VA awards $51.6M contract for chiropractic tables to SCRIP INC, highlighting manufacturing capabilities

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $51,626 ($51.6K)

Contractor: Scrip Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-06-15

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 46 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: CHIROPRACTIC TABLES

Place of Performance

Location: BOLINGBROOK, WILL County, ILLINOIS, 60440

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $51,626 to SCRIP INC for work described as: CHIROPRACTIC TABLES Key points: 1. The contract value of $51.6 million represents a significant investment in specialized medical equipment. 2. SCRIP INC's selection suggests strong performance or competitive advantage in the surgical and medical instrument manufacturing sector. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type indicates a defined cost structure, potentially mitigating budget overruns. 4. A delivery order under an existing contract suggests a streamlined procurement process for essential supplies. 5. The duration of the order (46 days) points to a need for rapid fulfillment of specific equipment requirements.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $51.6 million for chiropractic tables appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized medical equipment is necessary to fully assess value. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty. Without specific per-unit cost data or comparisons to market rates for comparable chiropractic tables, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the award to a single entity suggests a competitive bid process likely yielded a reasonable price.

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 had the opportunity to bid. This method is generally preferred as it fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and quality. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the full and open nature suggests a robust selection process.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down costs through market forces and ensures the government receives the best value for its investment in essential medical equipment.

Public Impact

Veterans will benefit from improved diagnostic and treatment capabilities through the provision of new chiropractic tables. The contract supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' mission to provide comprehensive healthcare services to servicemen and women. The delivery of these tables will likely impact healthcare facilities within Illinois, where the contract is being fulfilled. The manufacturing of these specialized tables may support jobs within the surgical and medical instrument manufacturing industry.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific competition numbers limits full assessment of price discovery.
Per-unit cost benchmarking is not available, making direct value comparison difficult.
The specific model and features of the chiropractic tables are not detailed, impacting performance assessment.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a fair and transparent process.
Firm fixed-price contract type offers cost predictability.
Contract supports critical healthcare needs for veterans.

Sector Analysis

The surgical and medical instrument manufacturing sector is a critical component of the healthcare industry, encompassing the production of a wide array of devices. This contract for chiropractic tables falls within the broader category of medical equipment manufacturing. Spending in this sector is driven by healthcare demand, technological advancements, and government procurement for military and veteran healthcare. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-volume procurements of specialized medical furniture and equipment by federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions for this contract. As it was awarded under full and open competition, it is possible that small businesses participated in the bidding process. However, without further details on subcontracting plans or the size of the prime contractor, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem remains unclear. Further investigation into SCRIP INC's subcontracting practices would be needed to assess this aspect.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Oversight mechanisms would typically include contract performance monitoring, quality assurance checks, and financial audits. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract's execution.

Related Government Programs

Medical Equipment Procurement
Veterans Health Administration Contracts
Surgical Instrument Manufacturing
Federal Healthcare Spending

Risk Flags

Potential for contractor cost overruns impacting quality if not managed.
Supply chain risks for specialized medical equipment manufacturing.
Dependence on a single awardee for a significant value contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $51,626 to SCRIP INC. CHIROPRACTIC TABLES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCRIP 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 $51,626.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-06-15. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the track record of SCRIP INC in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for medical equipment?

Information regarding SCRIP INC's specific track record with federal contracts, especially for medical equipment, is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough analysis would require examining their past performance on similar contracts, including delivery timeliness, quality of goods, and adherence to contract terms. Reviewing past performance evaluations and any reported disputes or contract terminations would offer a clearer picture of their reliability and capability. Without this historical data, assessing their suitability for this $51.6 million award relies heavily on the competitive bidding process having vetted their qualifications adequately.

How does the awarded price of $51.6 million for chiropractic tables compare to market rates or similar government procurements?

The provided data does not include specific per-unit costs or detailed specifications for the chiropractic tables, making a direct price comparison challenging. To benchmark this $51.6 million award, one would need to identify comparable contracts for similar chiropractic tables awarded by the VA or other federal agencies, noting the quantity, features, and delivery timelines. Additionally, researching prices from commercial vendors for comparable equipment would provide market context. The firm fixed-price nature suggests cost certainty, but the overall value proposition hinges on the quality and features of the tables relative to their cost, which requires further data.

What are the primary risk indicators associated with this contract, given its value and duration?

Key risk indicators for this $51.6 million contract include potential supply chain disruptions affecting the manufacturing of specialized chiropractic tables, especially given the relatively short delivery window implied by the order dates. Another risk could be the contractor's capacity to produce and deliver the specified quantity and quality of tables within the contract period. Given the firm fixed-price structure, cost overruns by the contractor could lead to quality compromises if not adequately monitored. The lack of detailed performance history for SCRIP INC in the provided data also presents a moderate risk that requires further due diligence.

How effective is the full and open competition process in ensuring the VA secures high-quality chiropractic tables at competitive prices?

The full and open competition process is designed to maximize the number of potential bidders, thereby fostering a competitive environment that typically drives down prices and encourages higher quality offerings. For this contract, it suggests that multiple manufacturers had the opportunity to propose their chiropractic tables. The effectiveness in securing high-quality tables at competitive prices depends on the clarity of the solicitation's requirements, the evaluation criteria used, and the number and capability of the actual bidders. While the process itself is a strong indicator of intent for value, the ultimate effectiveness is realized through the specific bids received and the contract awarded.

What are the historical spending patterns for chiropractic tables or similar medical equipment by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Historical spending data for chiropractic tables or closely related medical equipment by the Department of Veterans Affairs is not provided in the current dataset. To analyze historical patterns, one would typically examine procurement records over several fiscal years to identify trends in contract values, awardees, and types of equipment purchased. This would help determine if $51.6 million represents a typical, increased, or decreased level of investment for such items. Understanding past spending can inform future budgeting, identify potential consolidation opportunities, and highlight shifts in healthcare equipment needs within the VA system.

What are the implications of the firm fixed-price contract type on potential cost savings or overruns for the VA?

A firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type locks in the price for the goods or services, meaning the contractor assumes the risk of cost overruns. For the VA, this offers significant budget certainty, as the total cost is known upfront. This structure incentivizes the contractor to manage its costs efficiently to maximize profit. However, if the initial price negotiated was too high due to inadequate market research or competitive bidding, the VA might end up paying more than necessary. Conversely, if the contractor underestimates costs, they might cut corners on quality, which requires robust government oversight to prevent.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 36C25226Q0329

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 360 VETERANS PARKWAY STE 115, BOLINGBROOK, IL, 60440

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $51,626

Exercised Options: $51,626

Current Obligation: $51,626

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: V797D70186

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline