VA awards $17.7M for Artificial Limbs to Snell Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,703 ($17.7K)

Contractor: Snell Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-07-08

Contract Duration: 91 days

Daily Burn Rate: $195/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: ARTIFICIAL LIMB

Place of Performance

Location: LITTLE ROCK, PULASKI County, ARKANSAS, 72205

State: Arkansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $17,703.35 to SNELL PROSTHETIC & ORTHOTIC LABORATORY INC for work described as: ARTIFICIAL LIMB Key points: 1. The contract is for artificial limbs, a critical need for veterans. 2. The sole awardee, Snell Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory Inc., suggests limited competition. 3. The contract's value and duration present a moderate financial risk. 4. The sector is healthcare/medical supplies, with potential for ongoing demand.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $17.7M for a 91-day period appears high on a per-day basis. Benchmarking against similar, competitively bid contracts for prosthetics would be necessary to determine true value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source or limited competition award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in higher prices than could be achieved through a competitive process, impacting taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Veterans will receive essential artificial limbs, improving their quality of life. The award to a single vendor raises questions about market competitiveness for these supplies. The short duration of the contract may necessitate frequent re-solicitation, increasing administrative burden.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potentially high per-unit cost due to sole-source award
Short contract duration may indicate urgency or a need for frequent reassessment

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical need for veterans
Specific vendor identified for supply

Sector Analysis

The healthcare sector, particularly medical supplies like artificial limbs, is crucial for veteran care. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on complexity and customization of prosthetics.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Snell Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory Inc. and does not indicate any specific provisions for small business participation or subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for oversight. The lack of competition warrants scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and adequate performance.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition.
High value for a short duration warrants cost scrutiny.
Potential for inflated pricing due to lack of market testing.
Need for strong oversight to ensure quality and value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $17,703.35 to SNELL PROSTHETIC & ORTHOTIC LABORATORY INC. ARTIFICIAL LIMB

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SNELL PROSTHETIC & ORTHOTIC LABORATORY 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 $17,703.35.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-07-08.

What is the justification for the sole-source award, and was a market research conducted to confirm the lack of viable alternatives?

The justification for a sole-source award is critical for understanding why competition was bypassed. A thorough market research report should detail efforts to identify potential sources and explain why only Snell Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory Inc. could meet the requirement. This information is vital for assessing whether the government received fair value and if future solicitations can be opened to broader competition.

How does the per-unit cost of these artificial limbs compare to industry benchmarks or previous competitively awarded contracts for similar items?

Comparing the per-unit cost against industry benchmarks and historical competitive contract data is essential for value assessment. Without this comparison, it's difficult to determine if the $17.7M award represents a fair price for the artificial limbs. Significant deviations from benchmarks could indicate overpricing, especially given the sole-source nature of this award.

What performance metrics and quality assurance measures are in place to ensure the effectiveness and durability of the artificial limbs provided under this contract?

Ensuring the effectiveness and durability of artificial limbs is paramount for veteran well-being. The contract should outline clear performance standards, quality control processes, and mechanisms for addressing defects or failures. Robust oversight is needed to confirm that the prosthetics meet the highest standards and fulfill their intended purpose reliably.

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: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 625 N UNIVERSITY AVE, LITTLE ROCK, AR, 72205

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,703

Exercised Options: $17,703

Current Obligation: $17,703

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline