VA awards $528K for prosthetics, highlighting need for specialized medical supplies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $52,866 ($52.9K)

Contractor: Disorb Systems Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-08-06

Contract Duration: 122 days

Daily Burn Rate: $433/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: PROSTHETICS - BED

Place of Performance

Location: MATHER, SACRAMENTO County, CALIFORNIA, 95655

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $52,865.96 to DISORB SYSTEMS INC for work described as: PROSTHETICS - BED Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the specialized nature of prosthetic supplies. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these products. 3. Delivery order structure indicates a need for timely fulfillment of specific requirements. 4. Contract duration is relatively short, suggesting a focus on immediate needs. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code points to a niche manufacturing sector. 6. Geographic concentration in California may reflect a regional demand or supplier base.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $528,659.96 for prosthetics is within a typical range for specialized medical equipment. Benchmarking against similar contracts for prosthetic devices and supplies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure helps control costs for the government. Without specific per-unit data, a detailed pricing assessment is limited, but the overall contract value seems aligned with the procurement of medical appliances.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that the Department of Veterans Affairs sought bids from all responsible sources. The number of bidders is not specified, but the competition type suggests a market where multiple companies can provide these prosthetic supplies. This approach generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it fosters a competitive environment, driving down prices and ensuring the government receives the best value for its investment in essential medical supplies.

Public Impact

Veterans requiring prosthetic devices and related supplies are the primary beneficiaries. The contract ensures the availability of essential medical equipment for patient care. Services delivered include the provision of specific prosthetic items, likely for limb replacement or support. The geographic impact is primarily within the regions served by the Department of Veterans Affairs facilities receiving these supplies, with a specific mention of California. Workforce implications may include support for manufacturing and distribution roles within the medical supply industry.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the exact types of prosthetics procured.
Limited information on the number of bidders in the full and open competition.
Potential for supply chain disruptions if the supplier base is narrow.
Geographic concentration in California might limit options for other regions.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust market.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Delivery order structure allows for flexible and timely procurement.
Contract supports essential medical needs for veterans.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing sector (NAICS 339113). This industry is characterized by the production of medical devices, including prosthetics, orthotics, and other assistive equipment. The market size for medical supplies is substantial, driven by an aging population and increasing healthcare demands. This contract represents a specific instance of federal spending within this vital sector, ensuring the VA can meet the needs of its beneficiaries.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications mandated by this award for small businesses. However, the prime contractor, DISORB SYSTEMS INC, may engage small businesses in its supply chain, though this is not explicitly detailed in the provided information.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting and procurement divisions. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring delivery of specified goods. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where such awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Medical Supplies Procurement
Veterans Health Administration Contracts
Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices
Federal Healthcare Spending

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruption due to short delivery window.
Quality control of specialized medical devices requires diligent oversight.
Limited information on contractor's past performance for this specific product category.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $52,865.96 to DISORB SYSTEMS INC. PROSTHETICS - BED

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DISORB SYSTEMS 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 $52,865.96.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-08-06.

What is the track record of DISORB SYSTEMS INC in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for prosthetic supplies?

Information regarding DISORB SYSTEMS INC's specific track record with federal contracts, especially for prosthetic supplies, is not detailed in the provided data snippet. A comprehensive analysis would require examining their past performance ratings, contract history with various federal agencies, and any reported issues or successes. This would involve cross-referencing with federal procurement databases like SAM.gov and potentially CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) if available. Understanding their experience with similar firm fixed-price delivery orders and their capacity to meet delivery timelines is crucial for assessing reliability.

How does the awarded amount compare to the average cost of similar prosthetic supplies procured by the VA or other federal agencies?

A direct comparison of the $528,659.96 award to average costs for similar prosthetic supplies requires access to detailed pricing data for specific items and a benchmark of comparable contracts. The provided data lacks the granularity to identify the exact types and quantities of prosthetics. However, the contract's classification under NAICS 339113 (Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing) suggests a specialized market. Benchmarking would involve searching for other VA or DoD contracts for prosthetic limbs, components, or related supplies awarded over the past few years, analyzing their total values, quantities, and unit prices if available, to determine if this award represents a competitive and fair market price.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, considering its duration and delivery order structure?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential delays in delivery, quality control issues with the prosthetic supplies, and price fluctuations if the firm fixed-price contract does not adequately account for material cost changes. The short duration (122 days) and delivery order structure mean that timely fulfillment is critical; any disruption in the supply chain or manufacturing process could impact patient care for veterans. Furthermore, reliance on a single award (no: 1) for these supplies, even if competed, could pose a risk if the contractor faces unforeseen operational challenges. Ensuring robust quality assurance and contingency planning by the VA would mitigate these risks.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' strategy in ensuring the VA obtains high-quality prosthetic supplies at optimal prices?

The 'full and open competition' strategy is generally considered effective in promoting price discovery and encouraging a wide range of suppliers to bid, which can lead to better pricing and potentially higher quality through market selection. For prosthetic supplies, this approach allows the VA to leverage the competitive landscape to secure necessary equipment. However, the effectiveness also depends on the clarity of the solicitation requirements, the evaluation criteria used, and the number and capability of the actual bidders. If the market for highly specialized prosthetics is limited, even full and open competition might result in fewer bids than desired, potentially impacting the optimal price and quality outcomes.

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

Historical spending patterns for prosthetic supplies by the Department of Veterans Affairs are likely substantial, given the large veteran population requiring such medical equipment. Analyzing past VA budgets and contract awards related to prosthetics, orthotics, and durable medical equipment would reveal trends in spending volume, types of supplies procured, and key contractors. This specific $528K award represents a small fraction of the VA's overall medical procurement budget. Understanding historical spending can help identify fluctuations in demand, shifts in technology, and the long-term commitment to providing these essential services to veterans.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1800 W INDIANA AVE, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19132

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Manufacturer of Goods, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $52,866

Exercised Options: $52,866

Current Obligation: $52,866

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36F79720D0131

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline