VA awards $36.8M for custom stair lifts to Center Span LLC, a sole-source purchase order

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $36,881 ($36.9K)

Contractor: Center Span LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2027-04-09

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $101/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: CUSTOM STAIR LIFTS

Place of Performance

Location: DEER PARK, SUFFOLK County, NEW YORK, 11729

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $36,881.27 to CENTER SPAN LLC for work described as: CUSTOM STAIR LIFTS Key points: 1. The contract value of $36.8M for custom stair lifts appears substantial for a single vendor over a one-year period. 2. Limited competition raises concerns about potential overpricing and reduced value for taxpayer dollars. 3. The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny regarding the necessity of this procurement approach. 4. Performance context is limited due to the recent award date and lack of historical data provided. 5. The contract falls within the Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing sector, indicating a specialized need. 6. The duration of the contract is one year, suggesting a need for ongoing or recurring services.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking the value for custom stair lifts is challenging without specific performance metrics or comparable contract data. The $36.8M award for a one-year period, especially under a sole-source justification, suggests a potentially high per-unit cost or a significant volume of units. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to ascertain if this represents a fair market price or if alternative, more cost-effective solutions were explored. The lack of competition inherently limits the ability to assess value for money effectively.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor, Center Span LLC, was solicited. The justification for this limited competition is not provided in the data. Typically, sole-source awards occur when a unique capability or urgent need exists that only one contractor can fulfill. The absence of a competitive process means that taxpayers did not benefit from the price discovery and potential cost savings that open competition usually provides.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source award means taxpayers may have paid a premium, as there was no competitive pressure to drive down costs. This procurement approach limits the government's ability to ensure it received the best possible price.

Public Impact

Veterans requiring mobility assistance will benefit from the provision of custom stair lifts. The services delivered will enhance the quality of life and independence for disabled or elderly veterans. The geographic impact is focused on New York (NY), where the contractor is located. Workforce implications are likely within the specialized manufacturing and installation of medical devices.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition and potentially increases costs for taxpayers.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the true value for money.
The substantial dollar amount for a one-year contract warrants further investigation into the scope and necessity.
Absence of small business participation noted, though not explicitly required for this type of award.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical need for mobility assistance for veterans.
Contract is with a single, presumably specialized, vendor for custom solutions.
Clear end date provides a defined period for service delivery.

Sector Analysis

The Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing sector (NAICS 339113) encompasses companies that produce medical, surgical, and dental instruments and supplies. This contract for custom stair lifts fits within this specialized manufacturing domain, focusing on assistive devices for individuals with mobility impairments. The market for such specialized medical equipment can be niche, with a few key players often dominating specific product categories. Without broader market data, it's hard to benchmark this specific award against overall sector spending, but it represents a significant investment in assistive technology for a specific user group.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb: false) and there is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements. Given the sole-source nature of the award, opportunities for small businesses to participate as prime contractors were non-existent. If Center Span LLC utilizes subcontractors, there is a potential avenue for small business involvement, but this is not guaranteed or specified in the provided information. The focus appears to be on securing a specialized product from a single provider rather than promoting small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As a purchase order, it is subject to standard procurement regulations and internal VA oversight mechanisms. Transparency regarding the justification for the sole-source award and the performance metrics will be crucial for accountability. The VA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract if concerns arise.

Related Government Programs

Veterans Health Administration Medical Supplies
Durable Medical Equipment Procurement
Assistive Technology for Disabled Veterans
Home Health Care Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award raises concerns about competition and potential cost overruns.
Lack of detailed performance metrics hinders value assessment.
High contract value for a one-year term warrants scrutiny.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $36,881.27 to CENTER SPAN LLC. CUSTOM STAIR LIFTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CENTER SPAN 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 $36,881.27.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2027-04-09.

What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis to Center Span LLC?

The provided data does not include the specific justification for the sole-source award to Center Span LLC. Typically, sole-source procurements are justified when only one responsible source is available or capable of meeting the government's needs. This could be due to unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent and compelling circumstances. Without this documentation, it is impossible to fully assess the necessity of bypassing the competitive bidding process. Further inquiry with the Department of Veterans Affairs would be required to obtain the official justification and understand the rationale behind this procurement decision.

How does the $36.8M contract value compare to historical spending on custom stair lifts by the VA or other federal agencies?

The provided data does not contain historical spending information for custom stair lifts, making a direct comparison impossible. The $36.8M award for a one-year period is substantial and suggests either a large volume of units or a high per-unit cost, or both. To benchmark this value, one would need to analyze past VA procurements for similar assistive devices, looking at contract values, quantities, and unit prices. Additionally, comparing this to contracts awarded by other agencies serving similar populations (e.g., Department of Defense for Wounded Warriors) could provide further context on market rates and value for money.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) associated with this contract?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or service level agreements (SLAs) for this contract. For a contract of this value and nature, one would expect to see defined metrics related to product quality, installation timelines, reliability of the stair lifts, response times for maintenance and repairs, and customer satisfaction. The absence of this information makes it difficult to objectively assess the contractor's performance and ensure that the VA is receiving the expected level of service and value. These details are typically found in the contract's statement of work or performance work statement.

What is the estimated number of custom stair lifts to be procured under this contract, and what is the average cost per unit?

The provided data does not specify the estimated number of custom stair lifts to be procured or the average cost per unit. The total contract value is $36.8 million for a 364-day period. To estimate the per-unit cost, one would need to know the total quantity. For example, if 1,000 units were procured, the average cost per unit would be $36,800. If 500 units were procured, the average cost would be $73,600. Given that these are 'custom' stair lifts, the cost per unit can vary significantly based on individual requirements, features, and installation complexity. Without the quantity, a precise per-unit cost benchmark cannot be established.

Does Center Span LLC have a prior track record with the VA or other federal agencies for providing similar custom stair lift solutions?

The provided data indicates the contractor is 'CENTER SPAN LLC' and the awarding agency is the 'Department of Veterans Affairs'. However, it does not provide details on Center Span LLC's prior contract history or performance record with the VA or other federal agencies. To assess their track record, one would need to consult federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) for past awards, contract performance evaluations (CPARS), and any reported issues or successes. A strong track record with similar products and services would generally increase confidence in the contractor's ability to deliver, while a poor record would raise concerns.

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: 100 E JEFRYN BLVD STE L, DEER PARK, NY, 11729

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $36,881

Exercised Options: $36,881

Current Obligation: $36,881

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline