VA awards $16.9M for prosthetic limbs, with limited competition and a focus on Oklahoma

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,977 ($17.0K)

Contractor: Martin Bionics Clinical Care LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-06-03

Contract Duration: 61 days

Daily Burn Rate: $278/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: PROS - PROSTHETIC LIMB

Place of Performance

Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73104

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $16,977.48 to MARTIN BIONICS CLINICAL CARE LLC for work described as: PROS - PROSTHETIC LIMB Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single vendor, raising questions about price competitiveness. 2. The contract duration is relatively short, suggesting potential for future re-competition. 3. The award is a purchase order, typically used for smaller value acquisitions. 4. The vendor is based in Oklahoma, potentially indicating a regional focus for service delivery. 5. The product category is surgical appliances, a critical area for veteran care. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized for this procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $16.9 million for prosthetic limbs appears significant, but without a competitive bidding process, it's difficult to benchmark its value for money. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides some cost certainty, but the lack of competition could lead to inflated pricing compared to a more open market. Further analysis would require comparing this award to similar prosthetic limb contracts awarded through competitive means.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed under the simplified acquisition procedures, indicating it was likely awarded through a sole-source or limited competition justification. The absence of a competitive process means that multiple vendors were not given the opportunity to bid, which can limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for these essential prosthetic limbs, as the government did not benefit from a bidding war among potential suppliers.

Public Impact

Veterans requiring prosthetic limbs will benefit from the services and supplies provided under this contract. The contract ensures the availability of prosthetic devices, crucial for the mobility and quality of life for beneficiaries. Services are likely to be delivered within Oklahoma, given the vendor's location. The contract supports the healthcare needs of the veteran population served by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
Limited transparency into the vendor selection process due to sole-source award.
Potential for price increases in future contract renewals if competition remains limited.

Positive Signals

Ensures supply of critical prosthetic devices for veterans.
Fixed-price contract offers cost predictability.
Vendor is contracted to provide necessary medical equipment.

Sector Analysis

The market for prosthetic devices is a specialized segment within the broader healthcare manufacturing industry. This contract falls under the Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing sector (NAICS 339113). The Department of Veterans Affairs is a significant purchaser of medical equipment, including prosthetics, to serve its veteran population. Benchmarking this spending would involve comparing it to other VA contracts for similar devices or to large-scale procurements by other federal health agencies.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. The absence of these provisions means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in fulfilling this contract are not explicitly guaranteed, potentially limiting their engagement in this procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' procurement and program management offices. As a purchase order, it is subject to standard government contracting regulations and oversight. The VA's Office of Inspector General would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this award.

Related Government Programs

Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Equipment Procurement
Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices
Federal Healthcare Supply Chain Management
Surgical Appliance Manufacturing

Risk Flags

Limited competition may lead to higher costs.
Lack of transparency in vendor selection.
Potential for supply chain disruption if vendor faces issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $16,977.48 to MARTIN BIONICS CLINICAL CARE LLC. PROS - PROSTHETIC LIMB

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MARTIN BIONICS CLINICAL CARE 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 $16,977.48.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-06-03.

What is the track record of Martin Bionics Clinical Care LLC with the federal government, particularly the VA?

Information on Martin Bionics Clinical Care LLC's specific track record with the federal government, especially the Department of Veterans Affairs, is not detailed in the provided data. However, the award of this $16.9 million contract suggests a level of established capability or a specific niche that led to this sole-source or limited competition award. Further investigation into their past performance, other federal contracts, and any performance reviews would be necessary to fully assess their track record. Without this, it's difficult to gauge their reliability and past success in delivering similar products or services to the government.

How does the pricing of this prosthetic limb contract compare to similar contracts awarded competitively?

Direct comparison of pricing is challenging without access to competitive bidding data for this specific contract. As this was not competed under SAP, it suggests a sole-source or limited competition justification was used. Typically, competitive procurements result in lower prices due to market forces and vendor incentives to offer the best value. To assess the value for money, one would need to identify comparable prosthetic limb contracts awarded competitively by the VA or other federal agencies, analyze their unit costs, and then benchmark the current award against those figures. The current data does not provide sufficient information for such a comparison.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source award for prosthetic limbs?

The primary risks associated with a sole-source award for prosthetic limbs include potential overpayment due to lack of price competition, reduced innovation from suppliers who do not need to compete, and a lack of transparency in the vendor selection process. Taxpayers may bear a higher cost than necessary. Furthermore, reliance on a single vendor could create supply chain vulnerabilities if that vendor experiences production issues or financial instability. The government also misses out on the potential for discovering new or more cost-effective solutions that might emerge from a competitive bidding environment.

How effective is the Department of Veterans Affairs in procuring prosthetic limbs to meet veteran needs?

The effectiveness of the VA in procuring prosthetic limbs is suggested by the ongoing need for such contracts, like this $16.9 million award. The VA's mission is to provide comprehensive healthcare to veterans, and prosthetic limbs are a critical component of that care for many. The existence of this contract indicates a commitment to fulfilling that need. However, the effectiveness can be further evaluated by examining veteran satisfaction rates with the prosthetics received, the timeliness of delivery, and the overall quality of the devices. The current data points to the VA's activity in this area but not necessarily its comprehensive effectiveness.

What are the historical spending patterns for prosthetic limbs by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Historical spending patterns for prosthetic limbs by the Department of Veterans Affairs are not detailed in the provided data. However, the VA has consistently been a major purchaser of medical supplies and equipment, including prosthetics, due to its large veteran population with diverse healthcare needs. Annual spending can fluctuate based on demand, technological advancements, and specific program initiatives. To understand historical patterns, one would need to analyze multi-year procurement data from the VA, looking at total spending, the number of contracts awarded, and the types of prosthetic devices procured over time.

What is the typical duration for contracts related to prosthetic limb supply?

The typical duration for contracts related to prosthetic limb supply can vary significantly depending on the scope of the contract, the complexity of the devices, and the procurement strategy. This particular contract has a duration of 61 days (from April 3, 2026, to June 3, 2026), which is quite short and suggests it might be for immediate needs or a specific, limited supply. Longer-term contracts, often with options for renewal, can extend for several years to ensure a stable supply chain and leverage economies of scale. The short duration here might indicate a bridge contract or a specific, time-bound requirement.

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 UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 214 E MAIN ST, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 73104

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,977

Exercised Options: $16,977

Current Obligation: $16,977

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline