VA awards $316K for lead aprons to CARROLL WOODS INC under competitive SAP

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,644 ($31.6K)

Contractor: Carroll Woods Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-01-28

End Date: 2026-04-13

Contract Duration: 75 days

Daily Burn Rate: $422/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: LEAD APRONS

Place of Performance

Location: TABOR CITY, COLUMBUS County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28463

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $31,644.4 to CARROLL WOODS INC for work described as: LEAD APRONS Key points: 1. Spending on lead aprons is relatively low at $316K. 2. The contract was competed under SAP, suggesting a potentially competitive environment. 3. The award to CARROLL WOODS INC, a small business, is noted. 4. The sector is Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $316,444.40 for lead aprons appears reasonable for a small quantity (6 units) over a short duration (75 days). Benchmarking against similar contracts for lead aprons would provide a more definitive assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves a limited number of offers. While competed, the specific number of bids and the pricing discovery process are not detailed, potentially limiting optimal price realization.

Taxpayer Impact: The relatively small contract value suggests a minimal direct taxpayer impact. However, ensuring competitive pricing within SAP is crucial for maximizing value for taxpayer dollars.

Public Impact

Ensures availability of essential medical equipment for patient and staff protection. Supports a small business manufacturer in the surgical appliance sector. The short duration and limited quantity suggest a specific, immediate need.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may not yield the best price.
Lack of detailed pricing data makes robust value assessment difficult.

Positive Signals

Contract competed, indicating some level of market engagement.
Awarded to a small business, supporting economic diversity.

Sector Analysis

The Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing sector is critical for healthcare delivery, providing essential protective and supportive equipment. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on product type and volume, but this contract appears to be for a niche, low-volume requirement.

Small Business Impact

The award to CARROLL WOODS INC, a small business, aligns with federal goals to support small business participation in government contracting. Further analysis would be needed to determine if this is a recurring contract or a one-time purchase.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and oversight processes should apply to ensure compliance and performance.

Related Government Programs

Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for inflated pricing due to limited competition under SAP.
Lack of detailed specifications makes value assessment challenging.
Short contract duration may indicate a reactive procurement rather than strategic planning.
High implied per-unit cost requires further scrutiny.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $31,644.4 to CARROLL WOODS INC. LEAD APRONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CARROLL WOODS 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 $31,644.4.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-28. End: 2026-04-13.

What is the typical per-unit cost for lead aprons of this specification, and how does this contract's pricing compare?

Without specific details on the apron's specifications (e.g., lead equivalency, size, features), a precise per-unit cost benchmark is difficult. However, given the total award of $316,444.40 for 6 units over 75 days, the implied per-unit cost is approximately $52,740. This seems exceptionally high for standard lead aprons, suggesting either highly specialized requirements or a potential pricing anomaly that warrants further investigation.

What are the specific risks associated with procuring lead aprons through Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?

Procuring through SAP, while efficient for smaller purchases, carries risks of limited competition, potentially leading to higher prices than if procured through full and open competition. There's also a risk of less rigorous vetting of vendors and products, and a reduced opportunity for market research to identify the most cost-effective solutions. This can impact overall value for taxpayer money.

How effectively does this contract ensure the availability of critical medical supplies for the VA?

This contract addresses a specific need for lead aprons, which are critical for protecting healthcare workers and patients from radiation. The short duration and specific quantity suggest it's intended to meet an immediate or short-term requirement. However, the limited competition and lack of detailed performance metrics make it difficult to assess the long-term effectiveness of this procurement strategy in ensuring consistent supply.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C26226Q0141

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 95 DOT LN, TABOR CITY, NC, 28463

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, 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: $31,644

Exercised Options: $31,644

Current Obligation: $31,644

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline