VA awards $17K for prosthetic devices, highlighting a need for competitive bidding in specialized medical supplies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,098 ($17.1K)

Contractor: Texoma Orthotics & Prosthetics PLLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-06-06

Contract Duration: 61 days

Daily Burn Rate: $280/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: PROSTHESIS BK EXTREMITY

Place of Performance

Location: LAWTON, COMANCHE County, OKLAHOMA, 73501

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $17,097.59 to TEXOMA ORTHOTICS & PROSTHETICS PLLC for work described as: PROSTHESIS BK EXTREMITY Key points: 1. Limited competition may lead to higher costs for essential prosthetic devices. 2. The contract duration is short, suggesting potential for frequent re-evaluation and bidding opportunities. 3. Focus on a specific prosthetic type indicates a niche market with specialized suppliers. 4. The award value is relatively small, but represents critical patient care. 5. Oversight is needed to ensure fair pricing and quality for veteran prosthetic needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award of $17,097.59 for prosthetic devices appears to be a single purchase order. Without comparable contract data for similar prosthetic devices or a clear benchmark for this specific item, it is difficult to definitively assess value for money. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides some cost certainty, but the lack of competition raises concerns about whether the VA secured the most advantageous pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded as a 'NOT COMPETED' purchase order, indicating a sole-source or limited competition scenario. The data does not specify the reason for this approach, such as an emergency, a unique capability, or a previous relationship. The lack of open competition means that multiple potential suppliers were not evaluated, which can limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of competitive bidding, as the government did not leverage market forces to drive down prices for these prosthetic devices.

Public Impact

Veterans in Oklahoma requiring prosthetic extremity devices will benefit from this contract. The contract ensures the availability of essential prosthetic appliances for patient care. The geographic impact is localized to the service area of Texoma Orthotics & Prosthetics PLLC. This award supports specialized healthcare services within the veteran community.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may result in inflated pricing.
Transparency regarding the sole-source justification is limited.
Potential for vendor lock-in if not re-competed effectively.

Positive Signals

Ensures timely access to necessary prosthetic devices for veterans.
Fixed-price contract provides cost predictability for this specific award.
Supports a small business in providing specialized medical equipment.

Sector Analysis

The market for prosthetic devices falls under the broader healthcare and medical equipment sector. This specific contract addresses a niche within surgical appliances and supplies manufacturing. The overall market for prosthetics is driven by technological advancements, an aging population, and the prevalence of conditions requiring limb replacement or support. Federal agencies, particularly the Department of Veterans Affairs, are significant purchasers of these supplies to serve the veteran population.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded to 'TEXOMA ORTHOTICS & PROSTHETICS PLLC'. While the size standard for NAICS code 339113 (Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing) can vary, this award could potentially benefit a small business. However, without explicit information on whether this was a small business set-aside or if subcontracting opportunities exist, its direct impact on the broader small business ecosystem remains unclear. Further investigation into the contractor's size status would be beneficial.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' procurement and program management offices. As a purchase order, it is subject to standard federal acquisition regulations and internal VA policies. Transparency regarding the justification for the sole-source award and the pricing structure would be key areas for oversight. Inspector General involvement would typically be triggered by allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

VA Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service
Durable Medical Equipment Contracts
Surgical Supplies Procurement
Veteran Healthcare Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks transparency on competition.
Potential for above-market pricing due to limited bidding.
Short contract duration may indicate specific, immediate need or require frequent re-evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $17,097.59 to TEXOMA ORTHOTICS & PROSTHETICS PLLC. PROSTHESIS BK EXTREMITY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TEXOMA ORTHOTICS & PROSTHETICS PLLC.

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 $17,097.59.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the typical pricing for similar prosthetic extremity devices purchased by the VA or other federal agencies?

Determining the typical pricing for similar prosthetic extremity devices requires access to a broader dataset of federal procurement awards, specifically for NAICS code 339113 and related product service codes. Without this comparative data, it is challenging to benchmark the $17,097.59 award effectively. Factors influencing price include the specific type of prosthesis (e.g., below-knee, above-knee, specific components), materials used, customization requirements, and the vendor's overhead and profit margins. A comprehensive analysis would involve querying contract databases for similar items awarded over a relevant period, filtering by agency and contract type, and then calculating average prices and price ranges to assess if this award falls within expected parameters. The current data's sole-source nature further complicates this comparison, as competitive bids often drive prices down.

What specific prosthetic device is being procured under this contract?

The contract data specifies the description as 'PROSTHESIS BK EXTREMITY', which indicates a below-knee (BK) prosthetic device for an extremity. However, the data does not provide granular details about the specific model, manufacturer, components, or materials of the prosthetic device. This level of detail is crucial for a thorough cost-benefit analysis and for comparing the value received against market rates. Prosthetic devices can range significantly in complexity and cost, from basic functional limbs to highly advanced, microprocessor-controlled systems. Understanding the exact nature of the device would allow for a more accurate assessment of whether the $17,097.59 price point is reasonable within the context of its intended use and technological sophistication.

Why was this contract awarded on a sole-source basis?

The provided data indicates the contract was awarded under 'NOT COMPETED,' signifying a sole-source or limited competition procurement. The specific justification for this approach is not detailed in the data. Common reasons for sole-source awards include situations where only one responsible source can fulfill the requirement, an urgent and compelling need exists, or the acquisition is for a specialized product or service with limited market availability. For this prosthetic device, potential justifications could include a unique customization requirement for a specific veteran, a proprietary technology held by Texoma Orthotics & Prosthetics, or a critical and immediate need that precluded a full and open competition process. Without further documentation from the agency, the precise rationale remains unknown.

What is the track record of Texoma Orthotics & Prosthetics PLLC with federal contracts?

Based on the provided data, Texoma Orthotics & Prosthetics PLLC has received this specific purchase order from the Department of Veterans Affairs. To assess their broader track record, a search of federal procurement databases (like FPDS or USASpending) would be necessary to identify any prior or subsequent contracts awarded to this entity. This would reveal the volume and value of contracts they have held, the agencies they have served, and their performance history. A history of successful, timely, and high-quality contract performance would be a positive indicator, while a pattern of issues or disputes could raise concerns. Understanding their experience with similar prosthetic devices and their overall relationship with the VA would provide valuable context for this current award.

What is the expected impact of this contract on veteran access to prosthetic care in Oklahoma?

This contract is expected to directly improve veteran access to prosthetic care in Oklahoma by ensuring the availability of a below-knee extremity prosthesis. By awarding this contract to Texoma Orthotics & Prosthetics PLLC, the Department of Veterans Affairs is fulfilling a specific need for a veteran or group of veterans in the region. The short duration (61 days) suggests this might be for an immediate or short-term need, or part of a larger, ongoing supply chain management strategy. The localized nature of the award implies that veterans within the service area of the contractor will have a direct avenue for obtaining the necessary prosthetic device, potentially reducing wait times and improving continuity of care.

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

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1915 W GORE BLVD, LAWTON, OK, 73501

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,098

Exercised Options: $17,098

Current Obligation: $17,098

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline