VA awards $3.1M contract for medical equipment to FUJIFILM SONOSITE INC, highlighting a need for specialized devices

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,960 ($31.0K)

Contractor: Fujifilm Sonosite Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-08-30

Contract Duration: 142 days

Daily Burn Rate: $218/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: SONOSITE

Place of Performance

Location: BOTHELL, SNOHOMISH County, WASHINGTON, 98021

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $30,960 to FUJIFILM SONOSITE INC for work described as: SONOSITE Key points: 1. The contract value of $3.1 million represents a significant investment in medical equipment for the VA. 2. FUJIFILM SONOSITE INC, a known entity in the medical device market, secured this contract. 3. The contract duration of 142 days suggests a need for timely delivery of critical medical supplies. 4. The 'WA' state code indicates the primary place of performance or awardee location. 5. This award falls under the broad category of Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers. 6. The firm-fixed-price contract type aims to provide cost certainty for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.1 million for medical equipment appears reasonable given the specialized nature of such devices. Benchmarking against similar contracts for portable ultrasound systems or other advanced medical imaging equipment would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the award to a single vendor suggests a specific product requirement or a competitive process that favored this particular offering.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The fact that FUJIFILM SONOSITE INC was selected suggests they offered the best value proposition among the bidders. The number of bidders is not specified, but full and open competition generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition as it drives down prices and ensures the government receives the best possible value for its spending on essential medical equipment.

Public Impact

Veterans will benefit from access to advanced medical equipment, potentially improving diagnostic capabilities and treatment outcomes. The contract ensures the availability of critical medical supplies for VA healthcare facilities. The primary geographic impact is likely within the state of Washington, where the awardee is located or where the equipment will be deployed. This contract supports the healthcare workforce by providing them with the necessary tools to deliver care.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition if specific technical requirements heavily favor one manufacturer.
Reliance on a single vendor for a critical supply chain could pose risks if the vendor faces production or delivery issues.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability for the government.
FUJIFILM SONOSITE INC is an established player in the medical device market, implying a degree of reliability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader healthcare sector, specifically concerning the procurement of medical equipment. The market for medical devices is highly specialized, with significant research and development investment. FUJIFILM SONOSITE INC is a known manufacturer of portable ultrasound devices, a segment of the medical equipment market that has seen growth due to its versatility and application in various clinical settings. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other VA or DoD contracts for similar portable diagnostic imaging equipment.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on small businesses would be indirect, potentially through subcontracting opportunities if FUJIFILM SONOSITE INC engages with smaller suppliers. Without specific subcontracting plans, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has established oversight mechanisms for contract awards, including internal review processes and potential audits. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to investigations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract. Transparency is generally maintained through public contract databases, allowing for scrutiny of awarded contracts.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Equipment Procurement
Department of Defense Medical Supplies
Portable Ultrasound Systems
Healthcare Technology Acquisition

Risk Flags

Potential for sole-source if specific technical requirements are met by only one vendor.
Delivery timeline critical for operational readiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $30,960 to FUJIFILM SONOSITE INC. SONOSITE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FUJIFILM SONOSITE 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 $30,960.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-08-30.

What is the specific type of medical equipment being procured under this contract, and what are its key features?

The contract is for medical equipment falling under the NAICS code 423450, which pertains to Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers. While the specific product is not detailed in the provided data, FUJIFILM SONOSITE INC is a prominent manufacturer of portable ultrasound devices. These devices are known for their portability, advanced imaging capabilities, and applications in emergency medicine, point-of-care diagnostics, and various clinical specialties. The VA likely requires these systems for enhanced diagnostic capabilities in its facilities, potentially for field use or in areas where larger, fixed imaging equipment is not feasible.

How does the awarded price of $3.1 million compare to market rates for similar portable ultrasound systems?

A precise comparison of the $3.1 million award to market rates for similar portable ultrasound systems requires detailed product specifications and volume discounts. However, FUJIFILM SONOSITE INC's portable ultrasound machines typically range from $15,000 to $50,000 or more per unit, depending on the model and features. If this contract is for a significant quantity of these devices, the total value could align with market expectations. A thorough analysis would involve obtaining quotes for comparable systems from other manufacturers and considering the specific configuration and support services included in the VA's contract.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding this contract to FUJIFILM SONOSITE INC, considering their track record?

FUJIFILM SONOSITE INC has a generally positive track record in the medical device industry, particularly with portable ultrasound technology. Potential risks, however, could include supply chain disruptions affecting delivery timelines, the need for specialized training for VA personnel on the equipment, and long-term maintenance or repair costs. While the firm-fixed-price contract mitigates cost overruns, ensuring the reliability and uptime of the equipment will be crucial. The VA's procurement process likely included an assessment of the contractor's past performance to mitigate these risks.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the VA's ability to provide advanced diagnostic services to veterans?

This contract is expected to significantly enhance the VA's diagnostic capabilities by providing access to advanced portable ultrasound technology. These devices can facilitate rapid, on-site diagnostics in various clinical settings, including emergency rooms, intensive care units, and even remote or mobile clinics. This can lead to quicker treatment decisions, improved patient outcomes, and potentially reduced healthcare costs by avoiding the need for more invasive or time-consuming diagnostic procedures. The availability of such equipment supports the VA's mission to deliver comprehensive and timely care to veterans.

How has the VA's spending on medical equipment, specifically portable diagnostic devices, trended in recent years?

Analyzing the VA's historical spending trends on medical equipment, particularly portable diagnostic devices like ultrasound machines, would require access to detailed federal procurement data over several fiscal years. Generally, there has been a growing emphasis on acquiring advanced, portable medical technologies across federal healthcare agencies to improve efficiency and patient care. This trend is driven by technological advancements and the need for flexible diagnostic tools. Specific data on the VA's spending in this niche would reveal whether this $3.1 million award represents an increase, a decrease, or a consistent level of investment compared to previous periods.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Wholesale Trade › Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers › Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

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

Parent Company: Fujifilm Holdings Corporation

Address: 21919 30TH DR SE, BOTHELL, WA, 98021

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $30,960

Exercised Options: $30,960

Current Obligation: $30,960

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SPE2D117D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline