VA Awards $227.5K for Optical Dispensing Services to GMJ Distributors Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $227,500 ($227.5K)

Contractor: GMJ Distributors Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 362 days

Daily Burn Rate: $628/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: PRICED PERIOD 1 - EDWARD HINES JR VA HOSPITAL OPTICAL DISPENSING SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: HINES, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60141

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $227,500 to GMJ DISTRIBUTORS INC for work described as: PRICED PERIOD 1 - EDWARD HINES JR VA HOSPITAL OPTICAL DISPENSING SERVICES. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to GMJ Distributors Inc. for optical dispensing services. 2. The contract is valued at $227,500 over approximately one year. 3. Competition method was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP', indicating a potentially limited but structured process. 4. The sector is Optical Goods Retailers, a niche but essential service for veterans.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $227,500 for a 362-day period suggests a moderate per-unit cost. Without specific service volume data, a precise benchmark is difficult, but it appears reasonable for specialized optical dispensing services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves a limited number of bidders. This method can expedite the process but may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The $227,500 expenditure directly supports veterans' healthcare needs. While SAP competition might not be the most price-sensitive, the value is directed towards essential services.

Public Impact

Veterans at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital will receive optical dispensing services. The contract ensures access to necessary eyewear and related optical products. This award supports a specific healthcare need within the VA system.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may impact price discovery.
Contract duration is just under one year, requiring potential future re-competition.

Positive Signals

Directly addresses a specific veteran healthcare need.
Awarded to a single vendor, simplifying service delivery.

Sector Analysis

The Optical Goods Retailers sector (NAICS 446130) involves businesses selling eyeglasses, contact lenses, and related services. Spending in this sector for government contracts is typically focused on healthcare facilities and military bases to provide essential services to personnel and beneficiaries.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if GMJ Distributors Inc. is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation in this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms would apply to ensure proper service delivery and financial accountability.

Related Government Programs

Optical Goods Retailers
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition.
Lack of detailed performance metrics.
Potential for price not being fully optimized due to SAP.
Short contract duration requiring future procurement efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $227,500 to GMJ DISTRIBUTORS INC. PRICED PERIOD 1 - EDWARD HINES JR VA HOSPITAL OPTICAL DISPENSING SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GMJ DISTRIBUTORS INC.

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 $227,500.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2027-03-31.

What is the expected volume of services or units to be dispensed under this contract to better assess value?

The provided data lacks specific metrics on the volume of services or units to be dispensed. To accurately assess the value and per-unit cost, details on the number of prescriptions filled, frames provided, or lens types would be necessary. This information is crucial for comparing the contract's pricing against industry benchmarks and ensuring optimal use of taxpayer funds for optical dispensing.

What were the specific criteria for competing under SAP, and were alternative vendors considered?

Competing under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) typically means the contract value falls below certain thresholds, allowing for streamlined procurement. While this suggests efficiency, it often involves a limited number of solicited vendors rather than a broad outreach. Understanding the specific SAP threshold met and whether other qualified vendors were aware of and had the opportunity to bid is key to assessing the fairness of the competition and potential price discovery.

How does the pricing compare to similar optical dispensing contracts awarded by other federal agencies or within the VA system?

Without access to a broader database of comparable federal optical dispensing contracts, a direct price comparison is challenging. The contract's value of $227,500 for approximately one year suggests a moderate expenditure. Benchmarking would require analyzing contracts with similar scope, duration, and service levels across different agencies to determine if this pricing is competitive and reflects fair market value for the services rendered.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Retail Trade › Health and Personal Care Retailers › Optical Goods Retailers

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND SURGICAL SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 38226 N. LAKESIDE PLACE, ANTIOCH, IL, 60002

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $227,500

Exercised Options: $227,500

Current Obligation: $227,500

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C25226D0025

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline