VA awards $40.5K for custom prosthetic limb, highlighting specialized medical supply needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $40,513 ($40.5K)

Contractor: Restorative Health Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-06-06

Contract Duration: 61 days

Daily Burn Rate: $664/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: VA CLINICIAN PRESCRIBED CUSTOM LEFT AK PROSTHETIC LIMB FOR VETERAN PATIENT IAW 38 USC 8123

Place of Performance

Location: MC MINNVILLE, WARREN County, TENNESSEE, 37110

State: Tennessee Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $40,512.77 to RESTORATIVE HEALTH SERVICES, INC. for work described as: VA CLINICIAN PRESCRIBED CUSTOM LEFT AK PROSTHETIC LIMB FOR VETERAN PATIENT IAW 38 USC 8123 Key points: 1. Contract addresses a specific veteran need for a custom prosthetic limb. 2. Procurement was competed, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. The contract duration is relatively short, indicating a focused need. 4. The awardee specializes in surgical appliance manufacturing. 5. Spending is concentrated in Tennessee, serving a regional veteran population. 6. Fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $40,512.77 for a custom left above-knee prosthetic limb appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the product and the need for custom fitting. While direct comparisons are difficult without more specific data on custom prosthetics, the price per unit is within expected ranges for high-value medical devices. The Department of Veterans Affairs' authority (38 USC 8123) for such procurements suggests a focus on ensuring veterans receive necessary, high-quality medical equipment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a competitive process for a requirement valued below the full and open competition threshold. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation suggests that multiple offers were likely solicited and considered, allowing for price discovery and selection of the best value. This approach balances efficiency with competition for procurements of this size.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award, even under SAP, suggests that taxpayer funds were used efficiently by seeking multiple quotes and potentially securing a favorable price for this specialized medical device.

Public Impact

Veterans requiring custom prosthetic limbs will benefit from this contract. The contract ensures the delivery of a critical medical device for patient mobility and quality of life. Services are geographically focused within Tennessee. The contract supports specialized manufacturing and healthcare services within the surgical appliance sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited public data on the specific performance metrics for custom prosthetic limb fabrication.
Potential for price variations in custom medical devices across different manufacturers.
Ensuring timely delivery and proper fitting of the custom limb is crucial for patient outcomes.

Positive Signals

Contract is for a specific, necessary medical device for a veteran.
Procurement was competed, indicating a structured acquisition process.
Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awardee is in the relevant industry (Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing).

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the Healthcare and Medical Supplies sector, specifically focusing on durable medical equipment and prosthetics. The market for custom prosthetics is specialized, involving manufacturers with expertise in biomechanics, materials science, and patient fitting. Spending in this area is driven by healthcare needs, technological advancements in prosthetic design, and government programs aimed at providing care to specific populations like veterans. Benchmarks for similar custom prosthetic contracts would typically consider complexity, materials, and fitting services.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if this contract included a small business set-aside. However, the awardee, RESTORATIVE HEALTH SERVICES, INC., is listed under NAICS code 339113 (Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing), which can include small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were mandated or utilized, and the overall impact on the small business ecosystem in this specialized manufacturing niche.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has established oversight mechanisms for medical procurements, including this contract awarded under 38 USC 8123. Accountability is maintained through contract performance monitoring, quality assurance processes for medical devices, and adherence to federal acquisition regulations. Transparency is facilitated by contract databases, though specific performance details and quality metrics may not always be publicly disclosed. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Equipment Procurement
Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices
Durable Medical Equipment
Veteran Healthcare Services
Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) for Medical Products

Risk Flags

Short contract duration may indicate a single patient need; future requirements unknown.
Limited public data on specific performance metrics for custom prosthetics.
Need for detailed comparison against other custom prosthetic contracts to fully assess value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $40,512.77 to RESTORATIVE HEALTH SERVICES, INC.. VA CLINICIAN PRESCRIBED CUSTOM LEFT AK PROSTHETIC LIMB FOR VETERAN PATIENT IAW 38 USC 8123

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RESTORATIVE HEALTH SERVICES, 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 $40,512.77.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the typical cost range for custom above-knee prosthetic limbs procured by the VA or other federal agencies?

The cost for custom above-knee prosthetic limbs can vary significantly based on the complexity of the patient's needs, the type of components used (e.g., microprocessor knees, specialized feet), and the level of customization required for socket fit and alignment. For federal agencies like the VA, prices can range from approximately $15,000 for basic custom prosthetics to upwards of $70,000 or more for advanced, high-activity prosthetic systems. The $40,512.77 awarded in this instance appears to fall within a mid-range, suggesting a standard to moderately complex custom prosthetic solution. Factors influencing cost include materials, labor for fabrication and fitting, and the expertise of the prosthetist. Benchmarking requires detailed specifications of the prosthetic components and services included.

How does the VA ensure the quality and proper fit of custom prosthetic limbs provided under contracts like this?

The VA employs a multi-faceted approach to ensure the quality and proper fit of custom prosthetic limbs. This typically begins with a thorough clinical evaluation by VA prosthetists and physicians to determine the patient's specific needs, functional goals, and physical condition. The contract itself, often referencing specific performance work statements (PWS), will outline quality standards, materials, and fabrication requirements. During the fabrication process, multiple fittings and adjustments are usually scheduled to ensure optimal comfort, alignment, and function. Post-delivery follow-up appointments are critical for fine-tuning the prosthesis and addressing any issues. The VA's own clinical staff are directly involved in overseeing the process and approving the final product, acting as a crucial quality control layer beyond the contractor's internal processes.

What is the track record of RESTORATIVE HEALTH SERVICES, INC. in fulfilling VA contracts for prosthetic devices?

Information regarding the specific track record of RESTORATIVE HEALTH SERVICES, INC. for VA prosthetic device contracts is not detailed in the provided data. However, their classification under NAICS 339113 (Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing) indicates they operate within the relevant industry. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing historical contract performance data, any past performance evaluations, and payment histories associated with this contractor across all federal agencies. Examining the number and value of previous awards, as well as any documented issues or successes, would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and capability in delivering prosthetic solutions to the VA or other government entities.

What are the implications of the 61-day duration for this specific prosthetic limb contract?

The 61-day duration (approximately two months) for this contract to provide a custom left above-knee prosthetic limb suggests a focused, time-bound requirement. This short period likely encompasses the assessment, fabrication, fitting, and delivery phases for a single patient's custom device. It implies that the need is immediate and specific, rather than an ongoing supply requirement. Such short durations are common for highly individualized medical equipment where the patient's condition and the custom nature of the device dictate a concentrated service period. It also means that future needs for similar prosthetics would likely require new procurement actions.

How does the VA's authority under 38 USC 8123 influence this type of procurement?

The VA's authority under 38 United States Code (USC) Section 8123 grants the Secretary broad powers to procure necessary medical supplies, equipment, and services for the care and treatment of veterans. This specific statute allows the VA to enter into contracts for such items, often with streamlined procedures compared to general federal procurement regulations, particularly when ensuring the timely provision of essential medical care. It underpins the VA's ability to directly contract for specialized items like custom prosthetics, ensuring that veterans receive the equipment they need without undue administrative delay. This authority emphasizes the VA's commitment to veteran healthcare and provides a legal framework for acquiring high-value, specialized medical necessities.

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

Address: 1272 GARRISON DR, MURFREESBORO, TN, 37129

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $40,513

Exercised Options: $40,513

Current Obligation: $40,513

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24924A0041

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline