VA awards $20,418 for Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation System, impacting patient care and surgical appliance manufacturing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,418 ($20.4K)

Contractor: Joerns Healthcare, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 120 days

Daily Burn Rate: $170/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: DOLPHIN FLUID IMMERSION SIMULATION SYSTEM, INCLUDING 35" X 82" X 10" MATTRESS AND BED FRAME

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT LOUIS, SAINT LOUIS County, MISSOURI, 63125

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $20,418.16 to JOERNS HEALTHCARE, LLC for work described as: DOLPHIN FLUID IMMERSION SIMULATION SYSTEM, INCLUDING 35" X 82" X 10" MATTRESS AND BED FRAME Key points: 1. The contract value of $20,418 for a specialized medical device suggests a focused procurement for a specific patient need. 2. Competition dynamics for this type of niche medical equipment can vary, potentially impacting price and availability. 3. The fixed-price nature of the award provides cost certainty for the government. 4. The duration of the contract (120 days) indicates a short-term need or a pilot program. 5. The procurement falls within the Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing sector, highlighting its role in medical device supply chains. 6. The award to Joerns Healthcare, LLC positions them as a key supplier for this specific VA requirement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $20,418 for a Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation System appears reasonable for a specialized medical device. Benchmarking against similar procurements for advanced patient support systems would provide a more precise value assessment. Given the specific nature of the equipment, direct price comparisons may be limited, but the fixed-price contract suggests a negotiated value at the time of award.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a procurement valued below the threshold for full and open competition. While specific details on the number of bidders are not provided, SAP generally encourages broad participation within its streamlined framework. This approach aims to balance efficiency with a reasonable level of competition for smaller value procurements.

Taxpayer Impact: Competing under SAP for this purchase order likely resulted in a fair market price for the VA, leveraging competition while maintaining administrative efficiency.

Public Impact

Patients requiring specialized support and pressure relief will benefit from the Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation System. The system is intended for use within VA healthcare facilities, directly supporting medical treatment protocols. The geographic impact is localized to the VA facility receiving the equipment, likely within Missouri given the award details. The contract supports the manufacturing and supply chain within the surgical appliance and medical device industry.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited long-term availability if this is a one-off purchase.
Dependence on a single supplier for this specific simulation system could pose a risk if not managed proactively.

Positive Signals

The use of a fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Competition under SAP suggests an effort to obtain value for money.
The award supports a critical patient care need within the VA.

Sector Analysis

The procurement of a Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation System falls within the broader healthcare and medical device manufacturing sector. This sector is characterized by innovation, stringent regulatory requirements, and a diverse range of suppliers. Spending in this area is driven by patient needs, technological advancements, and healthcare system demands. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other specialized patient support systems or medical equipment for rehabilitation and critical care.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract included small business set-asides or subcontracting plans. As a purchase order under SAP, it's possible that small businesses could have participated, but specific set-aside provisions are not detailed. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for the oversight of this contract. As a purchase order, it would be managed through the VA's internal procurement and contract administration processes. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, and any specific oversight mechanisms or inspector general involvement would depend on the nature and value of the contract and any subsequent performance issues.

Related Government Programs

Medical Equipment Procurement
Surgical Appliances
Patient Support Systems
Veterans Affairs Healthcare Services

Risk Flags

Limited contract duration may necessitate future procurements.
Potential for sole-source reliance if market competition is not sustained.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $20,418.16 to JOERNS HEALTHCARE, LLC. DOLPHIN FLUID IMMERSION SIMULATION SYSTEM, INCLUDING 35" X 82" X 10" MATTRESS AND BED FRAME

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JOERNS HEALTHCARE, 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 $20,418.16.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the track record of Joerns Healthcare, LLC with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Joerns Healthcare, LLC has a history of providing medical equipment and supplies to various government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs. Analyzing their past performance with the VA, specifically regarding on-time delivery, product quality, and responsiveness to issues, would provide insight into their reliability for this current contract. Reviewing contract databases for previous awards to Joerns Healthcare by the VA, their performance ratings, and any documented disputes or corrective actions would be crucial for a comprehensive assessment of their track record.

How does the $20,418 value compare to similar Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation Systems procured by other federal agencies?

Direct comparisons for highly specialized equipment like the Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation System can be challenging due to variations in configurations, included accessories, and specific contract terms. However, a review of federal procurement data for similar patient immersion or pressure relief systems procured by agencies like the Department of Defense or other health services could offer a benchmark. If comparable systems were procured at significantly different price points, it might indicate variations in market competition, negotiation leverage, or the specific features included in each contract. The $20,418 value should be assessed within the context of the system's specifications and the competitive landscape at the time of the VA's award.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific contract award?

Key risks for this contract include potential supply chain disruptions affecting the delivery of the specialized Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation System, especially given its specific dimensions and components. There's also a risk related to the system's long-term maintenance and support, as the contract duration is limited to 120 days, suggesting a potential need for future procurements or service agreements. Furthermore, if the system proves highly effective and becomes critical for patient care, reliance on a single supplier could become a risk if not managed through strategic sourcing or by encouraging broader market participation in future solicitations.

How effective is the Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation System in improving patient outcomes, according to VA or clinical data?

The effectiveness of the Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation System in improving patient outcomes is a critical aspect that extends beyond the procurement data itself. Clinical literature and internal VA studies would be the primary sources for assessing its efficacy. Typically, such systems are used for pressure ulcer prevention, wound care, or patient comfort in critical care settings. Data on reduced incidence of pressure ulcers, improved healing rates, or enhanced patient satisfaction scores would indicate its effectiveness. Without access to specific clinical performance data or published research related to this particular system within the VA context, a definitive assessment of its effectiveness cannot be made solely from contract information.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar patient support or immersion systems by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Analyzing historical spending patterns by the VA for patient support and immersion systems would reveal trends in demand, supplier relationships, and average contract values. This could include spending on therapeutic beds, pressure-relieving mattresses, and specialized patient handling equipment. Understanding these patterns helps in forecasting future needs, identifying potential cost savings through bulk purchasing or longer-term contracts, and assessing whether the current procurement aligns with historical investment levels. Significant deviations from historical spending could warrant further investigation into market changes, new technological adoption, or evolving patient care strategies within the VA.

What is the typical lifespan and maintenance cost associated with the Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation System?

The typical lifespan and associated maintenance costs for the Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation System are crucial factors for long-term value assessment, which are not detailed in the contract award data. Information on the expected operational life of the mattress and bed frame, as well as the frequency and cost of recommended maintenance or servicing, would typically be found in the manufacturer's specifications or service agreements. Understanding these aspects is vital for the VA to budget effectively for the system's lifecycle, including potential repairs, replacements, and ongoing operational expenses beyond the initial purchase.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2430 WHITEHALL PARK DR STE 700, CHARLOTTE, NC, 28273

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,418

Exercised Options: $20,418

Current Obligation: $20,418

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline