VA awards $20K for all-terrain wheelchairs, highlighting need for specialized mobility solutions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,019 ($20.0K)

Contractor: Sunrise Medical (US) LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-05-09

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $667/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: MAGIC MOBILITY ALL TERRAIN WHEELCHAIR

Place of Performance

Location: MINNEAPOLIS, HENNEPIN County, MINNESOTA, 55417

State: Minnesota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $20,019.46 to SUNRISE MEDICAL (US) LLC for work described as: MAGIC MOBILITY ALL TERRAIN WHEELCHAIR Key points: 1. Contract focuses on specialized mobility equipment, addressing unique needs of veterans. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive market for these specialized devices. 3. Performance period is short, indicating a need for timely delivery and potential for follow-on work. 4. The contract type (firm fixed price) shifts risk to the contractor. 5. This award falls within the broader category of medical supplies and equipment manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $20,019.46 for a single all-terrain wheelchair appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. Benchmarking against similar contracts for advanced mobility devices is challenging without more specific product details, but the price seems aligned with high-end assistive technology. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the VA.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This suggests a healthy market for these specialized wheelchairs, allowing the VA to solicit bids from a wide range of qualified suppliers. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the competition type implies a robust process.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for taxpayers by encouraging multiple vendors to offer their best pricing.

Public Impact

Veterans requiring advanced mobility assistance will benefit from access to specialized all-terrain wheelchairs. The services delivered include the provision of durable medical equipment designed for challenging environments. The geographic impact is primarily within Minnesota, where the contractor is located, but the ultimate beneficiaries are veterans nationwide. This contract supports the manufacturing and supply chain workforce involved in producing specialized medical devices.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited vendor pool if specific technical requirements are highly specialized.
Ensuring long-term maintenance and repair support for specialized equipment can be a challenge.
Dependence on a single delivery order may not reflect the full scope of potential future needs.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive marketplace.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability for the government.
Contract duration is clearly defined, allowing for focused execution.
Contractor is based in the US, potentially supporting domestic manufacturing.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader healthcare and medical device manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on durable medical equipment. The market for specialized wheelchairs is driven by technological advancements in materials and design, catering to individuals with significant mobility impairments. Spending in this sub-sector is influenced by healthcare policy, veteran healthcare needs, and the availability of innovative assistive technologies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved in the supply chain or if opportunities were missed.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for oversight of this contract. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, oversight would likely involve monitoring performance, delivery schedules, and adherence to specifications. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics are not publicly detailed.

Related Government Programs

VA Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Contracts
Assistive Technology Procurement
Veteran Mobility Support Programs

Risk Flags

Short performance period may increase delivery pressure.
Lack of specific model details limits detailed technical assessment.
Potential for limited competition if highly specialized requirements exist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $20,019.46 to SUNRISE MEDICAL (US) LLC. MAGIC MOBILITY ALL TERRAIN WHEELCHAIR

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 $20,019.46.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-05-09.

What is the specific model of the 'MAGIC MOBILITY ALL TERRAIN WHEELCHAIR' and its key features that justify the price?

The provided data does not specify the exact model of the 'MAGIC MOBILITY ALL TERRAIN WHEELCHAIR' or its detailed features. However, 'all-terrain' typically implies enhanced capabilities beyond standard wheelchairs, such as larger wheels, more robust suspension, and potentially electric power assistance, designed to navigate uneven surfaces like sand, gravel, or grass. These advanced features, combined with specialized materials for durability and weight management, contribute to a higher cost compared to basic mobility devices. Further investigation into Sunrise Medical's product catalog and specific contract line item details would be necessary to identify the precise model and its technical specifications.

How does the $20,019.46 price compare to similar all-terrain wheelchair procurements by the VA or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking this specific award requires access to comparable contract data for 'all-terrain wheelchairs' with similar specifications and quantities. General market research suggests that high-performance, all-terrain electric wheelchairs can range from $15,000 to over $30,000, depending on customization, brand, and features. Given this is a single unit award, the $20,019.46 price point appears to be within the mid-to-high range for such specialized equipment. Without more granular data on the specific model procured and the terms of competition, a precise value-for-money assessment relative to other federal procurements is difficult. However, the full and open competition suggests the VA sought competitive pricing.

What is Sunrise Medical's track record with the VA and in supplying specialized mobility equipment?

Sunrise Medical (US) LLC is a known manufacturer of mobility and assistive devices. A comprehensive review of their contract history with the Department of Veterans Affairs would reveal their performance on previous awards, including delivery timeliness, product quality, and any past performance issues. Their presence in the market suggests they have experience meeting the needs of government agencies and individuals requiring specialized equipment. Analyzing their portfolio of products, particularly those designated for all-terrain use, would provide further insight into their capabilities and suitability for this type of contract.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, such as delivery delays or product non-conformance?

Potential risks include delivery delays if Sunrise Medical faces supply chain disruptions or manufacturing backlogs for this specialized equipment. Product non-conformance is another risk, where the delivered wheelchair might not meet the precise specifications outlined in the contract, potentially requiring repairs, replacements, or leading to disputes. Given the short 30-day performance period, timely delivery is critical. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract means the contractor bears the financial risk of cost overruns, but quality issues could still arise. The VA's quality assurance and inspection processes would be key mitigation factors.

What is the expected impact of this contract on veteran mobility and quality of life?

This contract is expected to significantly enhance the mobility and independence of the veteran(s) who receive this all-terrain wheelchair. Such devices enable users to navigate environments that are typically inaccessible with standard wheelchairs, including outdoor recreational areas, uneven terrain, and varied weather conditions. This improved access can lead to increased participation in social activities, greater physical activity, and an overall enhancement in quality of life, reducing feelings of isolation and increasing autonomy. The VA's provision of such specialized equipment underscores its commitment to supporting veterans with diverse mobility needs.

How does this contract fit into the VA's broader strategy for providing assistive technology to veterans?

This contract aligns with the VA's strategic objective to provide comprehensive healthcare and support services, including assistive technology, to enhance the independence and well-being of veterans. The procurement of specialized equipment like all-terrain wheelchairs demonstrates the VA's recognition that a one-size-fits-all approach to mobility is insufficient. It reflects a commitment to tailoring solutions to individual needs, particularly for veterans with complex medical conditions or those living in diverse environments. This award is likely part of a larger portfolio of contracts aimed at equipping veterans with the necessary tools to lead fulfilling lives.

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: 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

Address: 2842 N BUSINESS PARK AVE, FRESNO, CA, 93727

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,019

Exercised Options: $20,019

Current Obligation: $20,019

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36F79721D0063

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline