VA awards $22.3M for power wheelchairs, with 89-day delivery, to Sunrise Medical

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,307 ($22.3K)

Contractor: Sunrise Medical (US) LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 89 days

Daily Burn Rate: $251/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: EXPRESS REPORT: POWER WHEELCHAIR

Place of Performance

Location: FRESNO, FRESNO County, CALIFORNIA, 93727

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $22,307.47 to SUNRISE MEDICAL (US) LLC for work described as: EXPRESS REPORT: POWER WHEELCHAIR Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The delivery order has a short performance period of 89 days. 3. The contract is for power wheelchairs, a critical medical supply for veterans. 4. The awardee, Sunrise Medical, is a known entity in the medical device sector. 5. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which provides cost certainty. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 339113 (Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing).

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $22.3 million for power wheelchairs appears reasonable given the product category and the short delivery window. Benchmarking against similar contracts for power wheelchairs would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Firm Fixed Price structure helps manage cost risks for the government. The award to a single vendor for this specific delivery order, despite full and open competition for the underlying contract vehicle, warrants attention to ensure competitive pricing was achieved.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition. While the specific number of bidders for this particular delivery order is not detailed, the 'full and open' designation implies that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices and encouraging innovation from multiple suppliers.

Public Impact

Veterans requiring power wheelchairs will benefit from this contract, ensuring access to essential mobility devices. The contract supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' mission to provide healthcare and benefits to veterans. The services delivered are the provision of power wheelchairs, crucial for enhancing the quality of life and independence of users. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, serving veterans nationwide through the VA system. Workforce implications may include manufacturing, distribution, and support roles related to power wheelchair production and delivery.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition on future delivery orders if the contract vehicle is not actively re-competed.
Dependence on a single awardee for this specific delivery order could pose a risk if supply chain issues arise.
The short 89-day delivery period might create logistical challenges for the contractor and timely fulfillment for veterans.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a full and open competition, indicating a broad initial solicitation.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty and limits the government's exposure to cost overruns.
The contract addresses a critical need for mobility devices for veterans.

Sector Analysis

The market for durable medical equipment, including power wheelchairs, is substantial and competitive. This contract falls within the broader healthcare and medical supplies sector. Companies like Sunrise Medical operate within a landscape that includes both large manufacturers and specialized suppliers. Spending benchmarks for similar VA contracts for power wheelchairs would be useful for a comprehensive value assessment, but the overall market is characterized by innovation in battery life, maneuverability, and user comfort.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. As it was awarded under full and open competition, it's possible that small businesses could have bid directly or participated as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has established oversight mechanisms for its contracts, including this delivery order. Accountability is typically managed through contract performance monitoring, quality assurance surveillance plans, and adherence to the terms and conditions of the Firm Fixed Price contract. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Equipment Procurement
Durable Medical Equipment Services
Veterans Health Administration
Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contracts
Mobility Assistance Devices

Risk Flags

Short delivery window may pose logistical challenges.
Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting delivery.
Need to verify fair market value for the awarded price.
Dependence on a single awardee for this delivery order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $22,307.47 to SUNRISE MEDICAL (US) LLC. EXPRESS REPORT: POWER WHEELCHAIR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SUNRISE MEDICAL (US) 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 $22,307.47.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-06-30.

What is Sunrise Medical's track record with the VA for similar power wheelchair contracts?

Sunrise Medical (US) LLC has a history of supplying medical equipment, including power wheelchairs, to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Analyzing past contract awards, performance reviews, and any past performance issues associated with Sunrise Medical for similar products would provide insight into their reliability and capability. While this specific award is a delivery order under a broader contract vehicle, understanding their broader relationship with the VA can indicate potential risks or strengths. For instance, a history of timely deliveries and high-quality products would be a positive signal, whereas frequent disputes or performance failures would raise concerns. Without specific historical data on this vendor's performance with the VA for power wheelchairs, a definitive assessment is challenging, but their presence as an awardee suggests they meet the basic qualifications.

How does the $22.3 million award compare to typical VA spending on power wheelchairs?

The $22.3 million award for power wheelchairs represents a significant investment by the VA. To benchmark this value effectively, it's crucial to compare it against historical VA spending patterns for similar quantities and types of power wheelchairs, considering factors like inflation and technological advancements. The average cost per unit, if derivable from the total award and estimated quantity, would be a key metric. If this award falls within or below the typical range for comparable procurements, it suggests reasonable value. Conversely, if it appears significantly higher than historical averages or competitor pricing (if available), it might indicate potential overspending or unique contract requirements driving up the cost. The short 89-day delivery period might also influence pricing due to urgency.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific delivery order?

The primary risks associated with this delivery order include potential supply chain disruptions affecting Sunrise Medical's ability to deliver within the tight 89-day timeframe, especially given global manufacturing and logistics challenges. Another risk is ensuring the power wheelchairs meet the specific clinical needs and quality standards required by the VA and its veteran beneficiaries; deviations could lead to patient dissatisfaction or adverse health outcomes. Furthermore, while awarded under full and open competition, the specific pricing for this delivery order needs to be scrutinized to ensure it reflects fair market value. The reliance on a single awardee for this specific order also concentrates risk; if Sunrise Medical encounters unforeseen issues, the VA may face delays in providing essential mobility equipment to veterans.

How effective is the VA's procurement process in securing competitive pricing for medical equipment like power wheelchairs?

The VA's procurement process, particularly when utilizing 'full and open competition,' is designed to foster competitive pricing. The use of mechanisms like the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) or other contract vehicles allows for pre-negotiated pricing and streamlined ordering. However, the effectiveness can vary. For high-value or specialized items like advanced power wheelchairs, the number of capable bidders might be limited, potentially reducing competitive pressure. The Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type helps lock in prices, but the initial negotiation and the competitive landscape at the time of award are critical. The VA's ability to leverage its purchasing power and conduct thorough market research influences the final pricing. Continuous monitoring and analysis of awarded prices against market benchmarks are essential to ensure ongoing effectiveness.

What is the typical duration and value of VA contracts for power wheelchairs?

The typical duration and value of VA contracts for power wheelchairs can vary significantly based on the specific needs, quantity, and type of equipment. Contracts can range from short-term delivery orders, like the 89-day period in this case, to multi-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts that cover ongoing requirements. Values can range from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the scale of the procurement. This $22.3 million award for a specific delivery order suggests a substantial requirement. Analyzing historical data for similar VA procurements would reveal trends in contract duration, average award values, and the number of bidders, providing context for this particular contract's scope and financial commitment.

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

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2842 N BUSINESS PARK AVE, FRESNO, CA, 93727

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,307

Exercised Options: $22,307

Current Obligation: $22,307

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36F79721D0063

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline