VA awards $49.7K purchase order for sporting equipment to Lotus Logistics LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $49,730 ($49.7K)

Contractor: Lotus Logistics LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 90 days

Daily Burn Rate: $553/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SPORTING EQUIPMENT

Place of Performance

Location: WILMINGTON, NEW CASTLE County, DELAWARE, 19809

State: Delaware Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $49,729.67 to LOTUS LOGISTICS LLC for work described as: SPORTING EQUIPMENT Key points: 1. Contract awarded for sporting equipment, indicating a need for recreational or therapeutic items. 2. The contract was competed under SAP, suggesting a streamlined procurement process for a relatively small value. 3. The award to Lotus Logistics LLC, a single entity, warrants a review of its capacity and past performance. 4. The short duration of the contract (90 days) implies a specific, immediate need rather than a long-term program. 5. Firm Fixed Price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 6. The geographic location of Delaware (DE) may influence local economic impact or logistical considerations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $49,729.67 for sporting equipment is relatively small. Benchmarking this specific award is challenging without more detail on the exact items procured. However, given the small value and the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation, it suggests a standard market price was likely sought. The firm fixed-price nature provides cost control. Further analysis would require comparing the unit prices of the specific sporting goods to commercial equivalents.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which is typically used for purchases below the simplified acquisition threshold. While the exact number of bidders is not provided, this method generally allows for broad competition among qualified vendors. The use of SAP aims to reduce administrative burden while still ensuring fair opportunity and competitive pricing for smaller procurements.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competing under SAP for this purchase order helps ensure that the government is obtaining goods at a reasonable price, avoiding unnecessary administrative costs associated with larger, more complex solicitations.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving services from the Department of Veterans Affairs are the primary beneficiaries, likely through recreational therapy or adaptive sports programs. The services delivered include the provision of sporting equipment, essential for physical activity and rehabilitation. The geographic impact is primarily within Delaware, where the contractor is located and services are likely delivered. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving a small number of personnel for delivery and logistics.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the sporting equipment procured makes it difficult to assess value for money.
Limited contract duration may indicate a reactive procurement rather than strategic planning.
No information on small business subcontracting plans, if applicable.

Positive Signals

Contract was competed, suggesting an effort to achieve competitive pricing.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
Awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, indicating support for veteran services.

Sector Analysis

The procurement of sporting equipment falls under general supplies and services. The market for sporting goods is diverse, ranging from large manufacturers to specialized distributors. This contract, valued under the simplified acquisition threshold, represents a small portion of overall federal spending on supplies and equipment, likely supporting specific program needs within the VA rather than broad category spending.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). However, as it was competed under SAP, small businesses would have had the opportunity to bid. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any small businesses were awarded subcontracts, though this is less common for purchase orders of this size and type.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order would typically reside within the Department of Veterans Affairs' procurement and program management offices. Standard contract administration processes would apply, ensuring delivery of goods and adherence to the contract terms. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, but detailed programmatic oversight information is not provided.

Related Government Programs

Department of Veterans Affairs Medical and Surgical Supplies
Recreational Therapy Services
Adaptive Sports Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed itemization for sporting equipment.
Limited contract duration may not align with long-term program needs.
Contractor's past performance data not readily available.
Geographic concentration (Delaware) may limit broader competition or impact delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $49,729.67 to LOTUS LOGISTICS LLC. SPORTING EQUIPMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LOTUS LOGISTICS 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 $49,729.67.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the track record of Lotus Logistics LLC in performing government contracts, particularly with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Information regarding the specific track record of Lotus Logistics LLC in performing government contracts, especially with the Department of Veterans Affairs, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes. Without this, it's difficult to gauge their reliability and experience. However, the award of this purchase order suggests they met the basic qualifications and were deemed capable of fulfilling the requirement at the time of award. Further due diligence would involve checking databases like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) if available for this contractor.

How does the price of this sporting equipment compare to market rates for similar items?

The provided data does not include specific details about the sporting equipment procured, making a direct price comparison to market rates impossible. The total award amount is $49,729.67. To benchmark effectively, one would need to know the exact items, quantities, and specifications. For example, if the contract was for specialized adaptive sports equipment, prices could be significantly higher than standard sporting goods. If it was for general items like basketballs or jump ropes, a comparison to commercial catalogs or wholesale distributors would be necessary. The 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation suggests the VA aimed for competitive pricing within the simplified acquisition framework.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract award?

Potential risks associated with this contract include the possibility of receiving substandard or incorrect sporting equipment if specifications were not precise, or if the contractor's quality control is lacking. Given the short duration and specific nature, there's a risk of delivery delays impacting program schedules. Another risk is the lack of transparency regarding the specific items and their value, making it hard to verify if the government received optimal value for money. Finally, if Lotus Logistics LLC has a limited history or poor past performance (which is unknown from the data), there's a risk of non-performance or contract disputes.

How effective is the Department of Veterans Affairs in procuring sporting equipment through competitive means?

The Department of Veterans Affairs utilizes various procurement methods, including Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for smaller purchases like this one, to ensure competitive pricing. The fact that this $49,729.67 purchase order was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' indicates an effort to leverage competition. However, the effectiveness is best measured by comparing the prices paid against benchmarks and assessing the quality and timeliness of delivery. Without more data on the specific items and the bidding process (number of offers received), it's difficult to definitively state the effectiveness for this single instance. Generally, the VA aims for competition, but the level of competition and resulting value can vary significantly based on the specific goods or services required.

What has been the historical spending pattern for sporting equipment by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

The provided data focuses solely on this single purchase order and does not offer historical spending patterns for sporting equipment by the Department of Veterans Affairs. To analyze historical spending, one would need access to aggregated contract data over multiple fiscal years, categorized by the specific product service code (PSC) or keywords related to sporting goods. This would reveal trends in spending levels, types of equipment procured, primary contractors, and procurement methods used. Such analysis could identify whether spending on sporting equipment is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable, and whether it's concentrated with a few vendors or widely distributed.

What is the significance of the contract type (Firm Fixed Price) for this sporting equipment purchase?

The Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type is significant because it establishes a ceiling price that the contractor must not exceed, regardless of any cost overruns they may incur. For the Department of Veterans Affairs, this offers the highest degree of cost control and predictability. It shifts the risk of cost increases from the government to the contractor. This is generally preferred for procurements where the scope of work and specifications are well-defined, such as the purchase of standard sporting goods. It simplifies financial management and reduces the need for extensive cost audits during contract performance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation › Performing Arts Companies › Musical Groups and Artists

Product/Service Code: RECREATIONAL/ATHLETIC EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C10D26Q0008

Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 501 SILVERSIDE RD STE 90, WILMINGTON, DE, 19809

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $49,730

Exercised Options: $49,730

Current Obligation: $49,730

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline