VA awards $1.65M for stairlifts to Homestead Independence, Inc. under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,529 ($16.5K)

Contractor: Homestead Independence, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-05-07

Contract Duration: 28 days

Daily Burn Rate: $590/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: STAIRLIFT

Place of Performance

Location: CUDAHY, MILWAUKEE County, WISCONSIN, 53110

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $16,529 to HOMESTEAD INDEPENDENCE, INC. for work described as: STAIRLIFT Key points: 1. Spending on stairlifts for veterans is a niche but essential service. 2. Homestead Independence, Inc. secured the contract, indicating competitive pricing. 3. The contract duration is short, suggesting potential for re-competition and price adjustments. 4. This spending falls under the Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $1.65M for 28 days of service appears reasonable given the specialized nature of stairlift provision. Benchmarking against similar VA contracts for durable medical equipment would provide further clarity.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: This contract directly benefits veterans by providing necessary mobility aids, representing a positive use of taxpayer funds for essential services.

Public Impact

Improved mobility and quality of life for veterans requiring stairlifts. Support for a specialized medical equipment provider within the healthcare supply chain. Ensures access to necessary assistive devices for aging or disabled veterans.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 100 / 10

Positive Signals

Full and open competition utilized.
Clear contract end date.
Specific NAICS code identified.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing sector, specifically related to durable medical equipment. Spending benchmarks for similar assistive devices can vary significantly based on complexity and service requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this specific award, as the contract was awarded to Homestead Independence, Inc. without explicit small business set-aside provisions.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement oversight processes should ensure timely delivery and adherence to contract terms.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Short contract duration may lead to service gaps if not managed proactively.
Lack of detail on specific stairlift models and features.
No explicit mention of maintenance or long-term support included in the award.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $16,529 to HOMESTEAD INDEPENDENCE, INC.. STAIRLIFT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HOMESTEAD INDEPENDENCE, 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 $16,529.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-05-07.

What is the typical cost per stairlift unit or installation for similar VA contracts?

Without specific unit details, a precise per-unit cost is difficult to ascertain. However, typical VA contracts for stairlifts can range from a few thousand dollars for basic models to over ten thousand for complex installations, depending on factors like building modifications, warranty, and maintenance.

What are the potential risks associated with a short-term contract for essential equipment like stairlifts?

A short contract duration, like 28 days, could pose a risk of service interruption if a new contract isn't awarded promptly. It might also limit the vendor's incentive for long-term investment in service infrastructure, potentially impacting response times or maintenance quality.

How effectively does this contract address the long-term needs of veterans requiring mobility assistance?

This contract addresses an immediate need for stairlifts. However, its short duration suggests it's a temporary solution. Long-term effectiveness would depend on subsequent contract awards that ensure sustained availability, maintenance, and potentially updated technology for veterans' ongoing mobility challenges.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1995 E NORSE AVE, CUDAHY, WI, 53110

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,529

Exercised Options: $16,529

Current Obligation: $16,529

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline