VA awards $16.5K for prosthetic leg to Durretts Orthotic & Prosthetic LLC, a sole-source contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,517 ($16.5K)

Contractor: Durretts Orthotic & Prosthetic LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-07-10

Contract Duration: 91 days

Daily Burn Rate: $182/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: ABOVE KNEE LEG PROSTHETIC

Place of Performance

Location: EDGEWOOD, KENTON County, KENTUCKY, 41017

State: Kentucky Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $16,517.29 to DURRETTS ORTHOTIC & PROSTHETIC LLC for work described as: ABOVE KNEE LEG PROSTHETIC Key points: 1. High per-unit cost for a prosthetic leg. 2. Limited competition due to sole-source award. 3. Potential risk of overpayment without competitive bidding. 4. Sector: Healthcare/Medical Supplies.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The average cost for a prosthetic leg can vary significantly, but $16,517.29 for a single unit appears high, especially without competitive benchmarking. Further analysis of the specific components and complexity is needed.

Cost Per Unit: $16,517.29

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was not competed under SAP and was awarded as a BPA Call. This sole-source approach limits price discovery and may lead to a higher price than if multiple vendors had competed.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the lack of competition, potentially funding higher profit margins for the awarded vendor.

Public Impact

Veterans may receive a high-cost prosthetic, impacting overall VA healthcare budgets. Lack of competition raises concerns about fair pricing for essential medical equipment. Transparency in sole-source prosthetic contracts is crucial for public trust.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
High per-unit cost
Limited competition

Positive Signals

Supports veteran healthcare needs
Contract awarded to a specialized provider

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the healthcare sector, specifically medical supplies and durable medical equipment. Spending benchmarks for prosthetics vary widely based on type and customization, but this price point warrants scrutiny.

Small Business Impact

The award was made to Durretts Orthotic & Prosthetic LLC. Analysis is needed to determine if this entity is a small business and if opportunities were missed to engage other small businesses in the prosthetic supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

The VA's use of sole-source contracts requires justification to ensure fair and reasonable pricing. Oversight is needed to confirm the necessity of this approach and the appropriateness of the price paid.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Sole-source justification required
Potential for inflated pricing
Lack of competitive benchmarking
Limited transparency in pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $16,517.29 to DURRETTS ORTHOTIC & PROSTHETIC LLC. ABOVE KNEE LEG PROSTHETIC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DURRETTS ORTHOTIC & PROSTHETIC 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 $16,517.29.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-07-10.

What is the typical price range for an above-knee prosthetic leg of similar specifications, and how does this award compare?

The typical price range for an above-knee prosthetic leg can vary widely, from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the components, technology, and customization. Factors like the prosthetic foot, knee unit, socket, and liners all contribute to the final cost. Without specific details on the components used in this $16,517.29 award, a direct comparison is difficult, but it falls within the mid-to-high range, necessitating a review of the justification for the price.

What are the risks associated with awarding a sole-source contract for a prosthetic device?

The primary risk of a sole-source award is the lack of competitive pricing, potentially leading to overpayment. It can also stifle innovation by not encouraging other qualified vendors to offer their solutions. Furthermore, it raises concerns about transparency and fairness in government procurement, potentially impacting the accessibility and affordability of essential medical devices for beneficiaries.

How effectively does this contract ensure value for taxpayer money, given the sole-source nature and cost?

The effectiveness in ensuring value for taxpayer money is questionable due to the sole-source award. While the veteran receives a necessary prosthetic, the absence of competition prevents a robust price discovery process. This increases the risk that the government is not achieving the best possible price for the product, potentially leading to inefficient use of funds.

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: 20 MEDICAL VILLAGE DR, EDGEWOOD, KY, 41017

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,517

Exercised Options: $16,517

Current Obligation: $16,517

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C25026A0027

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline