VA awards $54K for ISTAR Edge G2 Controller Panels to Paladin Technologies under sole-source contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $54,298 ($54.3K)

Contractor: Paladin Technologies (USA) Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-02-20

End Date: 2026-04-17

Contract Duration: 56 days

Daily Burn Rate: $970/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: EMERGENCY - REPLACEMENT ISTAR EDGE G2 CONTROLLER PANELS

Place of Performance

Location: POWAY, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92064

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $54,298.06 to PALADIN TECHNOLOGIES (USA) INC. for work described as: EMERGENCY - REPLACEMENT ISTAR EDGE G2 CONTROLLER PANELS Key points: 1. The contract is for specialized communication equipment, indicating a niche market. 2. Paladin Technologies is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The short performance period suggests an urgent need or a specific project phase. 4. The award is classified under 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing'.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $54,298.06 is relatively small. Without specific benchmarks for ISTAR Edge G2 controller panels, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing. However, the sole-source nature may have limited price discovery.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and was awarded as a sole-source purchase order. This limits competitive pressure and may result in a higher price than if multiple vendors had bid.

Taxpayer Impact: The direct taxpayer impact is limited to the $54,298.06 awarded. However, the lack of competition could represent a missed opportunity for cost savings.

Public Impact

Veterans may experience improved communication systems due to the replacement controller panels. The acquisition supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' operational readiness. The use of sole-source contracting can impact the availability of similar equipment to other government agencies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Lack of clear justification for sole-source.
Short performance period may indicate urgency or rushed procurement.

Positive Signals

Supports critical VA communication infrastructure.
Specific equipment likely meets unique operational needs.

Sector Analysis

The award falls under 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing,' a broad category. Spending benchmarks for specialized ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) components are not readily available, making direct comparison difficult.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were considered or had the capability to fulfill this requirement.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a purchase order by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Oversight would focus on the justification for the sole-source award and adherence to procurement regulations.

Related Government Programs

Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award.
Lack of competition.
Potential for higher cost.
Limited vendor options for future needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $54,298.06 to PALADIN TECHNOLOGIES (USA) INC.. EMERGENCY - REPLACEMENT ISTAR EDGE G2 CONTROLLER PANELS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PALADIN TECHNOLOGIES (USA) 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 $54,298.06.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-02-20. End: 2026-04-17.

What is the specific operational need driving the requirement for ISTAR Edge G2 controller panels, and why is Paladin Technologies the only viable source?

The specific operational need likely relates to maintaining or upgrading critical Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) systems within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The sole-source justification is crucial here; it could stem from proprietary technology, unique compatibility requirements with existing systems, or a lack of other qualified vendors capable of producing or servicing these specialized panels within the required timeframe. Without this justification, the award raises concerns about fair opportunity.

What is the risk associated with a sole-source award for specialized communication equipment, particularly concerning long-term sustainment and potential obsolescence?

The primary risk of a sole-source award is the potential for inflated pricing due to a lack of competition. Furthermore, relying on a single vendor for specialized equipment can create long-term sustainment challenges if that vendor experiences financial difficulties, changes their product line, or discontinues support. This can also lead to vendor lock-in, making it difficult and costly to transition to alternative solutions or newer technologies if the equipment becomes obsolete.

How does this procurement contribute to the overall effectiveness of the VA's communication infrastructure and its mission to serve veterans?

This procurement directly contributes to the effectiveness of the VA's communication infrastructure by ensuring the proper functioning of ISTAR systems. These systems are vital for situational awareness, operational planning, and potentially for security or emergency response coordination within VA facilities. By replacing or upgrading controller panels, the VA aims to maintain the reliability and performance of these critical communication assets, thereby supporting its overarching mission to provide essential services to veterans.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12 W 21ST ST FL 3R, NEW YORK, NY, 10010

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $54,298

Exercised Options: $54,298

Current Obligation: $54,298

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline