VA awards $511K for prosthetics to Stubbs Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc. for 30-day supply

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $51,144 ($51.1K)

Contractor: Stubbs Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-05-01

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: LEFT ABOVE KNEE PROSTHESIS

Place of Performance

Location: CHATTANOOGA, HAMILTON County, TENNESSEE, 37411

State: Tennessee Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $51,143.5 to STUBBS PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS, INC. for work described as: LEFT ABOVE KNEE PROSTHESIS Key points: 1. The contract is for a specific prosthetic device, indicating a specialized need. 2. Competition was limited, raising questions about potential price inflation. 3. The short duration suggests a tactical procurement rather than a strategic one. 4. The sector is surgical appliances, a niche but essential area for veteran care.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $511,43.5 for a 30-day supply of a left above-knee prosthesis is difficult to benchmark without specific product details. However, given the specialized nature, the price may be within a reasonable range, but lack of competition prevents definitive assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and was awarded as a BPA Call. This suggests a pre-existing agreement, but the lack of open competition limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for this prosthetic device.

Public Impact

Veterans requiring prosthetic devices will receive necessary medical equipment. The procurement process could be more transparent to ensure best value. Potential for cost savings exists if future procurements are more competitive.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Limited transparency in pricing
Short contract duration may indicate urgency or lack of long-term planning

Positive Signals

Addresses a specific veteran need
Utilizes an existing agreement (BPA Call)

Sector Analysis

The surgical appliance and supplies manufacturing sector is critical for healthcare, particularly for agencies like the VA. Spending benchmarks are highly variable based on the specific device and complexity, but competitive bidding is generally expected to drive efficiency.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this specific procurement. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a BPA Call, suggesting oversight may be tied to the original Blanket Purchase Agreement. The lack of open competition warrants scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and adherence to procurement regulations.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Lack of detailed product specification for benchmarking
Short contract duration raises questions about long-term strategy
Potential for price inflation due to non-competitive award

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $51,143.5 to STUBBS PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS, INC.. LEFT ABOVE KNEE PROSTHESIS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STUBBS PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS, 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 $51,143.5.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-05-01.

What is the typical market price for a left above-knee prosthesis of comparable specifications to ensure fair value was obtained?

Benchmarking the price of a left above-knee prosthesis requires detailed specifications of the device, including materials, technology, and customization. Without this information, it's challenging to provide an exact market price. However, advanced prosthetics can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. The $511,43.5 award for a 30-day supply suggests either a very high-end device or potentially a bundled service cost.

What were the specific reasons for not competing this award under SAP, and were alternative sources considered?

The contract was a 'BPA CALL' and 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP'. This implies the procurement likely leveraged an existing Blanket Purchase Agreement. Agencies may use BPA calls for efficiency when specific needs arise that are covered by a pre-negotiated agreement. However, the rationale for not seeking further competition, even within the BPA framework or through other means, needs to be documented to ensure the government received the best possible price and value.

How does the 30-day duration impact the overall effectiveness and cost-efficiency of providing prosthetic services to veterans?

A 30-day contract duration for a prosthetic device is unusually short and suggests a temporary need or a specific, limited service period. This could be for a trial, a repair, or an interim solution. While it addresses immediate needs, it may not be cost-effective in the long run if a more permanent or long-term solution is required, potentially leading to repeated procurement actions and administrative overhead.

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 UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5715 UPTAIN RD, CHATTANOOGA, TN, 37411

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $51,144

Exercised Options: $51,144

Current Obligation: $51,144

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24924A0056

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline