VA awards $24.3M for bulk liquid oxygen and tank rental to Paula F Price Enterprises LLC in March 2026

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,303 ($24.3K)

Contractor: Paula F Price Enterprises LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-03-01

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $810/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: EXPRESS REPORT: MARCH 2026 ORDERING OFFICERS SPEND FOR MEDICAL GRADE BULK LIQUID OXYGEN AND TANK RENTAL

Place of Performance

Location: NORTH AUGUSTA, AIKEN County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29841

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $24,303.17 to PAULA F PRICE ENTERPRISES LLC for work described as: EXPRESS REPORT: MARCH 2026 ORDERING OFFICERS SPEND FOR MEDICAL GRADE BULK LIQUID OXYGEN AND TANK RENTAL Key points: 1. Spending focused on essential medical supplies: bulk liquid oxygen and tank rental. 2. Competition was utilized under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 3. The award was made to a single entity, Paula F Price Enterprises LLC. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, providing cost certainty.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract was competed under SAP, suggesting a focus on efficiency for smaller dollar amounts. Benchmarking against similar contracts for bulk liquid oxygen and tank rental would provide further insight into the pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP, which typically involves a limited number of quotes. While competition was present, the extent of price discovery may be less robust than under full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential medical supplies, with the pricing determined through a competitive SAP process.

Public Impact

Ensures availability of critical medical oxygen for veterans. Supports healthcare operations within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Provides necessary equipment (tanks) for oxygen delivery and storage.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 81 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may not yield the absolute best price.
Reliance on a single vendor for a critical supply.
Potential for price increases in future contract renewals.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a competitive process (SAP).
Firm Fixed Price contract provides budget predictability.
Supports critical healthcare needs for veterans.

Sector Analysis

This spending falls within the Healthcare sector, specifically related to medical supplies and equipment. Benchmarks for bulk liquid oxygen and tank rental can vary significantly based on volume, delivery location, and contract duration.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether Paula F Price Enterprises LLC is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made under the Department of Veterans Affairs, which has established oversight mechanisms for procurement. The use of SAP suggests a streamlined process, but accountability for pricing and performance remains crucial.

Related Government Programs

Industrial Gas Manufacturing
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Single awardee
Potential for supply chain disruption
Price volatility of medical gases

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $24,303.17 to PAULA F PRICE ENTERPRISES LLC. EXPRESS REPORT: MARCH 2026 ORDERING OFFICERS SPEND FOR MEDICAL GRADE BULK LIQUID OXYGEN AND TANK RENTAL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PAULA F PRICE ENTERPRISES 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 $24,303.17.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-01. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the typical market price for bulk liquid oxygen and tank rental for a similar volume and duration?

Determining the typical market price requires access to industry pricing data, which can fluctuate based on regional supply, demand, and supplier competition. Benchmarking against historical VA contracts or GSA schedules for similar medical gases and equipment rental would provide a more accurate comparison point to assess if the $24.3 million award represents fair and reasonable pricing.

What are the risks associated with relying on a single vendor for a critical medical supply like oxygen?

The primary risk is supply chain disruption. If Paula F Price Enterprises LLC faces operational issues, natural disasters, or financial instability, it could lead to shortages of a critical medical supply for veterans. This necessitates robust contingency planning by the VA, potentially including alternative suppliers or emergency stock.

How effectively does the SAP process ensure value for money in this specific contract?

The Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are designed for efficiency and cost-effectiveness for purchases below certain thresholds. While SAP encourages competition among a limited pool of vendors, it may not always achieve the same level of price discovery as full and open competition. The VA's evaluation of quotes received under SAP is key to ensuring value for money in this instance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Basic Chemical Manufacturing › Industrial Gas Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 507 W MARTINTOWN RD, NORTH AUGUSTA, SC, 29841

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,303

Exercised Options: $24,303

Current Obligation: $24,303

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C77622D0011

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline