VA awards $19.5K for Olympus Laparoscope, highlighting surgical instrument needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,500 ($19.5K)

Contractor: Olympus America Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-13

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 78 days

Daily Burn Rate: $250/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: ENDOEYE RIGID VIDEO LAPAROSCOPE

Place of Performance

Location: AMARILLO, POTTER County, TEXAS, 79106

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $19,500 to OLYMPUS AMERICA INC for work described as: ENDOEYE RIGID VIDEO LAPAROSCOPE Key points: 1. The contract is for a specific surgical instrument, the ENDOEYE RIGID VIDEO LAPAROSCOPE. 2. Olympus America Inc. is the sole awardee, indicating potential market concentration. 3. The award is a delivery order under a larger contract, suggesting ongoing procurement needs. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 339112 points to Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing. 5. The contract value is relatively low at $19,500, suggesting a specific, possibly limited, requirement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $19,500 is for a single unit. Benchmarking against similar high-value surgical equipment is difficult without more data on specific models and features. However, for a single rigid video laparoscope, this price point appears within a reasonable range for specialized medical devices.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is positive for price discovery. However, the award to a single vendor, Olympus America Inc., suggests that either only one vendor could meet the specific technical requirements or that competition was limited in practice for this particular delivery order.

Taxpayer Impact: The relatively low contract value of $19,500 suggests a minimal direct impact on taxpayers for this specific order. The broader impact depends on the necessity and utilization of the laparoscope within the VA healthcare system.

Public Impact

Ensures VA surgeons have access to necessary diagnostic and surgical equipment. Supports the operational capabilities of VA medical facilities. Potential for improved patient care through advanced surgical tools. Highlights the VA's reliance on specialized medical device manufacturers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition despite full and open award.
Dependence on a single manufacturer for critical equipment.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Specific need for advanced surgical technology addressed.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare sector, particularly medical device procurement, is characterized by high innovation and specialized manufacturing. Spending in this area is driven by clinical needs, technological advancements, and regulatory requirements. Benchmarks vary widely based on device complexity and intended use.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific participation or set-aside for small businesses in this contract. The award to Olympus America Inc., a large corporation, suggests that small businesses were likely not primary participants in this specific procurement action.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is a delivery order, implying it falls under a previously established contract that likely underwent its own oversight. Further oversight would focus on the utilization and maintenance of the equipment, ensuring it meets clinical standards and provides value.

Related Government Programs

Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition.
Sole source reliance on a specific vendor.
Lack of small business participation.
Need for further price benchmarking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $19,500 to OLYMPUS AMERICA INC. ENDOEYE RIGID VIDEO LAPAROSCOPE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is OLYMPUS AMERICA 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 $19,500.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-13. End: 2026-06-30.

What specific features or technical specifications of the ENDOEYE RIGID VIDEO LAPAROSCOPE made it the chosen instrument, and did these specifications limit the competitive field?

The specific features and technical specifications are not detailed in the provided data. However, advanced imaging capabilities, compatibility with existing surgical systems, and specific ergonomic designs often drive the selection of high-end surgical equipment like video laparoscopes. These specialized requirements can indeed limit the number of manufacturers capable of meeting the precise needs, potentially narrowing the competitive field even under a full and open solicitation.

Given the award to a single vendor, what is the risk of price escalation or supply chain disruption for this critical surgical equipment in future procurements?

The risk of price escalation or supply chain disruption exists when relying on a single vendor for critical equipment. If Olympus America Inc. is the sole manufacturer or primary distributor with limited alternatives, the VA could face higher prices in subsequent orders or delays if the manufacturer experiences production issues. This underscores the importance of monitoring market dynamics and exploring alternative sourcing strategies where feasible.

How effectively does this specific laparoscope contribute to improved patient outcomes and surgical efficiency within the VA healthcare system compared to alternative technologies?

The effectiveness of this specific laparoscope in improving patient outcomes and surgical efficiency cannot be determined solely from the contract data. Its contribution depends on factors such as image clarity, maneuverability, integration with other surgical tools, and the skill of the surgeon using it. A comprehensive assessment would require clinical outcome data, surgeon feedback, and comparisons with other available technologies within the VA system.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing › Surgical and Medical Instrument 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: 3500 CORPORATE PKWY, CENTER VALLEY, PA, 18034

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,500

Exercised Options: $19,500

Current Obligation: $19,500

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36F79721D0168

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline