VA awards $705K for RT-LINAC equipment upgrade at Jamaica Plain VAMC, enhancing cancer treatment capabilities

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $705,587 ($705.6K)

Contractor: Varian Medical Systems, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-10-28

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 184 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: MODALITY: RT-LINAC REQUISITION: 523B51021 STATION: JAMAICA PLAIN VAMC REQUIREMENT: EQUIPMENT UPGRADE

Place of Performance

Location: PALO ALTO, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94304

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $705,587 to VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC for work described as: MODALITY: RT-LINAC REQUISITION: 523B51021 STATION: JAMAICA PLAIN VAMC REQUIREMENT: EQUIPMENT UPGRADE Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of 184 days indicates a focused, short-term project for equipment upgrade. 3. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide budget certainty for the VA. 4. This procurement supports critical healthcare infrastructure for veteran cancer treatment. 5. The award to Varian Medical Systems, Inc. suggests a reliance on established manufacturers for specialized medical equipment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $705,587 for an RT-LINAC equipment upgrade appears reasonable for specialized medical technology. Benchmarking against similar procurements for linear accelerators would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm fixed-price structure helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. The award is for a specific equipment upgrade, implying a defined scope and expected performance.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The number of bidders is not specified, but this method generally fosters competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value. The open competition suggests a healthy market for this type of medical equipment.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it is expected to drive down prices through market forces and ensure the government receives competitive offers, maximizing the value of taxpayer dollars.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving cancer treatment at the Jamaica Plain VAMC will benefit from upgraded medical equipment. The upgrade will enhance the capabilities of radiation therapy, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes. The Jamaica Plain VAMC in California will receive the new equipment, directly impacting local veteran healthcare services. The project supports specialized healthcare jobs related to the installation and maintenance of advanced medical technology.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if this specific modality requires proprietary maintenance or consumables.
Ensuring timely delivery and installation within the 184-day window is crucial for patient care continuity.

Positive Signals

Award through full and open competition suggests a competitive process that should yield fair pricing.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty and limits the government's exposure to price increases.
Procurement of advanced medical equipment directly supports the VA's mission to provide quality healthcare to veterans.

Sector Analysis

The market for medical irradiation apparatus, including RT-LINACs, is a specialized segment within the broader healthcare technology sector. These devices are critical for modern cancer treatment. The spending on such equipment is driven by the need for advanced diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in healthcare facilities. The size of this specific market segment can vary based on technological advancements and healthcare policy.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions for this contract. Given the specialized nature of RT-LINAC equipment, it is likely that the primary manufacturers are large corporations. There is no information provided on subcontracting plans, but opportunities for small businesses might exist in ancillary services such as installation, maintenance, or logistics.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has established oversight mechanisms for contract awards. This contract, being a delivery order under a larger vehicle, likely falls under existing oversight for that vehicle. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this procurement.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Equipment Procurement
Radiation Therapy Equipment
Cancer Treatment Technology
Healthcare Infrastructure Modernization

Risk Flags

Potential for extended downtime impacting patient care if installation is delayed.
Ensuring compatibility with existing IT infrastructure and clinical workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $705,587 to VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. MODALITY: RT-LINAC REQUISITION: 523B51021 STATION: JAMAICA PLAIN VAMC REQUIREMENT: EQUIPMENT UPGRADE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, 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 $705,587.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-28. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the track record of Varian Medical Systems, Inc. with the Department of Veterans Affairs for similar equipment procurements?

Varian Medical Systems, Inc. is a well-established provider of medical devices and software, particularly known for its radiation therapy equipment. A review of historical VA contract data would reveal the extent of their past awards for RT-LINACs and other radiotherapy systems. Analyzing these past contracts could indicate a consistent relationship or highlight any performance issues. It's important to check if previous contracts were completed on time, within budget, and met performance specifications. This context helps assess the reliability of Varian as a contractor for this specific upgrade, ensuring the VA is leveraging a proven supplier for critical medical technology.

How does the awarded price of $705,587 compare to market rates for similar RT-LINAC equipment upgrades?

To benchmark the value, one would need to compare this $705,587 award against recent procurements of comparable RT-LINAC systems by other federal agencies or large healthcare networks. Factors such as the specific model, included features (e.g., imaging capabilities, treatment planning software integration), warranty, and service agreements significantly influence pricing. If this price is within the typical range for such upgrades, it suggests fair market value. Conversely, if it is substantially higher or lower, it warrants further investigation into the scope of work, competition level, and potential cost efficiencies or risks associated with the acquisition.

What are the primary risks associated with upgrading RT-LINAC equipment in a live clinical environment?

The primary risks associated with upgrading RT-LINAC equipment in a live clinical environment include potential disruption to patient care schedules, extended downtime if installation or calibration issues arise, and the need for rigorous quality assurance and safety testing post-installation. There's also a risk of incompatibility with existing infrastructure or software. Ensuring a seamless transition requires meticulous planning, coordination between the vendor and hospital staff, and robust contingency plans. The short 184-day duration suggests a focused effort, but any delays could impact the facility's ability to provide timely radiation therapy, potentially affecting patient outcomes and requiring careful management by the VA.

What is the expected impact of this equipment upgrade on the quality and efficiency of cancer treatment at Jamaica Plain VAMC?

The upgrade to a new RT-LINAC system is expected to significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of cancer treatment at the Jamaica Plain VAMC. Modern RT-LINACs offer improved precision in targeting tumors, reducing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, which can lead to fewer side effects and better patient outcomes. Enhanced capabilities may include faster treatment delivery times, advanced imaging for precise patient positioning, and integration with sophisticated treatment planning software. This upgrade should enable clinicians to offer more advanced and personalized radiation therapy options, thereby improving the overall standard of care for veterans undergoing cancer treatment at this facility.

How has VA spending on radiation therapy equipment evolved over the past five years?

Analyzing VA spending on radiation therapy equipment over the past five years would reveal trends in investment in cancer care technology. This would involve aggregating data on procurements of linear accelerators, brachytherapy units, and related software. An increasing trend might indicate a strategic focus on expanding or modernizing cancer treatment services across the VA system. Conversely, stagnant or decreasing spending could suggest budget constraints or a shift in healthcare priorities. Understanding this historical spending pattern provides context for the current $705,587 award, helping to determine if it represents a typical investment or a significant deviation.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Altair Engineering Inc.

Address: 3100 HANSEN WAY, PALO ALTO, CA, 94304

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $705,587

Exercised Options: $705,587

Current Obligation: $705,587

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36H79725D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline