VA awards $16,745 for custom stairlift, highlighting specialized medical equipment needs for veterans

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,745 ($16.7K)

Contractor: Mobility Matters LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-06-09

Contract Duration: 61 days

Daily Burn Rate: $275/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: VA CLINICIAN PRESCRIBED CUSTOM CURVED BRUNO STAIRLIFT WITH PARK FEATURE FOR VETERAN PATIENT IAW 38 USC 8123

Place of Performance

Location: SEVIERVILLE, SEVIER County, TENNESSEE, 37864

State: Tennessee Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $16,745 to MOBILITY MATTERS LLC for work described as: VA CLINICIAN PRESCRIBED CUSTOM CURVED BRUNO STAIRLIFT WITH PARK FEATURE FOR VETERAN PATIENT IAW 38 USC 8123 Key points: 1. The contract addresses a specific patient need for mobility assistance, indicating a focus on personalized care. 2. Competition dynamics for this specialized equipment appear limited, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. The short performance period suggests a focused delivery requirement for the custom stairlift. 4. This purchase aligns with the VA's mission to provide comprehensive healthcare services to veterans. 5. The firm fixed-price structure offers cost certainty for the government. 6. The award to a single vendor warrants scrutiny regarding market availability and alternative solutions.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of a custom-curved stairlift is challenging due to its highly specialized nature. However, the price of $16,745 for a unit with a park feature and installation, delivered within a two-month window, should be compared against quotes from other providers of similar custom mobility solutions. The VA's authority (38 USC 8123) suggests a need for specialized items not readily available through standard procurement channels. Further analysis would require understanding the specific customization requirements and comparing them to the market for bespoke stairlifts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a procurement valued below the threshold for full and open competition. While competed, the limited number of bidders (2) suggests that the market for highly specialized, custom-curved stairlifts may be narrow. This level of competition might not fully leverage market forces to drive down costs, but it does indicate that multiple sources were considered.

Taxpayer Impact: The competition, while not full and open, suggests that the VA sought multiple quotes, providing some assurance of a reasonable price for this specialized item. However, the limited number of bidders means taxpayers may not have benefited from the most aggressive pricing possible.

Public Impact

Veterans requiring specialized home mobility assistance will benefit from this custom-tailored solution. The service delivered is the provision and installation of a custom stairlift, enhancing patient independence and safety. The geographic impact is localized to Tennessee, where the veteran patient resides. This contract supports a niche manufacturing sector and potentially specialized installation services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition for specialized equipment could lead to higher costs than if a broader market were engaged.
The specific customization requirements for the stairlift are not detailed, making it difficult to assess if the price reflects true necessity or potential over-specification.
Reliance on a single vendor for a custom product raises concerns about long-term support and maintenance availability.

Positive Signals

The contract directly addresses a critical need for a veteran patient, fulfilling the VA's mission.
The firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the VA.
The procurement was competed, indicating an effort to obtain value, even within SAP.

Sector Analysis

The market for medical mobility devices, particularly custom-designed solutions like stairlifts, is a specialized segment within the broader healthcare equipment industry. This contract falls under Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing. The demand is driven by an aging population, individuals with disabilities, and specific patient needs identified by healthcare providers. While large-scale benchmarks are difficult due to customization, spending in this area reflects the VA's commitment to providing necessary assistive technologies to its patient population.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Given the specialized nature of custom stairlifts, it is possible that the primary contractor, Mobility Matters LLC, is a small business, but this cannot be confirmed from the provided data. The impact on the broader small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded as a Purchase Order under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, which typically have less stringent oversight than larger, more complex contracts. However, the VA is responsible for ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions, including delivery and installation quality. The firm fixed-price nature provides some financial oversight. Further oversight would depend on internal VA quality assurance processes and any post-award inspections.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Equipment Procurement
Assistive Technology for Veterans
Home Health and Rehabilitation Services
Durable Medical Equipment

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for high cost due to customization
Lack of detailed specification for customization

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $16,745 to MOBILITY MATTERS LLC. VA CLINICIAN PRESCRIBED CUSTOM CURVED BRUNO STAIRLIFT WITH PARK FEATURE FOR VETERAN PATIENT IAW 38 USC 8123

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MOBILITY MATTERS 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 $16,745.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-06-09.

What specific customization features were included in the 'custom curved Bruno stairlift with park feature' that justified the $16,745 price point?

The provided data does not detail the specific customization features of the Bruno stairlift beyond it being 'custom curved' and having a 'park feature.' These features likely relate to the unique dimensions of the staircase (curve, length, angle) and potentially user-specific requirements for the chair's operation or parking position. The 'park feature' could refer to the ability to park the chair at either the top or bottom of the stairs, or a specific mechanism for securing the chair. Without detailed specifications or a breakdown of costs associated with these customizations, it is difficult to definitively justify the $16,745 price. However, custom fabrication for unique architectural challenges often incurs significant engineering and manufacturing costs, and the inclusion of a specialized feature like a 'park' function further adds to the complexity and price. This price should be benchmarked against quotes for similar custom-curved stairlifts from other reputable manufacturers.

How does the $16,745 award compare to typical VA spending on stairlifts or similar mobility devices?

Direct comparison of this $16,745 award to typical VA spending on stairlifts is challenging without access to a comprehensive database of VA procurements for similar custom-curved devices. Standard, straight-run stairlifts are generally less expensive. Custom-curved models, especially those requiring precise measurements and fabrication for unique home environments, command a premium. The VA's authority (38 USC 8123) suggests this purchase falls under a category where specialized items are procured, potentially at higher costs than off-the-shelf solutions. To provide a meaningful comparison, one would need to analyze VA contracts for other custom-curved stairlifts, or similar complex assistive devices, awarded over a similar period and consider factors like installation complexity and geographic location. The limited competition (2 bidders) also suggests this might be a niche product where pricing is less standardized.

What are the potential risks associated with procuring a custom-curved stairlift from a single vendor, even if competed?

Procuring a custom-curved stairlift, even if competed, carries several potential risks when relying heavily on a single vendor. Firstly, there's a risk of limited long-term support and maintenance. If the vendor goes out of business or discontinues the product line, finding compatible parts or qualified technicians for repairs could become difficult and expensive. Secondly, the initial competition might not have fully explored the market's potential for innovation or cost reduction; a broader or different competitive approach might have yielded better value. Thirdly, dependence on one vendor can create leverage issues for future service contracts or upgrades. Finally, if the initial installation or product has defects, the recourse might be more complex if alternative providers are not readily available or familiar with the specific custom installation.

What is the track record of Mobility Matters LLC in providing medical equipment to the VA or other government agencies?

Information regarding the specific track record of 'Mobility Matters LLC' in providing medical equipment to the VA or other government agencies is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their track record, one would need to search federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for previous contracts awarded to this company. Key indicators to examine would include the types of products and services previously supplied, contract performance history (on-time delivery, quality compliance), any past performance issues or disputes, and the volume and value of previous government awards. A history of successful, timely, and high-quality deliveries would indicate reliability, while a pattern of issues might raise concerns about future performance on this specific stairlift contract.

How does the $16,745 price align with the stated need for a 'custom curved' stairlift for a veteran patient?

The $16,745 price for a custom curved stairlift with a park feature appears to be within a plausible range for such a specialized medical device, particularly when considering the VA's mandate to procure necessary assistive technologies for veterans under authorities like 38 USC 8123. Customization, especially for curved staircases, involves significant design, engineering, and manufacturing efforts that inherently increase costs compared to standard, straight-run models. The 'park feature' adds another layer of functionality and complexity. While the exact cost justification requires a detailed breakdown of materials, labor, customization specifics, and installation, the price reflects the bespoke nature of the product. The limited competition (2 bidders) suggests that the market for such highly specialized items may not be extensive, potentially leading to higher unit prices than in more commoditized markets. A thorough value assessment would involve comparing this price against quotes from other specialized mobility providers.

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: 620 COLONIAL PARK DR STE 400, ROSWELL, GA, 30075

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,745

Exercised Options: $16,745

Current Obligation: $16,745

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline