VA's February 2026 medical gas spending reached $9,792.33 with Linde Gas & Equipment Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,792 ($9.8K)

Contractor: Linde GAS & Equipment Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-02-01

End Date: 2026-02-28

Contract Duration: 27 days

Daily Burn Rate: $363/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: EXPRESS REPORT: FEBRUARY 2026, ORDERING OFFICERS MONTHLY SPEND REPORT - MEDICAL CYLINDER GASES, FILLS, & CYLINDER RENTALS

Place of Performance

Location: GULFPORT, HARRISON County, MISSISSIPPI, 39501

State: Mississippi Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $9,792.33 to LINDE GAS & EQUIPMENT INC. for work described as: EXPRESS REPORT: FEBRUARY 2026, ORDERING OFFICERS MONTHLY SPEND REPORT - MEDICAL CYLINDER GASES, FILLS, & CYLINDER RENTALS Key points: 1. Spending focused on cylinder gas fills and rentals, a critical component of medical services. 2. The contract utilized a firm fixed-price structure, providing cost certainty for the VA. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a potentially competitive pricing environment. 4. The contract duration is relatively short, indicating potential for periodic re-competition. 5. This spending falls under the Industrial Gas Manufacturing NAICS code. 6. The primary agency and the awarding agency are both the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The reported spending of $9,792.33 for February 2026 represents a specific monthly outlay for medical cylinder gases. Without historical data or specific unit pricing, a direct comparison to similar contracts is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests the VA aimed for predictable costs. The benchmark for this type of service can vary significantly based on volume, gas type, and geographic location. Further analysis would require more granular data on the quantities and types of gases procured.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The number of bidders is not specified in the provided data, but the open competition suggests a healthy market for medical cylinder gases. This approach generally promotes price discovery and can lead to more favorable pricing for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition scenarios.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition provides taxpayers with assurance that the government sought the best possible value by allowing a wide range of potential suppliers to compete, likely driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving medical care benefit from the availability of essential medical gases. The services delivered include the provision of medical cylinder gases and associated rentals. The geographic impact is centered in Mississippi, where the order was placed. This contract supports the healthcare workforce by ensuring necessary supplies are available for patient treatment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed unit pricing makes it difficult to assess true value for money.
Limited contract duration may lead to frequent re-procurement efforts and associated administrative costs.
Geographic concentration in Mississippi might limit broader market competition if not managed carefully.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition is a positive indicator for potential cost savings.
Firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The contract supports critical medical services for veterans.

Sector Analysis

The market for industrial gases, including medical cylinder gases, is a significant sector. This contract falls under the Industrial Gas Manufacturing (NAICS 325120) category. The demand for medical gases is driven by the healthcare industry's need for oxygen, nitrogen, and other specialized gases for patient care, diagnostics, and research. Spending benchmarks for such services can vary widely based on contract size, duration, and specific product requirements. The VA's procurement of these gases is a routine but essential part of its healthcare operations.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions for this contract, nor does it detail subcontracting plans. As the contract was awarded under full and open competition, it's possible that small businesses could have participated if they met the requirements. However, without explicit set-aside goals or reporting, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular order remains unclear. Further investigation into the awarded contractor's subcontracting practices would be necessary.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting and procurement offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price structure, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified goods and services at an agreed-upon price. Transparency is facilitated by the contract's public availability through federal procurement data systems. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Medical Supplies and Equipment
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Chemicals
Healthcare Services
General Medical and Surgical Instruments

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruption
Price volatility of raw materials
Ensuring consistent quality and purity of medical gases
Regulatory compliance in healthcare sector

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $9,792.33 to LINDE GAS & EQUIPMENT INC.. EXPRESS REPORT: FEBRUARY 2026, ORDERING OFFICERS MONTHLY SPEND REPORT - MEDICAL CYLINDER GASES, FILLS, & CYLINDER RENTALS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LINDE GAS & EQUIPMENT 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 $9,792.33.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-02-01. End: 2026-02-28.

What is the historical spending trend for medical cylinder gases by the VA?

Analyzing historical spending trends for medical cylinder gases by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requires access to comprehensive procurement data over multiple fiscal years. While this specific order represents $9,792.33 for February 2026, understanding the broader trend involves examining annual expenditures, average monthly spending, and fluctuations in demand. Factors such as changes in veteran population, healthcare facility expansions or consolidations, and shifts in medical technology can influence these trends. Without access to a multi-year dataset, it is difficult to ascertain if the February 2026 spending is indicative of a consistent pattern, an increase, or a decrease in VA's overall investment in these critical medical supplies. A thorough analysis would involve comparing spending across different VA facilities and regions to identify any significant variations.

How does Linde Gas & Equipment Inc.'s pricing for this contract compare to other federal awards for similar medical gases?

Comparing Linde Gas & Equipment Inc.'s pricing for this specific VA contract to other federal awards requires a detailed analysis of unit costs, volumes, and contract terms across multiple procurements. The provided data indicates a firm fixed price for cylinder gas fills and rentals, but lacks the granular detail (e.g., price per liter, price per cylinder type, rental duration rates) needed for a direct benchmark. Generally, pricing for industrial and medical gases is influenced by factors such as gas purity, cylinder size and type, delivery frequency, geographic location, and the overall volume of the contract. A comprehensive comparison would involve querying federal procurement databases for similar contracts awarded to Linde and its competitors, normalizing for these variables, and assessing whether the VA's negotiated price falls within a competitive range. Without this detailed comparative data, it is challenging to definitively assess the value-for-money achieved in this instance.

What are the primary risks associated with the procurement of medical cylinder gases?

The primary risks associated with the procurement of medical cylinder gases include supply chain disruptions, price volatility, quality control issues, and regulatory compliance. Supply chain disruptions can arise from manufacturing issues, transportation problems, or geopolitical events, potentially leading to shortages of critical gases needed for patient care. Price volatility in raw materials or energy can impact the cost of gas production, affecting contract pricing if not adequately managed. Quality control is paramount, as medical-grade gases must meet stringent purity standards to ensure patient safety; deviations can lead to adverse health outcomes. Regulatory compliance with healthcare and environmental standards is also crucial. For the VA, ensuring a reliable and safe supply of these gases through robust contract management and supplier vetting is essential to mitigate these risks and maintain uninterrupted patient care.

What is the typical duration and value of contracts for medical cylinder gases awarded by federal agencies?

The typical duration and value of contracts for medical cylinder gases awarded by federal agencies can vary significantly based on the agency's needs, the scope of services, and the contracting strategy. Contracts can range from short-term, task-order-based agreements for specific facility needs to longer-term, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts designed to cover multiple locations and extended periods. Values can range from thousands to millions of dollars annually, depending on the volume and types of gases required. For instance, a single hospital might have an annual contract worth several hundred thousand dollars, while a large agency like the VA might have multi-year, multi-million dollar contracts covering numerous facilities. The provided data for this specific VA order ($9,792.33 for one month) represents a small component of potentially larger, ongoing requirements.

How does the 'full and open competition' procurement method impact the cost-effectiveness of medical gas contracts?

The 'full and open competition' procurement method is generally considered to have a positive impact on the cost-effectiveness of medical gas contracts. By allowing all responsible sources to submit offers, this method maximizes the pool of potential suppliers, thereby increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive bids. This heightened competition can drive down prices as contractors vie for the award. Furthermore, it provides the procuring agency, such as the VA, with a broader range of options in terms of technical capabilities, service levels, and pricing structures. While it requires more administrative effort to manage a larger number of proposals, the potential for achieving better value for taxpayer money through lower prices and improved terms typically outweighs these costs. The transparency inherent in full and open competition also helps ensure fair market pricing.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Basic Chemical Manufacturing › Industrial Gas Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10 RIVERVIEW DR, DANBURY, CT, 06810

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,792

Exercised Options: $9,792

Current Obligation: $9,792

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C77625D0015

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline