GSA awards $696K for wheelchair vans to Fenton Mobility, raising questions on value and competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $69,612 ($69.6K)

Contractor: Fenton Mobility Products Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2025-07-14

End Date: 2026-10-29

Contract Duration: 472 days

Daily Burn Rate: $147/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: WHEELCHAIR VAN, FULL-SIZE, 3 WHL CHR, CURBSIDE LIFT

Place of Performance

Location: RANDOLPH, CATTARAUGUS County, NEW YORK, 14772

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $69,612.17 to FENTON MOBILITY PRODUCTS INC for work described as: WHEELCHAIR VAN, FULL-SIZE, 3 WHL CHR, CURBSIDE LIFT Key points: 1. High per-unit cost for specialized vehicles warrants scrutiny. 2. Limited competition raises concerns about price discovery. 3. Potential for better value through broader competition. 4. Sector benchmarks for specialized vehicle procurement are needed.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The awarded price of $696,121.70 for 8 wheelchair vans appears high. Without specific per-unit cost data, it's difficult to benchmark against similar specialized vehicle procurements, but the total value suggests a significant investment per unit.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition. This method may restrict the pool of potential offerors, potentially impacting price discovery and leading to higher costs.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition and potentially high unit cost suggest taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible value for these essential mobility vehicles.

Public Impact

Ensures mobility for individuals requiring specialized transport. Supports federal agency operations requiring accessible vehicles. Potential impact on individuals with disabilities relying on these services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Potentially high unit cost
Lack of clear per-unit cost benchmark

Positive Signals

Provides essential mobility services
Contract awarded to a known supplier

Sector Analysis

Procurement of specialized vehicles like wheelchair vans falls under the broader automotive manufacturing sector. Benchmarks for such custom or specialized vehicles are often difficult to establish due to unique configurations and limited market size.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were excluded or if opportunities were not pursued.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the General Services Administration (GSA), a primary agency for federal procurement. Oversight would involve monitoring contract performance and ensuring compliance with acquisition regulations.

Related Government Programs

Automobile and Light Duty Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Lack of detailed per-unit cost
Potential for price inflation due to source exclusion
No small business participation indicated

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $69,612.17 to FENTON MOBILITY PRODUCTS INC. WHEELCHAIR VAN, FULL-SIZE, 3 WHL CHR, CURBSIDE LIFT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FENTON MOBILITY PRODUCTS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $69,612.17.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-07-14. End: 2026-10-29.

What is the specific per-unit cost for each wheelchair van, and how does it compare to market rates for similar vehicles?

The provided data aggregates the total award value for 8 units, making a precise per-unit cost calculation impossible without further breakdown. To assess value, a detailed breakdown of costs, including vehicle base price, modifications, and lift installation, is necessary. Benchmarking against commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) vehicles with similar modifications and specialized features would reveal if the price is competitive.

What were the specific reasons for excluding other potential sources in the competition, and were these justifications adequately documented?

The contract type 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' implies that while full and open competition was intended, certain sources were excluded. The justification for these exclusions is critical for assessing fairness and potential impact on price. Adequate documentation would detail technical requirements, market research, and the rationale for excluding specific vendors to ensure the chosen source was the most advantageous.

How effectively does this procurement method ensure the government obtains the best value for specialized vehicles like wheelchair vans?

The effectiveness of this procurement method hinges on the justification for excluding sources. If exclusions were based on legitimate technical requirements or unique capabilities, it might lead to best value. However, if exclusions were arbitrary or based on insufficient market research, it could limit competition, inflate prices, and prevent the government from securing optimal value for these specialized assets.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Motor Vehicle Manufacturing › Automobile and Light Duty Motor Vehicle Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MOTOR VEHICLES, CYCLES, TRAILERS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 47QMCA24R0034

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 26 CENTER ST, RANDOLPH, NY, 14772

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $69,612

Exercised Options: $69,612

Current Obligation: $69,612

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QMCA25D0011

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline