GSA awards $73K purchase order for colonoscopes to Olympus America Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $73,306 ($73.3K)

Contractor: Olympus America Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-05-10

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.4K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: CF-HQ190L CF-HQ190L EVIS EXERA III HD COLONOSCOPE IAW GSAR 538.7103-2(A) (GSA CD RFO-2025-FSS-GSAR 538)

Place of Performance

Location: CENTER VALLEY, LEHIGH County, PENNSYLVANIA, 18034

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $73,305.6 to OLYMPUS AMERICA INC for work described as: CF-HQ190L CF-HQ190L EVIS EXERA III HD COLONOSCOPE IAW GSAR 538.7103-2(A) (GSA CD RFO-2025-FSS-GSAR 538) Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the fixed-price nature of the contract. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially limited bidding process under SAP. 3. Risk indicators are low due to a short duration and fixed-price terms. 4. Performance context is a standard supply of medical equipment. 5. Sector positioning is within the medical device manufacturing industry.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $73,305.60 for a 30-day period seems within a reasonable range for specialized medical equipment like colonoscopes. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for this specific item is challenging without more detailed specifications, but the price appears competitive for a single unit purchase. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a less extensive competition than full and open solicitations. While the number of bidders is not explicitly stated, SAP often results in fewer than three bidders, potentially limiting price discovery. The 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation suggests that the agency followed procedures for smaller procurements, which may not have attracted a wide range of potential suppliers.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition under SAP may mean that taxpayers did not benefit from the lowest possible price that could have been achieved through broader market engagement.

Public Impact

Federal healthcare facilities and medical personnel will benefit from the acquisition of these colonoscopes. The services delivered include the supply of essential diagnostic medical equipment. The geographic impact is likely concentrated where the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service operates or distributes equipment. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily affecting procurement and logistics personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition under SAP could lead to suboptimal pricing.
Lack of detailed specifications makes it difficult to assess the exact value proposition.
Short contract duration might indicate a need for immediate supply rather than long-term strategic sourcing.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Use of GSA schedules suggests adherence to established procurement pathways.
Olympus America Inc. is a known supplier in the medical device market.

Sector Analysis

The medical instrument manufacturing sector is characterized by innovation and stringent regulatory requirements. This contract falls within the Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing industry (NAICS 339112). Spending in this sector by the federal government is substantial, supporting healthcare delivery across various agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing the average price of similar colonoscope models procured by the government or private healthcare systems.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The supplier, Olympus America Inc., is a large corporation, suggesting that the primary focus of this procurement was on obtaining the specific product rather than fostering small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service. As a purchase order issued under GSA schedules, it is expected to adhere to established procurement regulations and policies. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases, and accountability rests with the contracting officers responsible for ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions.

Related Government Programs

Medical Equipment Procurement
GSA Schedules Program
Surgical Instruments
Diagnostic Equipment

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition
Lack of detailed technical specifications for comparison
Reliance on GSA Schedule pricing without broader market validation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $73,305.6 to OLYMPUS AMERICA INC. CF-HQ190L CF-HQ190L EVIS EXERA III HD COLONOSCOPE IAW GSAR 538.7103-2(A) (GSA CD RFO-2025-FSS-GSAR 538)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is OLYMPUS AMERICA INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $73,305.6.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-05-10.

What is the track record of Olympus America Inc. as a federal contractor?

Olympus America Inc. has a significant history as a federal contractor, primarily supplying medical and surgical equipment. Data from federal procurement databases indicates numerous awards across various agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense, often for similar product lines such as endoscopes and related accessories. While specific performance metrics for individual contracts are not always publicly detailed, their consistent presence as a supplier suggests a generally accepted level of performance and product quality within the federal healthcare system. Analysis of past performance would involve reviewing contract close-out reports and any documented disputes or terminations, which are not readily available for this specific award.

How does the price of this colonoscope compare to similar federal contracts?

Direct price comparison for this specific colonoscope model (EVIS EXERA III HD COLONOSCOPE) is challenging without access to a comprehensive database of identical or highly similar federal procurements with detailed specifications and pricing. However, the awarded amount of $73,305.60 for a 30-day purchase order suggests a unit price that is likely in the tens of thousands of dollars, which is typical for high-definition medical imaging equipment. Benchmarking would ideally involve comparing this price against other GSA Schedule awards or competitively solicited contracts for comparable colonoscopes from different manufacturers. Without such comparative data, assessing whether this represents excellent, fair, or questionable value is difficult, though the firm fixed-price nature provides a degree of cost control.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract are relatively low due to its nature. The short duration (30 days) limits long-term exposure. The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract structure shifts most of the financial risk to the contractor, Olympus America Inc., ensuring the government pays a set amount. Potential risks could include delivery delays, although the short timeframe makes this less impactful than for longer-term contracts. Another minor risk is the possibility of receiving a model that is not the absolute latest technology if the procurement process did not specify the most current version, but this is mitigated by the reputation of the supplier. Equipment malfunction or warranty issues are standard risks for any capital equipment purchase, managed through the contract's terms and conditions.

How effective is the GSA Schedule program in ensuring value for this type of medical equipment?

The GSA Schedule program aims to provide agencies with streamlined access to a wide range of commercial items, including medical equipment, at pre-negotiated prices. For this contract, using the GSA Schedule likely facilitated a quicker procurement process compared to a full solicitation. The effectiveness in ensuring value depends on the specific schedule contract negotiated by GSA with Olympus America Inc. and the diligence of the ordering agency in selecting the appropriate item and verifying its necessity. While GSA Schedules offer convenience and often competitive pricing due to volume, they do not always guarantee the absolute lowest price achievable through open market competition, especially for highly specialized or rapidly evolving technologies.

What are the historical spending patterns for colonoscopes by the federal government?

Historical federal spending on colonoscopes and related endoscopic equipment is substantial, driven primarily by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and military healthcare facilities. Spending fluctuates based on equipment replacement cycles, technological advancements, and overall healthcare demand. Data indicates consistent annual expenditures in the millions of dollars for various types of endoscopes and accessories. Procurements often occur through GSA Schedules, direct solicitations, or other contract vehicles. Analyzing historical data would reveal trends in pricing, preferred vendors, and the adoption of new technologies, providing context for current procurement decisions and value assessments.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing › Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3500 CORPORATE PKWY, CENTER VALLEY, PA, 18034

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $73,306

Exercised Options: $73,306

Current Obligation: $73,306

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline