VA awards $2.89M for external fixation surgical hardware, with limited competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,891 ($28.9K)

Contractor: Buffalo Supply Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-07-01

Contract Duration: 90 days

Daily Burn Rate: $321/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: EXTERNAL FIXATION SURGICAL HARDWARE

Place of Performance

Location: PORTLAND, MULTNOMAH County, OREGON, 97239

State: Oregon Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $28,891.03 to BUFFALO SUPPLY INC. for work described as: EXTERNAL FIXATION SURGICAL HARDWARE Key points: 1. The contract value of $2.89 million for surgical hardware appears reasonable given the product category. 2. Limited competition for this contract may have impacted pricing and the range of available solutions. 3. The short performance period of 90 days suggests a need for immediate supply or a specific project. 4. This contract falls within the broader category of medical supplies, a critical area for the VA. 5. The award to Buffalo Supply Inc. represents a single vendor solution for this specific hardware need.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific contract is challenging without detailed product specifications and market data for external fixation hardware. However, the $2.89 million award for a 90-day delivery period suggests a significant volume or high-value components. Compared to similar broad medical supply contracts, the per-unit cost would need to be assessed against industry standards. The lack of competitive bidding raises concerns about whether the government secured the best possible price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was not competed openly, indicated by the 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status. The specific reasons for this limited competition are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, limited competition can arise from urgent needs, lack of qualified sources, or specific technical requirements. The absence of a broad bidding process means that the VA did not benefit from the price discovery and innovation that typically occurs in a full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may have paid a premium due to the lack of competitive pressure. Without multiple bids, there is less assurance that the price reflects the lowest achievable cost for the required hardware.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving care will benefit from the availability of necessary surgical hardware for orthopedic procedures. The services delivered include the supply of external fixation surgical hardware, crucial for trauma and reconstructive surgery. The geographic impact is primarily within the VA healthcare system, serving veterans nationwide. This contract supports the medical device manufacturing sector and ensures the VA's supply chain for critical orthopedic equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
Lack of transparency in the procurement process raises questions about fairness and efficiency.
Reliance on a single vendor could create supply chain vulnerabilities if the vendor faces issues.

Positive Signals

Ensures critical surgical hardware is available for veteran care.
The award is to a known supplier, potentially indicating a pre-existing relationship or expertise.
The contract specifies a firm fixed price, providing cost certainty for this period.

Sector Analysis

The market for surgical hardware, including external fixation devices, is a specialized segment within the broader medical device industry. This sector is characterized by innovation, stringent regulatory requirements, and a mix of large manufacturers and smaller specialized firms. Federal agencies like the VA are significant purchasers of such medical supplies, often relying on contracts to ensure consistent access to necessary equipment for healthcare providers. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within GSA schedules or other large IDIQ contracts for medical equipment.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). There is no information regarding subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award is likely minimal, as it was not designed to promote small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' procurement and contracting offices. Accountability measures are typically embedded in the contract terms, including delivery schedules and quality standards. Transparency is limited due to the non-competitive nature of the award. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Equipment Procurement
Surgical Supplies Contracts
Orthopedic Devices
Federal Healthcare Spending

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Potential for Overpricing
Supply Chain Risk (Sole Vendor)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $28,891.03 to BUFFALO SUPPLY INC.. EXTERNAL FIXATION SURGICAL HARDWARE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BUFFALO SUPPLY 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 $28,891.03.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-07-01.

What is the specific type and intended use of the 'EXTERNAL FIXATION SURGICAL HARDWARE' being procured?

External fixation surgical hardware refers to devices used in orthopedic surgery to stabilize bone fractures or correct deformities. These systems typically involve pins or screws inserted into the bone, connected to an external frame. They are crucial for treating complex fractures, particularly in cases of severe trauma, open fractures, or when internal fixation is not immediately feasible. The specific type procured by the VA would detail the components, materials, and intended applications, such as limb lengthening, fracture management, or post-operative stabilization. Understanding the precise nature of the hardware is essential for assessing its criticality and the justification for limited competition.

What is the historical spending pattern for this specific type of surgical hardware by the VA?

Analyzing historical spending for external fixation surgical hardware by the VA is crucial for context. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to determine if the $2.89 million award represents an increase, decrease, or consistent level of spending. Past contracts, their values, durations, and the number of bidders would provide insights into market trends and the VA's typical procurement approach for these items. A review of previous years' spending could reveal if this is a recurring need, if prices have fluctuated, and whether competition has historically been limited. This information helps in evaluating the current award's value and the justification for its terms.

What are the specific reasons cited for the 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status?

The 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status indicates that the contract was awarded without soliciting bids from multiple sources. Common justifications for such a designation include: sole-source availability (only one vendor can provide the item), urgent and compelling needs where competition is impractical, or specific technical requirements that only one contractor can meet. The VA would need to provide a formal justification and approval (J&A) document detailing the specific circumstances that precluded full and open competition for this external fixation hardware. Without this documentation, it is impossible to fully assess the validity of the limited competition.

How does the price of this contract compare to similar external fixation hardware procured by other federal agencies or the commercial market?

A comprehensive value assessment requires benchmarking this contract's pricing against comparable procurements. This involves comparing the unit costs of similar external fixation devices acquired by other federal agencies (e.g., DoD, HHS) or analyzing prices listed on commercial healthcare supply platforms and distributor catalogs. Factors such as volume discounts, contract terms, and specific product configurations can influence price. If this contract's pricing is significantly higher than benchmarks, it could indicate a lack of effective price competition or potentially inflated costs due to the non-competitive award.

What is Buffalo Supply Inc.'s track record in supplying medical hardware to the federal government, particularly the VA?

Evaluating Buffalo Supply Inc.'s track record is essential for understanding their reliability and performance. Information on past federal contracts awarded to this company, including their value, duration, and performance ratings (if available through sources like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), would be beneficial. Specifically, their history with supplying similar orthopedic or surgical hardware to the VA would provide direct insight into their capabilities, quality of products, and adherence to delivery schedules. A strong performance history suggests a lower risk for this contract, while a poor record would raise concerns.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source or limited competition award for critical medical supplies?

Sole-source or limited competition awards for critical medical supplies carry several potential risks. Firstly, the lack of competition can lead to higher prices, meaning taxpayers may overpay for the necessary hardware. Secondly, it can stifle innovation, as vendors have less incentive to offer competitive pricing or develop new solutions when they are the only option. Thirdly, it can create supply chain vulnerabilities; if the sole provider experiences production issues, financial instability, or delivery problems, the government's access to critical supplies could be jeopardized, potentially impacting patient care. Finally, it reduces transparency and accountability in the procurement process.

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 AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1650 COAL CREEK DR, LAFAYETTE, CO, 80026

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,891

Exercised Options: $28,891

Current Obligation: $28,891

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C10G23D0073

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline