VA Awards $49.7K Contract for SC Optune Plus Transducers Renewal to Novocure Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $49,749 ($49.7K)

Contractor: Novocure Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-07-09

Contract Duration: 91 days

Daily Burn Rate: $547/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: SC OPTUNE PLUS TRANSDUCERS RENEWAL

Place of Performance

Location: DES MOINES, POLK County, IOWA, 50310

State: Iowa Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $49,748.73 to NOVOCURE INC for work described as: SC OPTUNE PLUS TRANSDUCERS RENEWAL Key points: 1. Contract value represents a renewal for specialized medical equipment. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process for this renewal. 3. Performance risk appears low given it's a renewal of existing equipment. 4. The contract duration is relatively short, suggesting potential for future re-competition. 5. Sector positioning is within the electromedical apparatus manufacturing industry.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $49,748.73 for a 91-day renewal period appears reasonable for specialized medical equipment. Benchmarking against similar contracts for electromedical apparatus renewals would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, given the limited duration and renewal nature, the pricing is likely competitive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation implies a robust bidding environment.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically leads to better pricing for taxpayers by fostering a competitive marketplace. This ensures that the chosen vendor offers the most cost-effective solution.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving care will benefit from the continued availability of the SC OPTUNE PLUS system. The contract ensures the supply of necessary transducers for electromedical treatment. Geographic impact is primarily within the facilities served by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving existing clinical staff trained on the equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Renewal of existing equipment suggests proven utility and performance.
Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the electromedical and electrotherapeutic apparatus manufacturing sector, specifically related to devices used in patient treatment. The market for such specialized medical equipment is driven by technological advancements and healthcare needs. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other VA or healthcare procurements for similar therapeutic devices.

Small Business Impact

The contract does not indicate any small business set-aside. Given the specialized nature of the equipment and the vendor, it is unlikely that significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would arise from this specific renewal, unless components are sourced from smaller suppliers.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for oversight of this contract. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, it is subject to standard procurement regulations and agency oversight. Transparency is maintained through contract award databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud or mismanagement.

Related Government Programs

Medical Equipment Procurement
Veterans Health Administration Contracts
Electromedical Devices

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $49,748.73 to NOVOCURE INC. SC OPTUNE PLUS TRANSDUCERS RENEWAL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NOVOCURE 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 $49,748.73.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-07-09.

What is the track record of NOVOCARE INC. with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Information regarding NOVOCARE INC.'s specific track record with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is not detailed in the provided data. However, this contract is a renewal, suggesting a prior relationship and likely satisfactory performance with the VA for this specific product. To fully assess their track record, one would need to examine past contract awards, performance reviews, and any history of disputes or issues with the VA or other federal agencies. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases like FPDS or SAM.gov could reveal the extent and nature of their previous engagements.

How does the value of this renewal compare to previous procurements of SC OPTUNE PLUS TRANSDUCERS?

The provided data only includes the current renewal award amount of $49,748.73. To compare this value to previous procurements, historical contract data for the SC OPTUNE PLUS TRANSDUCERS from the Department of Veterans Affairs would be necessary. This would involve searching contract databases for prior awards to NOVOCARE INC. for the same or similar items, noting the quantities, duration, and pricing. Without this historical context, it is difficult to definitively state whether this renewal represents an increase, decrease, or stable pricing compared to past acquisitions.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract renewal?

The primary risks associated with this contract renewal appear to be relatively low, given it is a renewal for existing equipment. Potential risks could include supply chain disruptions affecting the availability of the transducers, or the emergence of superior or more cost-effective alternative technologies that are not being considered due to the renewal nature of the contract. Technical obsolescence is also a minor risk, though less likely for a short-term renewal. Ensuring continued compatibility with existing VA medical systems and adherence to any updated regulatory or clinical guidelines would also be important considerations.

What is the expected effectiveness of the SC OPTUNE PLUS system for patient treatment?

The SC OPTUNE PLUS system is a medical device used for tumor treatment, typically involving the delivery of electrical fields to disrupt cancer cell division. Its effectiveness is dependent on the specific type of cancer being treated and the patient's individual condition. Clinical studies and FDA approvals would provide detailed information on its efficacy rates for various indications. For the VA, the effectiveness is measured by its contribution to patient outcomes and the quality of care provided to veterans. Continued procurement suggests it is a valued component of their treatment protocols.

What has been the historical spending pattern for SC OPTUNE PLUS TRANSDUCERS by the VA?

The provided data only details the current renewal award. To understand the historical spending pattern for SC OPTUNE PLUS TRANSDUCERS by the VA, a comprehensive search of federal procurement databases would be required. This would involve identifying all previous contracts awarded for these specific transducers, noting the award amounts, quantities, contract types, and durations over time. Analyzing this data would reveal trends in spending, such as whether the VA has consistently procured these items, if spending has increased or decreased, and the overall investment in this technology.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus 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: 195 COMMERCE WAY, PORTSMOUTH, NH, 03801

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $49,749

Exercised Options: $49,749

Current Obligation: $49,749

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36F79723D0016

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline