VA Awards $3.16M for Eyeglass Manufacturing to PDS Consultants, Inc. with No Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,158,500 ($3.2M)

Contractor: PDS Consultants, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-02-01

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 88 days

Daily Burn Rate: $35.9K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: VISN 1 INTERIM EYEGLASS DO-TO 02/01/2026 -05/31/2026

Place of Performance

Location: BEDFORD, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01730

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $3.2 million to PDS CONSULTANTS, INC for work described as: VISN 1 INTERIM EYEGLASS DO-TO 02/01/2026 -05/31/2026 Key points: 1. The contract is for ophthalmic goods manufacturing, specifically interim eyeglasses. 2. PDS Consultants, Inc. is the sole awardee, indicating a lack of competition. 3. The contract value is $3.16 million over an 88-day period. 4. The award is a delivery order under an existing contract. 5. The primary risk lies in the absence of competitive pricing and potential for overpayment.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $3.16 million for an 88-day period for interim eyeglasses appears high without competitive benchmarking. The lack of competition makes it difficult to assess if the pricing is fair and reasonable compared to market rates for similar ophthalmic goods.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, suggesting it was awarded under a sole-source justification or a limited competition scenario. The absence of a competitive bidding process limits price discovery and may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition raises concerns about whether the government secured the best possible price, potentially resulting in inefficient use of taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Veterans will receive interim eyeglasses, ensuring their vision needs are met. The award supports a specific manufacturer, PDS Consultants, Inc. The VA's procurement process for essential medical supplies is highlighted.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for inflated pricing
Short contract duration may indicate urgency or interim solution

Positive Signals

Ensures delivery of essential goods to veterans
Utilizes an existing contract vehicle

Sector Analysis

The ophthalmic goods manufacturing sector involves the production of eyeglasses and related optical products. Spending in this sector by the VA is crucial for veteran healthcare. Benchmarks for similar contracts are difficult to ascertain due to the sole-source nature of this award.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication in the provided data whether small businesses were involved in this procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further investigation would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. The lack of competition warrants scrutiny to ensure the VA obtained fair pricing and that the award was justified.

Related Government Programs

Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competitive bidding
Potential for non-competitive pricing
Limited transparency on justification for sole-source award
High contract value for a short duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $3.2 million to PDS CONSULTANTS, INC. VISN 1 INTERIM EYEGLASS DO-TO 02/01/2026 -05/31/2026

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PDS CONSULTANTS, 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 $3.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-02-01. End: 2026-04-30.

What was the justification for not competing this contract, and what steps were taken to ensure fair pricing?

The provided data states the contract was 'NOT COMPETED'. Without further details on the justification (e.g., sole-source justification, urgent need), it's impossible to assess the rationale. To ensure fair pricing in non-competed awards, agencies typically rely on historical pricing, independent government cost estimates, or certified cost or pricing data from the contractor.

What is the typical per-unit cost for interim eyeglasses of this nature, and how does this contract's implied cost compare?

Determining a precise per-unit cost without detailed specifications and competitive bids is challenging. However, a $3.16 million contract over approximately 3 months (88 days) suggests a significant volume or high per-unit cost. Without market data or competitive bids, it's difficult to benchmark, but the lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpayment compared to market rates.

What is the long-term strategy for eyeglass procurement, and does this interim contract align with it?

This contract is for interim eyeglasses and has a short duration (February 1, 2026 - April 30, 2026). This suggests it's a temporary solution to meet an immediate need. The VA's long-term strategy for eyeglass procurement would likely involve more comprehensive, potentially competed contracts to ensure sustained supply and cost-effectiveness for veterans.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing › Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3801 BISHOP LN, LOUISVILLE, KY, 40218

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,158,500

Exercised Options: $3,158,500

Current Obligation: $3,158,500

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24126D0017

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline