VA awards $23.4M for wheeled mobility prosthetics to Sunrise Medical, a sole-source purchase order

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,357 ($23.4K)

Contractor: Sunrise Medical (US) LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 81 days

Daily Burn Rate: $288/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: PROSTHETICS:WHEELED MOBILITY

Place of Performance

Location: MOUNT JULIET, WILSON County, TENNESSEE, 37122

State: Tennessee Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $23,356.64 to SUNRISE MEDICAL (US) LLC for work described as: PROSTHETICS:WHEELED MOBILITY Key points: 1. Spending focuses on essential medical devices for veterans. 2. Sunrise Medical is a key player in the prosthetics market. 3. Sole-source award raises questions about price discovery and competition. 4. The contract supports the healthcare sector for veterans.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract's value of $23.4 million for prosthetics needs comparison against similar sole-source awards or competitive bids for wheeled mobility devices to assess pricing fairness. Without competitive data, it's difficult to ascertain if taxpayers are receiving optimal value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers as there was no market pressure to offer the best price.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award may result in a higher cost to taxpayers than if the contract had been competitively bid.

Public Impact

Veterans requiring wheeled mobility devices will receive essential equipment. The award ensures continuity of care for mobility-impaired veterans. Potential for increased costs due to lack of competition impacts taxpayer funds. The Department of Veterans Affairs continues to procure specialized medical supplies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
Potential for overpayment without competitive benchmarking.
Short contract duration may indicate a need for future competitive procurement.

Positive Signals

Ensures provision of critical medical equipment for veterans.
Supports a specific need within the VA healthcare system.

Sector Analysis

The prosthetics and wheeled mobility sector is a critical part of healthcare spending, particularly for government agencies serving veterans. Benchmarks for similar devices vary widely based on complexity and features, making direct comparison challenging without detailed specifications.

Small Business Impact

This award to Sunrise Medical (US) LLC does not appear to involve small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were explored or if small businesses could have competed for this requirement.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. The sole-source justification and pricing should be subject to internal review and potentially external audits to ensure accountability and value for taxpayer money.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for inflated pricing
Limited transparency in price discovery
No apparent small business participation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $23,356.64 to SUNRISE MEDICAL (US) LLC. PROSTHETICS:WHEELED MOBILITY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SUNRISE MEDICAL (US) 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 $23,356.64.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the specific justification for the sole-source award of this contract for wheeled mobility prosthetics?

The provided data does not include the specific justification for the sole-source award. Typically, sole-source contracts are justified by factors such as unique capabilities of the vendor, urgent and compelling needs, or when only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services. A detailed review of the VA's procurement file would be necessary to ascertain the precise rationale.

How does the $23.4 million award compare to market rates for similar wheeled mobility devices, especially considering the lack of competition?

Without competitive bidding data or detailed specifications for the prosthetics, a direct comparison to market rates is challenging. Sole-source awards often carry a risk of higher pricing due to the absence of competitive pressure. Benchmarking against publicly available pricing for comparable devices from other manufacturers or previous competitive VA contracts would be necessary for a thorough assessment.

What is the potential long-term impact on veteran access to advanced wheeled mobility technology given this sole-source award?

A sole-source award might limit veteran access to potentially more innovative or cost-effective solutions that could emerge from a competitive market. While this contract ensures immediate provision, future sole-source awards could stifle competition and slow the adoption of advancements. The VA should consider competitive strategies for future procurements to ensure veterans benefit from the latest technology.

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

Address: 12002 VOLUNTEER BLVD, MOUNT JULIET, TN, 37122

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,357

Exercised Options: $23,357

Current Obligation: $23,357

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline