VA awards $214,500 for stair lifts to Call Before You Fall Inc., a sole-source purchase

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,450 ($21.4K)

Contractor: Call Before YOU Fall Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 81 days

Daily Burn Rate: $265/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: PROSTHETICS:STAIR LIFT

Place of Performance

Location: AGOURA HILLS, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91301

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $21,450 to CALL BEFORE YOU FALL INC for work described as: PROSTHETICS:STAIR LIFT Key points: 1. The VA is procuring stair lifts, a niche medical device. 2. Competition appears limited, with a sole-source award. 3. Potential risks include lack of price competition and vendor lock-in. 4. The healthcare sector is characterized by specialized equipment needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $214,500 for 81 days of service seems high for stair lifts. Benchmarking against similar VA or commercial contracts for stair lift installation and maintenance is needed to assess value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded sole-source, meaning no competition was sought. This method limits price discovery and may result in higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award raises concerns about potential overspending and inefficient use of taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Veterans will receive essential mobility assistance through these stair lifts. The limited competition raises questions about the accessibility of this contract for other qualified vendors. The short duration of the contract (81 days) suggests a specific, immediate need.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Limited competition
High per-unit cost potential

Positive Signals

Addresses critical veteran need
Specific product category

Sector Analysis

The healthcare sector, particularly for medical devices like prosthetics and assistive equipment, often involves specialized manufacturing and distribution. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on device complexity and service requirements.

Small Business Impact

The sole-source nature of this award means small businesses were not given an opportunity to compete, potentially limiting their access to government contracts in this sector.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for ensuring fair and competitive procurement. The sole-source justification for this award warrants scrutiny to confirm necessity and explore future competitive opportunities.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Sole-source justification
Lack of competitive bidding
Potential for overpricing
Limited vendor options

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $21,450 to CALL BEFORE YOU FALL INC. PROSTHETICS:STAIR LIFT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CALL BEFORE YOU FALL 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 $21,450.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the justification for the sole-source award of stair lifts to Call Before You Fall Inc.?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or lack of other responsible sources. Without further documentation, it's difficult to ascertain the specific reason. However, the VA should have provided a detailed justification, which would be subject to review to ensure it aligns with federal procurement regulations and best practices.

What is the risk associated with awarding a sole-source contract for mobility devices?

The primary risk of a sole-source award is the lack of price competition, potentially leading to inflated costs for taxpayers. Additionally, it can stifle innovation and prevent other qualified vendors from entering the market. For mobility devices, ensuring the best value and appropriate technology is crucial for veteran well-being.

How effective is this contract in meeting the needs of veterans requiring stair lifts?

The effectiveness hinges on the quality of the stair lifts provided and the installation/maintenance services. While the contract addresses a critical need for mobility, the sole-source nature raises concerns about whether the VA secured the most cost-effective solution. Future contracts should prioritize competitive bidding to ensure optimal value and service.

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: 5308 DERRY AVE, AGOURA HILLS, CA, 91301

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,450

Exercised Options: $21,450

Current Obligation: $21,450

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline