integration of specific medical equipment within the vehicle. Without further details on the Statement of Work (SOW), the exact specifications and intended use of the converted vans remain unspecified, but the context points towards enhancing healthcare delivery or patient mobility for veterans.

How does the contract value of $4.76 million compare to similar VA van conversion contracts?

A direct comparison of the $4.76 million contract value for van conversions is difficult without access to a comprehensive database of similar VA contracts with detailed scopes of work. The value is moderate, and its appropriateness depends heavily on the number of vans to be converted, the complexity of the modifications, and the required equipment. Contracts for specialized medical vehicles can vary significantly in price. For instance, a fully equipped mobile diagnostic unit would cost substantially more than a basic accessibility conversion. The use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) suggests this contract falls within a range typically awarded for smaller to medium-sized procurements, implying it might be for a limited number of vehicles or less complex modifications compared to larger, full-and-open competition contracts.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract award?

Potential risks include scope creep, where the requirements for van conversions may expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns or delays. Another risk is performance failure, where A-Ability Medical Equipment, Inc. may not deliver the conversions to the required specifications or quality standards, impacting the VA's ability to serve veterans. Given the limited competition indicated by the SAP process, there's also a risk that the pricing may not be as competitive as it could be under a broader solicitation. Furthermore, if the specialized nature of the conversion requires unique components or expertise, supply chain disruptions could pose a risk to timely delivery.

What is the track record of A-Ability Medical Equipment, Inc. with federal contracts?

The provided data does not include specific details about the track record of A-Ability Medical Equipment, Inc. with federal contracts beyond this award. To assess their past performance, one would typically need to review contract databases for previous awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any history of contract disputes or terminations. Without this information, it's challenging to gauge their reliability, quality of work, and adherence to schedules and budgets on prior government engagements. Further research into federal procurement records would be necessary to establish a comprehensive performance history.

How does the firm-fixed-price contract type impact risk allocation?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type allocates most of the cost risk to the contractor, A-Ability Medical Equipment, Inc. This means the contractor is obligated to complete the work for the agreed-upon price, regardless of their actual costs. If their costs exceed the fixed price, they absorb the loss. Conversely, if their costs are lower than anticipated, they retain the profit. This structure provides the VA with cost certainty, as the total price is known upfront. However, it can incentivize contractors to minimize costs, potentially impacting quality if not carefully monitored. The VA bears less cost risk but must ensure the contract clearly defines all requirements to prevent disputes.

What is the significance of the NAICS code 339113 for this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 339113, 'Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing,' is significant as it categorizes the primary business activity of the contractor, A-Ability Medical Equipment, Inc., and informs the nature of the goods or services being procured. While 'van conversion' might seem distinct, this code suggests the company specializes in manufacturing components or finished products related to medical appliances and supplies. The van conversion likely involves integrating such specialized medical equipment or creating mobile units that function as extensions of surgical or medical supply services. This classification helps ensure the contract is awarded to firms with relevant industry expertise and capabilities in the medical device or supply sector.

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: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4010 E HILLSBOROUGH AVE, TAMPA, FL, 33610

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $47,582

Exercised Options: $47,582

Current Obligation: $47,582

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline