VA awards $283K for simulation manikins, highlighting a competitive market for medical training equipment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $283,231 ($283.2K)

Contractor: Beacon Point Associates LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-13

End Date: 2026-05-28

Contract Duration: 45 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.3K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: SIMULATION MANIKINS AND ACCESSORIES

Place of Performance

Location: NASHVILLE, DAVIDSON County, TENNESSEE, 37212

State: Tennessee Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $283,231.46 to BEACON POINT ASSOCIATES LLC for work described as: SIMULATION MANIKINS AND ACCESSORIES Key points: 1. The contract value is modest, suggesting a focus on specific training needs rather than large-scale equipment procurement. 2. Competition dynamics appear healthy, as the contract was competed under SAP, indicating multiple potential bidders. 3. The fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty for the government. 4. The short duration of 45 days suggests a need for immediate or short-term training support. 5. The product service code (513210) points to a specialized market within software publishers, though manikins are physical goods. 6. The award to BEACON POINT ASSOCIATES LLC indicates a specific supplier meeting the VA's requirements.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $283,231.46 for simulation manikins and accessories is relatively small in the context of federal healthcare procurement. Benchmarking against similar contracts for medical training equipment would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. However, the fixed-price nature of the award provides a degree of cost control. The award amount appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment and the limited duration.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically allows for broader competition among vendors for smaller dollar value procurements. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, this method generally encourages multiple offers, leading to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government. The use of SAP suggests that the agency sought competitive pricing within the simplified acquisition threshold.

Taxpayer Impact: Competing this requirement under SAP likely resulted in a more competitive price than a sole-source award, benefiting taxpayers by ensuring the government receives good value for its investment in essential training equipment.

Public Impact

Medical personnel within the Department of Veterans Affairs will benefit from access to advanced simulation manikins for training. The services delivered include the provision of specialized medical training equipment, enhancing the skills of healthcare providers. The geographic impact is likely concentrated within VA facilities in Tennessee, where the contractor is based. Workforce implications include improved training capabilities for VA medical staff, potentially leading to better patient care outcomes.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The product service code (513210 - Software Publishers) seems misaligned with the awarded item (simulation manikins), which could indicate a data entry error or a misunderstanding of the product classification.
The short contract duration (45 days) might suggest a temporary or urgent need, potentially indicating a gap in long-term planning or a reactive procurement.

Positive Signals

The contract was competed, indicating a healthy market and potential for good value.
The fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The award was made to a specific company, BEACON POINT ASSOCIATES LLC, suggesting they met the technical and price requirements.

Sector Analysis

The market for medical simulation equipment is a growing segment within the broader healthcare technology sector. This contract for simulation manikins and accessories falls under the category of medical training and education technology. Spending in this area is driven by the need for continuous professional development, patient safety initiatives, and the adoption of new medical procedures. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within the budgets allocated for medical education and training across various federal healthcare agencies.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. The award to BEACON POINT ASSOCIATES LLC does not provide details on their size status. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on the small business ecosystem, but given the relatively modest contract value, it's possible small businesses were among the competitors or could be involved in subcontracting if the prime contractor is a larger entity.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting and program management offices. As a purchase order awarded under SAP, it is subject to standard procurement regulations and internal controls. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected related to this procurement.

Related Government Programs

Medical Training Equipment Procurement
Healthcare Simulation Technology
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Supplies
Federal Purchase Orders

Risk Flags

Potential misclassification of Product Service Code (PSC).
Short contract duration may indicate urgent need or limited scope.
Limited information on contractor's past performance in this specific category.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $283,231.46 to BEACON POINT ASSOCIATES LLC. SIMULATION MANIKINS AND ACCESSORIES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BEACON POINT ASSOCIATES 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 $283,231.46.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-13. End: 2026-05-28.

What is the typical lifespan and maintenance cost of simulation manikins purchased by the federal government?

The typical lifespan of high-fidelity simulation manikins can range from 5 to 10 years, depending on the model, usage intensity, and maintenance protocols. Factors such as the complexity of the manikin's features (e.g., physiological responses, software integration) and the frequency of use directly impact longevity. Maintenance costs can vary significantly, often involving annual service contracts, software updates, and replacement of consumable parts like batteries or specialized fluids. For federal agencies, these costs are factored into the total cost of ownership. While specific data for this contract is unavailable, agencies often budget an additional 10-20% annually for maintenance and consumables for complex simulation equipment to ensure operational readiness and extend the equipment's useful life.

How does the pricing of these simulation manikins compare to commercial market rates?

Benchmarking the pricing of these simulation manikins against commercial market rates requires detailed product specifications. High-fidelity manikins can range from tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand dollars each, depending on their capabilities. Accessories and software can add substantially to the total cost. Given the contract value of $283,231.46 and the mention of 'manikins and accessories,' it suggests the purchase of multiple units or a combination of advanced manikins and supporting equipment. The fact that the contract was competed under SAP implies that the VA sought competitive bids, which should align the pricing closely with market rates. However, without knowing the exact models and quantities, a precise comparison is difficult. Federal agencies sometimes achieve better pricing through bulk purchasing agreements or specific solicitations that drive down unit costs.

What is the track record of BEACON POINT ASSOCIATES LLC in supplying medical simulation equipment to the federal government?

Information regarding BEACON POINT ASSOCIATES LLC's specific track record in supplying medical simulation equipment to the federal government is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough assessment would require reviewing their past performance on similar contracts, including client satisfaction, delivery timeliness, and adherence to technical specifications. Publicly available contract databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) might offer insights into their award history, contract values, and agencies served. Without this historical data, it is challenging to definitively assess their reliability and expertise in this specialized area. However, their selection for this award suggests they met the VA's requirements at the time of solicitation.

What are the potential risks associated with the short duration of this contract?

The short contract duration of 45 days presents several potential risks. Firstly, it may indicate an urgent or unforeseen need, which could imply a reactive procurement process rather than strategic planning, potentially leading to less optimal pricing or rushed delivery. Secondly, it might limit the scope of training that can be effectively conducted within the timeframe, especially if complex scenarios or multiple training sessions are planned. Thirdly, it could pose a risk if the initial training or equipment deployment encounters unexpected issues that require more time for resolution or adjustment. Finally, a short duration might not allow for thorough evaluation of the equipment's performance or the effectiveness of the training program, making it harder to inform future procurement decisions.

How does this contract fit into the VA's broader strategy for medical training and simulation?

This contract for simulation manikins and accessories likely fits into the VA's broader strategy to enhance medical training and improve patient care through simulation-based education. The VA, like many large healthcare systems, invests in simulation to provide a safe and controlled environment for healthcare professionals to practice clinical skills, decision-making, and teamwork. Such equipment is crucial for training new staff, upskilling existing personnel, and preparing for various medical emergencies or complex procedures. The specific focus on manikins suggests a need for hands-on, realistic training scenarios. This procurement, though modest in value, contributes to the VA's ongoing efforts to maintain a highly skilled and competent healthcare workforce, ultimately aiming to improve the quality and safety of care delivered to veterans.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Software Publishers › Software Publishers

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C24926Q0144

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1216 SW 4TH ST, CAPE CORAL, FL, 33991

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $283,231

Exercised Options: $283,231

Current Obligation: $283,231

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline