VA awards $22M for power wheelchairs, with delivery orders extending through March 2026

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,064 ($22.1K)

Contractor: Sunrise Medical (US) LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-03-31

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $735/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: POWER WHEELCHAIR

Place of Performance

Location: MOUNT JULIET, WILSON County, TENNESSEE, 37122

State: Tennessee Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $22,063.56 to SUNRISE MEDICAL (US) LLC for work described as: POWER WHEELCHAIR Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment. 2. The contract is for power wheelchairs, a critical medical supply for veterans. 3. Delivery orders are expected to continue through March 2026, indicating ongoing need. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 339113 points to surgical appliance and supplies manufacturing. 5. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which helps manage cost certainty. 6. The award was made by the Department of Veterans Affairs, serving a specific veteran population.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $22.06 million for power wheelchairs appears reasonable given the duration and nature of the product. Benchmarking against similar contracts for durable medical equipment would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed price structure offers cost predictability for the VA. Without specific per-unit cost data or comparison to market rates for comparable power wheelchairs, a definitive value assessment is challenging, but the competitive award process is a positive indicator.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The presence of multiple bidders, though not explicitly stated, is implied by this competition type. This process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition awards. The VA leveraged a competitive environment to procure these essential medical devices.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive nature of this award, as it is expected to drive down prices and ensure the VA receives the best possible value for its investment in veteran healthcare.

Public Impact

Veterans requiring mobility assistance will benefit from the supply of power wheelchairs. The services delivered include the provision of essential durable medical equipment. The contract is managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, primarily serving the veteran population. The award is associated with the manufacturing of surgical appliances and supplies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for long-term reliance on specific suppliers if follow-on contracts are not competitively bid.
Ensuring the quality and reliability of power wheelchairs meets the diverse needs of veterans.
Managing the logistics and distribution of power wheelchairs to veterans across various locations.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing potential for competitive pricing.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for the agency.
Clear end date for the delivery orders helps in budget planning.
The contract addresses a critical need for mobility assistance for veterans.

Sector Analysis

The power wheelchair market falls within the broader durable medical equipment (DME) sector, which is a significant part of the healthcare industry. This sector is characterized by technological advancements, regulatory oversight, and a strong demand driven by an aging population and increased prevalence of chronic conditions. Spending on DME by government agencies like the VA is substantial, often benchmarked against private insurance reimbursement rates and other federal procurement data. The manufacturing of these devices involves specialized engineering and adherence to strict quality standards.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not provided in the data. As this was a full and open competition, it is possible that small businesses could have participated as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement and its impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for the oversight of this contract. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract terms, including performance standards, delivery schedules, and payment terms. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Procurement
Veterans Health Administration Services
Medical Supplies Manufacturing Contracts
Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) for Medical Equipment

Risk Flags

Potential for price increases if market conditions change significantly over the contract duration.
Ensuring consistent quality and reliability of power wheelchairs delivered.
Dependence on a single awardee for a critical supply line.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $22,063.56 to SUNRISE MEDICAL (US) LLC. 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 $22,063.56.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-31. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for power wheelchairs by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for power wheelchairs by the VA is crucial for understanding trends, identifying potential cost efficiencies, and forecasting future needs. While specific historical data for this contract is not provided, the VA consistently procures significant quantities of durable medical equipment to support its beneficiaries. Past contract awards, their values, durations, and competition levels can reveal whether spending has been increasing or decreasing, and if the VA has historically relied on competitive bidding or other procurement methods. Examining these patterns can highlight any shifts in technology, patient demographics, or VA policy that might influence procurement strategies and costs over time. Understanding this context helps in evaluating the current award's value and potential for future savings.

How does the per-unit cost of these power wheelchairs compare to market rates or similar federal contracts?

A key aspect of assessing value for money is comparing the per-unit cost of these power wheelchairs to prevailing market rates and similar federal contracts. Without explicit per-unit pricing in the provided data, this comparison is challenging. However, the fact that the contract was awarded under full and open competition suggests that the VA likely received competitive bids, which should align pricing with market realities. To conduct a thorough analysis, one would need to access detailed pricing information from the contract and benchmark it against publicly available data for comparable power wheelchairs, considering factors like features, brand, and warranty. Comparing against contracts awarded by other federal agencies or through the General Services Administration (GSA) schedules can also provide valuable insights into fair pricing.

What are the potential risks associated with the long-term delivery schedule extending to March 2026?

The long-term delivery schedule extending to March 2026 for power wheelchairs presents several potential risks. Firstly, technological advancements in power wheelchair design could render the current models obsolete or less effective before the contract's end, potentially leading to suboptimal patient care or the need for early contract renegotiation. Secondly, market prices for components or finished products could fluctuate significantly over this period, impacting the fixed-price agreement if costs rise unexpectedly for the contractor. Thirdly, there's a risk of contractor performance degradation over time, especially if competition diminishes in subsequent phases or if the contractor faces internal operational challenges. Finally, changes in VA healthcare needs or budget allocations could necessitate adjustments to the quantity or type of wheelchairs required, posing a risk to the contract's relevance and efficiency.

What is the track record of Sunrise Medical (US) LLC as a federal contractor, particularly with the VA?

Sunrise Medical (US) LLC's track record as a federal contractor, especially with the Department of Veterans Affairs, is a critical factor in assessing the reliability and performance of this award. A review of past federal contract awards to Sunrise Medical would reveal their history of on-time delivery, product quality, and compliance with contract terms. Examining past performance evaluations, any reported disputes or contract terminations, and the volume and type of contracts they have held with the VA can provide significant insights. A strong history suggests a lower risk of performance issues, while a history of problems might warrant closer scrutiny of this current award and its oversight. Understanding their experience with similar medical equipment and their capacity to meet VA's specific requirements is essential.

How does the procurement of power wheelchairs fit into the VA's broader strategy for providing durable medical equipment?

The procurement of power wheelchairs is an integral component of the VA's comprehensive strategy to provide essential durable medical equipment (DME) to veterans, enabling them to maintain independence and quality of life. This contract aligns with the VA's mission to offer a full spectrum of healthcare services, including assistive devices that address mobility impairments. The VA likely manages its DME procurement through a combination of methods, including large-scale contracts like this one, potentially supplemented by other vehicles such as the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS). The decision to award this contract under full and open competition suggests a strategic approach to ensure cost-effectiveness and access to a wide range of suitable products. This specific award contributes to the overall availability and timely provision of critical mobility aids for veterans nationwide.

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: $22,064

Exercised Options: $22,064

Current Obligation: $22,064

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36F79721D0063

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline