VA awards $34,000 for TAVR devices to Edwards Lifesciences LLC, a sole-source purchase

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,000 ($34.0K)

Contractor: Edwards Lifesciences LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-04-06

Contract Duration: 3 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: TAVR

Place of Performance

Location: MINNEAPOLIS, HENNEPIN County, MINNESOTA, 55417

State: Minnesota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $34,000 to EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES LLC for work described as: TAVR Key points: 1. The contract is for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) devices. 2. Edwards Lifesciences LLC is the sole provider for this specific TAVR system. 3. The award is a sole-source purchase order, raising questions about competition. 4. The sector is Healthcare, specifically medical devices and surgical supplies.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $34,000 is relatively small, making a direct price comparison difficult without more data. However, the sole-source nature suggests potential for above-market pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in higher costs for the VA and, consequently, taxpayers, compared to a competitively bid contract.

Public Impact

Veterans will receive advanced medical devices for cardiac care. The sole-source award limits transparency in pricing for essential medical equipment. Potential for increased healthcare costs due to lack of competitive bidding.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for overpricing

Positive Signals

Ensures access to critical medical technology for veterans
Direct award to a known supplier

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Healthcare sector, specifically medical devices. Spending benchmarks for TAVR devices vary widely based on device type and complexity, but competitive bidding typically drives down costs.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded directly to a large corporation, Edwards Lifesciences LLC. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for this award. Oversight should focus on the justification for the sole-source procurement and ensuring fair pricing.

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 price inflation
Limited transparency in pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $34,000 to EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES LLC. TAVR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES 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 $34,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-04-06.

What is the justification for awarding this TAVR device contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves a unique capability or proprietary technology held by a single vendor, or a critical need that cannot be met by other sources within the required timeframe. For TAVR devices, this could relate to specific valve technology, surgeon familiarity, or established patient protocols.

What is the potential risk to taxpayer value given the sole-source nature of this award?

The primary risk to taxpayer value is the absence of competitive pressure. Without competing bids, the vendor may not be incentivized to offer the lowest possible price. This can lead to higher acquisition costs for the VA, meaning taxpayer funds are spent less efficiently than they could be in a competitive environment.

How effective is this procurement strategy in ensuring timely access to critical medical technology for veterans?

While sole-source awards can ensure timely access by bypassing the lengthy competitive bidding process, their effectiveness in terms of value is questionable. It guarantees the specific technology from the chosen vendor but may come at a premium. The VA must balance the urgency of veteran care with the need for cost-effective procurement.

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

Solicitation ID: 36C26326Q0528

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 EDWARDS WAY, IRVINE, CA, 92614

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,000

Exercised Options: $34,000

Current Obligation: $34,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline