VA awards $24,875 contract for custom power wheelchairs, highlighting manufacturing and supply chain dynamics

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,876 ($24.9K)

Contractor: Sunrise Medical (US) LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 28 days

Daily Burn Rate: $888/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: CUSTOM POWER WHEELCHAIR

Place of Performance

Location: FRESNO, FRESNO County, CALIFORNIA, 93727

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $24,875.52 to SUNRISE MEDICAL (US) LLC for work described as: CUSTOM POWER WHEELCHAIR Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized medical equipment, pending detailed benchmarking. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these devices. 3. Delivery order structure indicates immediate or near-term need for the equipment. 4. Contract duration of 28 days suggests a focus on rapid fulfillment. 5. The award to a single vendor implies specific product requirements or a streamlined procurement process. 6. Focus on surgical appliance manufacturing points to a niche but critical healthcare supply chain segment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $24,875.52 for a custom power wheelchair is within a typical range for such specialized medical equipment. Benchmarking against similar contracts for custom power wheelchairs would provide a more precise assessment of value for money. The firm fixed-price structure helps mitigate cost overruns for the government. Without specific details on the customization required, a direct comparison is challenging, but the price appears competitive given the nature of the product.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and had the opportunity to bid. The fact that it resulted in a delivery order suggests that the initial solicitation process was robust enough to identify a suitable vendor for this specific need. The presence of competition is generally positive for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation among suppliers.

Public Impact

Veterans requiring custom power wheelchairs will benefit from this contract. The service delivered is the provision of essential mobility equipment. The geographic impact is primarily within California, where the vendor is located. This contract supports the medical device manufacturing workforce, particularly in the surgical appliance sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited vendor pool if specific customization requirements are highly restrictive.
Dependence on a single vendor for delivery could pose risks if supply chain issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Delivery order structure implies a clear and defined need.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Healthcare sector, specifically the manufacturing and supply of durable medical equipment. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 339113, Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing, indicates a specialized segment focused on producing items like custom wheelchairs. Spending in this area is driven by healthcare needs, particularly for individuals requiring assistive devices. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other VA or DoD contracts for similar mobility equipment.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. The award was made to SUNRISE MEDICAL (US) LLC, a known entity in the medical device industry. There is no explicit indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any subcontracting opportunities were mandated or voluntarily pursued by the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for oversight of this contract. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, it likely falls under existing VA procurement regulations and quality assurance processes. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Procurement
Veterans Health Administration Services
Assistive Technology Contracts
Medical Supplies Manufacturing

Risk Flags

Potential for delivery delays due to customization complexity.
Risk of product not meeting exact veteran specifications.
Dependence on a single vendor for this specific delivery order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $24,875.52 to SUNRISE MEDICAL (US) LLC. CUSTOM 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 $24,875.52.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the 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, primarily for durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs and related accessories. Analyzing historical award data would reveal the volume and value of contracts awarded to this vendor over time. This specific contract, valued at $24,875.52, is a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a broader contracting mechanism. A review of past performance evaluations, if publicly available, would offer insights into their reliability, product quality, and adherence to delivery schedules for the VA. Understanding their past performance is crucial for assessing the risk associated with this current award.

How does the $24,875.52 award for a custom power wheelchair compare to market rates for similar equipment?

The award of $24,875.52 for a custom power wheelchair appears to be within a reasonable range for highly specialized, customized medical equipment. Custom power wheelchairs often involve significant engineering, personalized fitting, and advanced features, which contribute to their cost. Benchmarking this price against publicly available data for similar custom configurations from other manufacturers or against previous VA procurements for comparable devices would be necessary for a definitive value assessment. Factors such as the specific technological components, battery life, weight capacity, and customization options significantly influence the final price. Without these granular details, it's difficult to definitively state if it's a bargain or overpriced, but it doesn't immediately raise red flags for specialized equipment.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential delays in delivery, issues with product customization meeting the veteran's specific needs, and the possibility of equipment malfunction. Since this is a delivery order for a custom product, ensuring precise specifications are met is critical. Mitigation strategies likely involve the VA's quality assurance processes, thorough inspection upon delivery, and the firm fixed-price contract type, which incentivizes the contractor to deliver as specified to receive payment. The relatively short duration (28 days) suggests an urgent need, amplifying the risk of delays. SUNRISE MEDICAL (US) LLC's track record with the VA would also be a key factor in risk assessment.

What is the expected program effectiveness and impact for the veteran receiving this custom power wheelchair?

The program effectiveness hinges on the successful delivery and performance of the custom power wheelchair, directly impacting the veteran's mobility, independence, and quality of life. A well-configured power wheelchair can significantly enhance a veteran's ability to navigate their environment, participate in daily activities, and maintain social connections. The effectiveness is measured by how well the device meets the veteran's specific functional needs, its durability, and the ease of operation and maintenance. Positive outcomes would include increased autonomy for the veteran and reduced reliance on caregivers. Conversely, ineffectiveness could stem from poor fit, inadequate functionality, or frequent breakdowns, leading to frustration and unmet mobility needs.

How does this contract fit into the VA's broader strategy for providing assistive technology to veterans?

This contract is a component of the VA's larger strategy to provide comprehensive healthcare and assistive technologies to veterans, enabling them to live with greater independence and improved quality of life. Custom power wheelchairs are a critical element of assistive technology, addressing severe mobility impairments. The VA's approach typically involves a clinical assessment to determine the need for such devices, followed by procurement through various mechanisms, including full and open competition as seen here. This specific award reflects the VA's commitment to procuring specialized equipment tailored to individual veteran needs, ensuring they receive appropriate support for their service-connected disabilities or other health conditions.

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: 2

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: $24,876

Exercised Options: $24,876

Current Obligation: $24,876

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36F79721D0063

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline