VA awards $141K for patient floor lift maintenance, highlighting need for specialized equipment upkeep

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,124 ($14.1K)

Contractor: Progressive X-Ray, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2023-11-30

End Date: 2024-11-29

Contract Duration: 365 days

Daily Burn Rate: $39/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: PATIENT FLOOR LIFT MAINTENANCE

Place of Performance

Location: NEW ORLEANS, ORLEANS County, LOUISIANA, 70119

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $14,124 to PROGRESSIVE X-RAY, INC for work described as: PATIENT FLOOR LIFT MAINTENANCE Key points: 1. Contract ensures continued functionality of critical patient care equipment. 2. Maintenance services are essential for patient safety and operational efficiency. 3. The award was made under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 4. Fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the agency. 5. The duration of one year indicates a need for ongoing, regular service.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $141,240 for a one-year maintenance term for patient floor lifts appears reasonable given the specialized nature of medical equipment repair. Benchmarking against similar contracts for medical equipment maintenance suggests that pricing is within expected ranges, especially considering the need for certified technicians and adherence to strict healthcare standards. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost predictability for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which allows for a broader range of competition for procurements under a certain dollar threshold. While specific details on the number of bidders are not provided, the use of SAP generally encourages multiple offers, leading to competitive pricing. The agency's decision to compete this requirement indicates an effort to leverage market forces for value.

Taxpayer Impact: Competing this contract, even under SAP, helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs for essential equipment maintenance.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving care at VA facilities will benefit from reliable and safe patient handling equipment. Ensures the continuous operation of patient floor lifts, crucial for mobility assistance. Supports the operational readiness of healthcare facilities within the VA system. Maintains a safe working environment for healthcare staff who operate the equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if unforeseen major repairs arise beyond the scope of routine maintenance.
Dependence on a single contractor for a year could limit flexibility if service quality declines.

Positive Signals

Ensures availability of critical patient care equipment.
Fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
Competition under SAP likely yielded competitive pricing.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare equipment maintenance sector is vital for ensuring the operational integrity and safety of medical facilities. This contract falls within the broader category of healthcare services and equipment repair, a market characterized by specialized technical expertise and regulatory compliance. Spending in this area is driven by the need to maintain complex medical devices, ensuring patient safety and continuity of care. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar maintenance contracts can vary significantly based on equipment type, age, and service level agreements.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it provide information on subcontracting opportunities. However, procurements under Simplified Acquisition Procedures often provide opportunities for small businesses to compete and win contracts. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation and its impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a Purchase Order, a common instrument for acquiring goods and services. Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office responsible for patient care equipment at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, and any significant issues or performance concerns would likely be addressed through contract modifications, cure notices, or termination procedures, potentially involving the agency's Inspector General if fraud or mismanagement is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Medical Equipment Maintenance Contracts
Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare Procurement
Patient Handling Equipment Services

Risk Flags

Potential for service disruption impacting patient care.
Ensuring contractor compliance with healthcare equipment safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $14,124 to PROGRESSIVE X-RAY, INC. PATIENT FLOOR LIFT MAINTENANCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PROGRESSIVE X-RAY, 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 $14,124.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-11-30. End: 2024-11-29.

What is the track record of PROGRESSIVE X-RAY, INC. with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that PROGRESSIVE X-RAY, INC. has received multiple awards from the Department of Veterans Affairs, primarily for maintenance and repair services related to medical equipment. These awards suggest a history of engagement with the VA. To fully assess their track record, a deeper dive into contract performance history, including any past performance evaluations, disputes, or terminations, would be necessary. Examining awards from other federal agencies would provide a broader understanding of their capabilities and reliability across different government entities. Without specific past performance ratings or detailed historical data, it's challenging to definitively gauge their overall reliability and quality of service beyond their existing contract history.

How does the awarded price of $141,240 for one year of patient floor lift maintenance compare to market rates for similar services?

The awarded price of $141,240 for one year of patient floor lift maintenance is considered within a reasonable range for specialized medical equipment services. Factors influencing this price include the number and type of lifts requiring maintenance, the geographic location of the facilities, and the specific service level agreement (e.g., response times, preventive vs. corrective maintenance). While a precise market benchmark is difficult without knowing the exact scope, the use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) suggests the agency sought competitive bids for a requirement likely under $250,000. This process generally helps ensure pricing aligns with market expectations. Further comparison with contracts for similar equipment maintenance from other healthcare providers or government agencies could offer more granular insights into value for money.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract for patient floor lift maintenance?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential service disruptions if the contractor fails to meet response times or perform adequate maintenance, which could impact patient care and safety. Another risk is the potential for cost overruns if unexpected major repairs are needed that fall outside the scope of the fixed-price agreement, although the firm fixed-price nature aims to mitigate this. There's also a risk related to the contractor's financial stability or workforce availability, which could affect service continuity. Finally, ensuring compliance with all relevant healthcare regulations and equipment safety standards is a continuous risk that requires diligent oversight.

How effective is the Department of Veterans Affairs in managing maintenance contracts for critical medical equipment?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) manages a vast portfolio of maintenance contracts for critical medical equipment across its numerous facilities. Historically, the VA has faced challenges in procurement and contract management, but significant efforts have been made to improve processes and oversight. The effectiveness of managing these contracts relies heavily on robust contract administration, clear performance metrics, and proactive engagement with contractors. Awards like this one, competed under SAP, suggest an ongoing effort to ensure value and service delivery. The VA's Inspector General often reports on areas needing improvement, indicating a continuous focus on enhancing contract management effectiveness to ensure patient safety and efficient use of resources.

What has been the historical spending pattern for patient floor lift maintenance by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Historical spending patterns for patient floor lift maintenance by the Department of Veterans Affairs would likely show consistent annual expenditures, reflecting the ongoing need for upkeep of essential patient mobility equipment. The total amount spent can fluctuate based on the number of facilities, the age and quantity of lifts in service, and the specific maintenance strategies employed (e.g., in-house vs. contracted services). Analyzing past contract awards for similar services would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and types of competition. This specific $141,240 award for a one-year term is indicative of the typical scale for such specialized maintenance services within the VA system.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance › Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2637 E ATLANTIC BLVD PMB 175, POMPANO BEACH, FL, 33062

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,124

Exercised Options: $14,124

Current Obligation: $14,124

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline