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 competitive pricing. 2. Limited competition may indicate a specialized need or a lack of market alternatives. 3. The contract duration is relatively short, suggesting potential for future re-competition. 4. The award is a purchase order, a common mechanism for acquiring goods and services. 5. The vendor is based in Oklahoma, potentially indicating a focus on regional support. 6. The contract type is firm fixed price, providing cost certainty for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $16.9 million for prosthetic limbs over a two-month period appears high on a per-diem basis. Without specific details on the quantity and type of prosthetic limbs, a direct comparison to similar contracts is difficult. However, the short duration and sole-source nature suggest that pricing may not have been optimized through robust market competition. Further analysis of unit costs and comparison to industry benchmarks would be necessary to fully assess value for money.

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 indicates that the Department of Veterans Affairs identified a specific vendor, Martin Bionics Clinical Care LLC, as the only source capable of meeting the requirement. The lack of competition means that the VA did not benefit from multiple bids to drive down prices or explore a wider range of solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source award limits the government's ability to leverage market competition to secure the best possible price for taxpayers. This could result in a higher overall cost compared to a competitively bid contract.

Public Impact

Veterans requiring prosthetic limbs will benefit from the services delivered under this contract. The contract is expected to provide essential prosthetic devices and related care. The geographic impact appears to be focused on Oklahoma, where the contractor is located. The contract supports the healthcare sector by ensuring the availability of critical medical equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to higher prices.
Short contract duration could necessitate frequent re-procurement, increasing administrative burden.
Limited information on specific prosthetic types makes value assessment challenging.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed price contract provides cost predictability.
Award to a specific vendor suggests a potentially specialized capability.
Contract ensures continued access to necessary prosthetic devices for veterans.

Sector Analysis

The prosthetic limb industry is a specialized segment within the broader medical device and healthcare sector. It involves the design, manufacturing, and distribution of artificial limbs to restore function and mobility for individuals with limb loss. This contract, valued at $16.9 million, falls within the typical spending range for significant procurements of specialized medical equipment. The market is characterized by a mix of large manufacturers and smaller, specialized providers, with a growing emphasis on advanced materials and personalized solutions.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract involved a small business set-aside. The award was made to Martin Bionics Clinical Care LLC on a sole-source basis. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from this specific award. The absence of a set-aside means that opportunities for small businesses to compete for this particular requirement were not actively pursued.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs has oversight mechanisms in place for all its contracts. This purchase order will be subject to standard procurement regulations and internal VA auditing processes. Transparency is maintained through contract databases, though the specific details of the sole-source justification would require further inquiry. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices
Medical Supplies and Equipment
Veterans Health Administration Services
Durable Medical Equipment

Risk Flags

Sole-source award may result in non-competitive pricing.
Limited contract duration requires frequent re-competition.
Lack of detailed product specifications hinders value assessment.

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 specific type and quantity of prosthetic limbs being procured under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact types or quantities of prosthetic limbs. The contract is categorized under NAICS code 339113 (Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing), which covers a range of products. To conduct a thorough value analysis, understanding the specific models, components, and intended use of these prosthetic limbs is crucial. This information would allow for a more accurate comparison with market prices for similar devices and assess if the $16.9 million award is commensurate with the goods and services being acquired.

What is the justification for the sole-source award to Martin Bionics Clinical Care LLC?

The data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' and awarded as a sole-source purchase order. The specific justification for this sole-source designation is not provided in the abbreviated data. Typically, sole-source awards are made when only one vendor possesses the unique capability, technology, or proprietary product required, or in cases of urgent and compelling need where competition is not feasible. A detailed review of the VA's justification documentation would be necessary to understand the rationale behind selecting Martin Bionics Clinical Care LLC without competition.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar prosthetic devices?

Without detailed specifications of the prosthetic limbs being procured, a precise comparison to industry benchmarks is not possible. The contract value is $16.9 million for a two-month period. If this represents a large volume of high-end prosthetic devices, the per-unit cost might be reasonable. Conversely, if it's for a smaller quantity or less complex devices, the cost could be elevated due to the lack of competition. Benchmarking would require identifying comparable devices, their market prices, and the typical profit margins in the prosthetic industry.

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

The provided data identifies Martin Bionics Clinical Care LLC as the contractor. However, it does not offer details on their past performance, contract history, or any prior awards with the Department of Veterans Affairs or other federal agencies. A comprehensive assessment of the contractor's track record would involve reviewing their performance history on previous contracts, including any quality issues, delivery timeliness, and overall client satisfaction, which is typically available through federal procurement databases.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for essential medical supplies like prosthetic limbs?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award for essential medical supplies is the potential for inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive pressure. Taxpayers may end up paying more than necessary. Additionally, reliance on a single supplier can create vulnerabilities in the supply chain; if the sole provider experiences production issues, delivery delays, or ceases operations, the government may face significant disruptions in obtaining critical supplies. This can impact the care provided to beneficiaries, in this case, veterans.

What is the historical spending pattern for prosthetic limbs by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

The provided data focuses on a single contract award and does not offer historical spending patterns for prosthetic limbs by the VA. To analyze historical spending, one would need to examine procurement data over several fiscal years, identifying all contracts related to prosthetic devices, their values, award types (competed vs. sole-source), and the contractors involved. This would reveal trends in spending, identify key suppliers, and highlight any shifts in procurement strategies or market dynamics over time.

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