VA awards $2.8M for prosthetics vehicle conversion, a sole-source purchase order to United Access, L.L.C

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,098 ($28.1K)

Contractor: United Access, L.L.C

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 90 days

Daily Burn Rate: $312/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: PROSTHETICS VEHICLE CONVERSION

Place of Performance

Location: CHANDLER, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85286

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $28,098.08 to UNITED ACCESS, L.L.C for work described as: PROSTHETICS VEHICLE CONVERSION Key points: 1. This contract represents a significant investment in specialized vehicle modifications for veterans. 2. The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny regarding potential cost efficiencies and market alternatives. 3. Performance risk appears moderate given the short duration and specific nature of the service. 4. The contract falls within the Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing sector, indicating a niche requirement. 5. This award is a component of the Department of Veterans Affairs' broader efforts to enhance mobility and accessibility for beneficiaries.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.8 million for prosthetics vehicle conversion is substantial for a single purchase order. Without comparable sole-source awards or detailed cost breakdowns, it is difficult to benchmark the value for money. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides some cost certainty, but the lack of competition raises questions about whether the VA secured the most competitive pricing available in the market for these specialized conversions.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis to United Access, L.L.C. The justification for this approach is not provided in the data, but it suggests that either only one vendor was deemed capable of meeting the requirement or there were specific circumstances necessitating a non-competitive award. The absence of a competitive bidding process means that potential alternative solutions and pricing from other qualified vendors were not explored, which could lead to higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source award means taxpayers may not be benefiting from the most competitive pricing that could have been achieved through an open competition. This limits the government's ability to leverage market forces to drive down costs.

Public Impact

Veterans requiring specialized vehicle modifications for prosthetic use are the primary beneficiaries. The service delivered involves the conversion of vehicles to accommodate prosthetic devices, enhancing mobility and independence. The contract has a geographic impact within Arizona (AZ), where the contractor is located. This contract supports specialized manufacturing and modification services, potentially impacting a small, skilled workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may result in inflated pricing.
Sole-source justification needs further review to ensure necessity.
Potential for limited innovation due to single-vendor engagement.

Positive Signals

Contract addresses a specific, critical need for disabled veterans.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Short duration may limit long-term risks.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under the Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing (NAICS 339113) sector. This is a specialized area focused on producing medical devices and equipment. The market for prosthetics vehicle conversion is likely niche, with a limited number of specialized providers. The total federal spending in this specific sub-sector is not readily available, but the VA's consistent need for such services indicates ongoing demand within the healthcare and defense industrial base.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to involve significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses based on the information provided. The award to a single, likely specialized, entity suggests that the primary focus was on meeting a specific technical requirement rather than broad small business engagement. Further analysis of the contractor's size and subcontracting plans would be needed to fully assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and program managers. As a purchase order, it is subject to standard procurement regulations and oversight. Transparency is limited by the sole-source nature and the lack of publicly available detailed justifications. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Equipment Procurement
Veterans Health Administration Services
Adaptive Vehicle Modification Programs
Durable Medical Equipment Contracts

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive justification.
Potential for overpayment due to lack of competition.
Limited transparency on specific service requirements and pricing breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $28,098.08 to UNITED ACCESS, L.L.C. PROSTHETICS VEHICLE CONVERSION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNITED ACCESS, L.L.C.

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 $28,098.08.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the specific nature of the 'prosthetics vehicle conversion' service being procured?

The 'PROSTHETICS VEHICLE CONVERSION' service refers to the modification of standard vehicles to accommodate individuals who use prosthetic devices. This typically involves alterations to the vehicle's interior and controls to enable safe and accessible operation or transport for individuals with mobility impairments. Examples include installing hand controls, wheelchair lifts or ramps, specialized seating, and modifications to steering or pedal systems. The exact specifications for this particular contract would be detailed in the statement of work, which is not provided in the summary data. The goal is to enhance the independence and quality of life for veterans requiring such adaptations.

Why was this contract awarded on a sole-source basis to United Access, L.L.C.?

The provided data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED,' signifying a sole-source award. The specific justification for this sole-source determination is not included in the data. Common reasons for sole-source awards include situations where only one vendor possesses the unique capability, technology, or proprietary knowledge required; urgent and compelling needs where competition is impractical; or when a specific brand-name item is mandated. Without the official justification document (e.g., Justification and Approval - J&A), it is impossible to definitively state why United Access, L.L.C. was the sole provider selected for this $2.8 million prosthetics vehicle conversion contract.

How does the $2.8 million contract value compare to historical VA spending on similar vehicle conversions?

Direct historical spending comparisons for 'prosthetics vehicle conversion' are difficult without access to detailed procurement databases that categorize spending at this specific service level. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does engage in numerous contracts for medical equipment, adaptive technologies, and vehicle modifications. A $2.8 million award for a purchase order, especially if it covers multiple vehicles or extensive modifications, is a significant sum. However, without knowing the number of vehicles, the scope of modifications, or the contract duration (90 days in this case), it's challenging to benchmark against past spending. The VA's overall budget for prosthetics and sensory aids is substantial, and this contract represents a portion of that expenditure.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award of this magnitude?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award of this magnitude is the potential for paying a higher price than would be achievable through a competitive bidding process. Without competition, the vendor has less incentive to offer the lowest possible price. Other risks include a lack of vendor accountability if performance issues arise, as switching providers would require a new sole-source justification or a full competitive procurement. There's also a risk of reduced innovation, as the vendor may not feel pressured to offer cutting-edge solutions or efficiencies. Furthermore, it raises questions about whether the government fully explored all available market options and if the sole-source justification was truly warranted.

What is the track record of United Access, L.L.C. with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

The provided data indicates that United Access, L.L.C. is the contractor for this specific $2.8 million purchase order. To assess their track record with the VA, one would need to examine historical contract awards to this company. This would involve searching federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for previous contracts awarded to United Access, L.L.C. by the VA or other federal agencies. Key aspects to review would include the types of goods or services previously provided, contract values, performance ratings (if available), and any history of disputes or contract terminations. Without this historical data, it's impossible to comment on their specific track record.

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

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Ua-Wav LLC

Address: 1825 E GERMANN RD STE 24, CHANDLER, AZ, 85286

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,098

Exercised Options: $28,098

Current Obligation: $28,098

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline