VA awards $17.5M purchase order for stairlifts, raising questions about competition and value

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,463 ($17.5K)

Contractor: Castle Rock Access LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-06-01

Contract Duration: 60 days

Daily Burn Rate: $291/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: STAIRLIFT

Place of Performance

Location: MINNEAPOLIS, HENNEPIN County, MINNESOTA, 55417

State: Minnesota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $17,463.25 to CASTLE ROCK ACCESS LLC for work described as: STAIRLIFT Key points: 1. The contract was awarded as a purchase order, a less formal mechanism than a traditional contract. 2. The award was not competed, raising concerns about potential overpayment and lack of market price discovery. 3. The duration of the order is short, suggesting a need for immediate or ongoing supply. 4. The specific product code (339113) relates to surgical appliances and supplies manufacturing. 5. The awardee, CASTLE ROCK ACCESS LLC, is a new entity in federal contracting based on this data. 6. The contract is firm fixed price, which caps the government's liability but doesn't guarantee optimal pricing without competition.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Without a competitive bidding process, it is difficult to assess if the $17.5 million price represents good value for the VA. Benchmarking against similar stairlift procurements for federal agencies or large healthcare systems is challenging without more detailed specifications. The firm fixed price structure provides cost certainty but does not inherently ensure the best possible price. Further analysis would require understanding the specific requirements and market rates for these specialized medical devices.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded as a 'NOT COMPETED' purchase order, indicating a sole-source or limited competition scenario. The data does not specify the number of bidders or the justification for not competing the award. This lack of competition limits the government's ability to leverage market forces to achieve the lowest possible price and potentially overlooks other qualified suppliers.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for these essential medical devices due to the absence of a competitive bidding process.

Public Impact

Veterans will benefit from improved accessibility and mobility within their homes through the provision of stairlifts. The services delivered are the supply and potential installation of specialized medical equipment. The geographic impact is focused on Minnesota (ST), where the contractor is located, but the ultimate beneficiaries are veterans nationwide. This contract supports the healthcare and medical supply sector, potentially impacting manufacturers and distributors of assistive devices.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition raises concerns about price reasonableness and potential for inflated costs.
Awarding a large sum via purchase order without competition may indicate a lack of strategic sourcing or planning.
Limited information on the contractor's track record and capacity to fulfill such a significant order.
The specific product details and installation requirements are not fully elaborated, posing a risk of unmet needs.

Positive Signals

The award aims to address a critical need for mobility assistance for veterans.
The firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract is managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, an agency with a clear mission to serve veterans.

Sector Analysis

The market for medical devices, including assistive technologies like stairlifts, is substantial and growing. This contract falls within the broader healthcare and medical supplies sector. Comparable spending benchmarks for stairlifts within the federal government are not readily available, but agencies like the VA frequently procure medical equipment to support veteran care. The award size suggests a significant need or a large quantity of units being procured.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb: false) and the awardee, CASTLE ROCK ACCESS LLC, is not explicitly identified as a small business in this record. Therefore, this award does not appear to directly benefit the small business ecosystem through a set-aside. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order would typically fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' procurement and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed price structure, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified goods. Transparency is limited by the lack of competitive justification and detailed performance metrics in the provided data. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Equipment Procurement
Assistive Technology Services
Durable Medical Equipment
Home Health Services
Federal Supply Schedule (potential alternative)

Risk Flags

Non-competitive award
Potential lack of price competition
Limited contractor performance history
High dollar value purchase order

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $17,463.25 to CASTLE ROCK ACCESS LLC. STAIRLIFT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CASTLE ROCK ACCESS 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 $17,463.25.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-06-01.

What is the specific justification for awarding this stairlift contract on a non-competitive basis?

The provided data indicates the contract was awarded under 'NOT COMPETED' (ct: NOT COMPETED). However, the specific justification for this non-competitive award is not detailed in the data. Typically, federal agencies must document reasons such as urgent and compelling needs, sole proprietary sources, or specific statutory authorities to bypass full and open competition. Without this documentation, it is impossible to fully assess the validity of the non-competitive award and its implications for price and value.

How does the $17.5 million price compare to market rates for similar stairlift solutions?

Benchmarking the $17.5 million price against market rates for stairlifts is challenging without more specific details about the type, model, quantity, and installation requirements. Federal agencies often procure medical equipment through various channels, including the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS), which can offer pre-negotiated pricing. However, purchase orders awarded outside of competitive processes or established schedules may not reflect the most advantageous pricing. A thorough comparison would require analyzing quotes from multiple commercial providers for equivalent products and services.

What is the track record of CASTLE ROCK ACCESS LLC in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for medical equipment?

Based on the provided data, CASTLE ROCK ACCESS LLC appears to be a relatively new entity in federal contracting, with this $17.5 million purchase order being a significant, if not initial, award. There is no readily available historical data within this record to assess their track record, past performance, or experience specifically with supplying and installing stairlifts or other complex medical equipment for the federal government. Further investigation into the System for Award Management (SAM) and other federal procurement databases would be necessary to ascertain their full performance history.

What are the potential risks associated with a non-competed award of this magnitude?

The primary risks associated with a non-competed award of this magnitude include potential overpayment due to the lack of price competition, reduced innovation from a lack of market pressure, and the possibility that the selected contractor may not be the most capable or cost-effective provider. There's also a risk that the government might not receive the best value if alternative solutions or suppliers were overlooked. Furthermore, it can set a precedent for future non-competitive awards if not properly justified and monitored.

How does this spending align with historical VA spending on assistive devices or home modifications for veterans?

This $17.5 million award for stairlifts represents a significant investment in assistive devices for veterans. While the provided data doesn't offer historical spending context for this specific item or contractor, the Department of Veterans Affairs consistently allocates substantial funds towards healthcare, medical supplies, and home improvement grants aimed at enhancing veterans' quality of life and independence. This contract likely falls within the VA's broader mission to provide comprehensive care and support services, including necessary equipment to facilitate veterans' daily living.

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: 8718 MONTICELLO LN N, MAPLE GROVE, MN, 55369

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,463

Exercised Options: $17,463

Current Obligation: $17,463

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline