VA awards $32.5M for Sapien 3 Commander Kits, a sole-source purchase from Edwards Lifesciences

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,500 ($32.5K)

Contractor: Edwards Lifesciences LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-05-04

Contract Duration: 32 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: 9600CM29A: SAPIEN 3 COMMANDER KIT, 29MM

Place of Performance

Location: IRVINE, ORANGE County, CALIFORNIA, 92614

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $32,500 to EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES LLC for work described as: 9600CM29A: SAPIEN 3 COMMANDER KIT, 29MM Key points: 1. High value contract for critical medical devices. 2. Sole-source award limits competitive pricing. 3. Potential risk in reliance on a single supplier. 4. Medical instrument manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $32.5 million for 9600CM29A SAPIEN 3 COMMANDER KIT, 29MM appears high given the limited competition. Benchmarking against similar sole-source or limited-competition contracts for advanced medical devices is crucial for assessing value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed under SAP, indicating a sole-source or limited-competition procurement. The lack of open competition likely resulted in higher pricing than could be achieved through a competitive bidding process.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of competitive pressure, potentially increasing the overall cost of healthcare for veterans.

Public Impact

Ensures availability of critical medical devices for veterans. Potential for higher costs due to sole-source award. Impacts the market for cardiovascular surgical instruments.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source procurement
Lack of competition
High contract value

Positive Signals

Ensures supply of critical medical device

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing sector, a specialized area often characterized by high R&D costs and proprietary technology. Benchmarks for similar sole-source procurements of advanced medical devices are essential for fair pricing assessment.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES LLC, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which is common for highly specialized medical devices.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for this award. Oversight should focus on ensuring the necessity of the sole-source justification and exploring future opportunities for competitive sourcing or price negotiation.

Related Government Programs

Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
High contract value
Potential for price escalation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $32,500 to EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES LLC. 9600CM29A: SAPIEN 3 COMMANDER KIT, 29MM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES 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 $32,500.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the justification for the sole-source award of the SAPIEN 3 COMMANDER KIT?

The justification for a sole-source award typically stems from unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or specific compatibility requirements that only one vendor can meet. For the SAPIEN 3 COMMANDER KIT, this could relate to its advanced design, integration with existing VA systems, or specific clinical performance characteristics that are not replicable by other manufacturers.

What are the potential long-term risks associated with this sole-source contract for the VA?

The primary long-term risk is the lack of competitive pressure, which can lead to sustained higher prices and reduced innovation from the sole supplier. Additionally, the VA becomes heavily reliant on Edwards Lifesciences for this critical device, creating vulnerability if the supplier faces production issues, price hikes, or decides to discontinue the product line.

How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of veteran healthcare?

This contract ensures that veterans requiring the SAPIEN 3 COMMANDER KIT have access to this potentially life-saving or life-improving medical technology. Its effectiveness is directly tied to the device's clinical performance and the VA's ability to procure it reliably, enabling surgeons to perform necessary procedures.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing › Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C250-26-AP-2995

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 EDWARDS WAY, IRVINE, CA, 92614

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,500

Exercised Options: $32,500

Current Obligation: $32,500

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline