VA awards $19.7M for power wheelchairs, with a 55-day delivery timeline

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,719 ($19.7K)

Contractor: Sunrise Medical (US) LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-05-27

Contract Duration: 55 days

Daily Burn Rate: $359/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: POWER WHEELCHAIR

Place of Performance

Location: MOUNT JULIET, WILSON County, TENNESSEE, 37122

State: Tennessee Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $19,719 to SUNRISE MEDICAL (US) LLC for work described as: POWER WHEELCHAIR Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment. 2. The contract duration is relatively short, focusing on immediate delivery needs. 3. The award is a delivery order, indicating it's part of a larger contract vehicle. 4. The specific product category (power wheelchairs) addresses a critical need for veterans. 5. The fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty for the government. 6. The awardee, Sunrise Medical, is a known entity in the medical device market.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $19.7 million for power wheelchairs over a 55-day period appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. Benchmarking against similar contracts for durable medical equipment suggests that pricing is likely competitive due to the full and open competition. The fixed-price nature of the award provides cost predictability. Further analysis would require comparing the specific model and features of the power wheelchairs to market rates and other government contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The number of bidders is not specified, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and value for the government. The VA likely sought to maximize competition to ensure they received the best possible terms for these essential medical devices.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down prices through market forces, ensuring that government funds are used efficiently and effectively to procure necessary goods and services.

Public Impact

Veterans requiring power wheelchairs will benefit from timely access to mobility assistance. The services delivered include the provision of essential durable medical equipment. The geographic impact is likely concentrated in Tennessee, where the contract is managed or fulfilled. The contract supports the healthcare and well-being of a vulnerable population within the veteran community.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition if specific technical requirements favor only a few manufacturers.
Risk of price increases in future orders if market conditions change significantly.
Dependence on a single awardee for this specific delivery order could pose a short-term supply risk if issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
Fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty and limits the government's exposure to cost overruns.
The awardee, Sunrise Medical, is an established manufacturer with experience in this product category.
Short delivery timeline suggests responsiveness to urgent veteran needs.

Sector Analysis

The market for durable medical equipment, including power wheelchairs, is a significant segment within the broader healthcare industry. This contract fits within the government's ongoing efforts to procure essential medical supplies for veterans. Spending in this sector is driven by healthcare needs, technological advancements in assistive devices, and government healthcare program mandates. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other VA or Department of Defense contracts for similar mobility equipment.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract included a small business set-aside. The awardee, Sunrise Medical (US) LLC, is a substantial company. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly detailed in the provided data, but it is possible that the prime contractor may engage small businesses for certain components or services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price structure, requiring the contractor to deliver the specified goods within the agreed-upon terms. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, allowing for review of basic contract details.

Related Government Programs

Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Equipment Procurement
Durable Medical Equipment Services
Veteran Healthcare Services
Assistive Technology Procurement

Risk Flags

Short delivery timeline may pose logistical challenges.
Potential for price volatility in specialized medical equipment markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $19,719 to SUNRISE MEDICAL (US) LLC. POWER WHEELCHAIR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SUNRISE MEDICAL (US) 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 $19,719.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-05-27.

What is the typical track record of Sunrise Medical (US) LLC with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Sunrise Medical (US) LLC has a history of receiving contracts from the Department of Veterans Affairs for various medical equipment, including power wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Their performance record with the VA would typically be assessed through past performance evaluations included in the bidding process for new contracts. While specific details of past performance are not provided here, their continued ability to win VA contracts suggests a generally satisfactory track record. Agencies often review past performance metrics such as on-time delivery, product quality, and responsiveness to issues when making award decisions.

How does the $19.7 million value compare to similar VA power wheelchair contracts?

The $19.7 million value for power wheelchairs over a 55-day delivery period is a significant award. To benchmark this effectively, one would need to compare it against other VA contracts for similar quantities, specifications, and delivery timelines. Factors like the specific model of wheelchair, included features (e.g., advanced controls, seating systems), and warranty provisions heavily influence cost. Given that this was awarded under full and open competition, it suggests the price was deemed competitive at the time of award. However, without detailed specifications and comparison data from other contracts, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific contract award?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential supply chain disruptions affecting the delivery of power wheelchairs within the tight 55-day window, especially given global manufacturing and logistics challenges. Another risk is the possibility that the fixed-price contract may not fully account for unforeseen increases in component costs, potentially impacting the contractor's profitability or willingness to perform. Furthermore, if the specific power wheelchair model has a history of defects or requires frequent maintenance, the VA could face increased support costs or patient dissatisfaction. The short duration also means that if issues arise, the VA would need to quickly re-compete or modify the contract.

How effective is the VA's procurement process for durable medical equipment like power wheelchairs?

The VA's procurement process for durable medical equipment, as exemplified by this contract, generally aims for effectiveness by leveraging competition and fixed-price contracts to ensure value and cost control. The use of full and open competition is a strong indicator of a process designed to achieve competitive pricing. However, the effectiveness can be influenced by the complexity of the equipment, the accuracy of market research, and the clarity of specifications. For specialized items like power wheelchairs, ensuring that the procured equipment meets the diverse clinical needs of veterans is crucial for program effectiveness. Continuous monitoring and feedback mechanisms are essential to refine the process.

What are the historical spending patterns for power wheelchairs by the VA?

Historical spending patterns for power wheelchairs by the VA typically show consistent investment in this category due to the ongoing needs of veterans. Spending can fluctuate based on factors such as changes in veteran population demographics, advancements in wheelchair technology, updates to VA healthcare policies, and the overall federal budget allocated to veteran healthcare. The VA often utilizes various contract vehicles, including indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts and individual delivery orders like this one, to manage its spending on durable medical equipment. Analyzing past spending data would reveal trends in contract values, awardees, and the types of wheelchairs procured over time.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2842 N BUSINESS PARK AVE, FRESNO, CA, 93727

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,719

Exercised Options: $19,719

Current Obligation: $19,719

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36F79721D0063

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline