VA Awards $429,850 for Surgical Instrument Tracking System and Etching Services to Martin AIJS LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $429,850 ($429.9K)

Contractor: Martin Aijs LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 359 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: NUTRACE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT TRACKING SYSTEM AND ETCHING SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WEST HAVEN, NEW HAVEN County, CONNECTICUT, 06516

State: Connecticut Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $429,850 to MARTIN AIJS LLC for work described as: NUTRACE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT TRACKING SYSTEM AND ETCHING SERVICES Key points: 1. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is procuring a surgical instrument tracking system and etching services. 2. The contract was awarded to Martin AIJS LLC. 3. The contract type is a Purchase Order with a Firm Fixed Price. 4. The procurement utilized Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources. 5. The contract duration is 359 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $429,850 for a tracking system and etching services appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized equipment and services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for asset tracking or specialized manufacturing services would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources.' This suggests that while competition was sought, specific requirements or prior exclusions may have limited the pool of eligible bidders. The price discovery impact is likely moderate, as competition, even if limited, generally helps in achieving fair pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential healthcare infrastructure, specifically for tracking surgical instruments to improve patient safety and operational efficiency within the VA system.

Public Impact

Enhances patient safety by ensuring proper tracking and management of surgical instruments. Improves operational efficiency within VA healthcare facilities through better inventory control. Supports the VA's mission to provide high-quality healthcare to veterans. Potential for improved sterilization and maintenance protocols for surgical tools.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to 'Exclusion of Sources' clause.
Potential for vendor lock-in if the system is proprietary.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical tracking and etching services.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical need for surgical instrument management.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Long-term contract duration suggests a strategic need.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls under specialized manufacturing and IT services, specifically related to healthcare asset tracking. Spending benchmarks in this niche area are difficult to establish without more detailed service specifications, but the amount is moderate for a system implementation and ongoing service.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and contract management practices should ensure accountability. The 'Exclusion of Sources' clause warrants scrutiny to ensure it was justified and did not unduly restrict competition.

Related Government Programs

Metal Coating, Engraving (except Jewelry and Silverware), and Allied Services to Manufacturers
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to exclusion of sources.
Lack of detailed technical specifications for the NUTRACE system.
Unclear long-term cost implications beyond the initial contract period.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical surgical instrument management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $429,850 to MARTIN AIJS LLC. NUTRACE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT TRACKING SYSTEM AND ETCHING SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MARTIN AIJS 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 $429,850.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2027-03-31.

What specific technical capabilities does the NUTRACE system offer, and how do they compare to commercially available alternatives?

The NUTRACE system's specific technical capabilities are not detailed in the provided data. A thorough analysis would require reviewing the system's features for instrument identification, location tracking, usage history, and integration with existing hospital information systems. Comparing these features against leading commercial solutions would reveal if the VA is receiving a competitive or superior technological offering for the price.

What was the justification for excluding other potential sources, and did this exclusion significantly impact the final contract price?

The justification for excluding other sources under the 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' clause is critical. If the exclusion was based on unique capabilities or prior investment, the price might be justified. However, if it unduly limited competition, taxpayers may have paid a premium. Understanding the rationale and its impact on price discovery is key to assessing value for money.

What are the long-term maintenance and upgrade costs associated with the NUTRACE system, and how will these be managed?

The provided data only covers the initial award for the NUTRACE system and etching services. Long-term costs for maintenance, software updates, and potential hardware upgrades are not specified. The VA needs a clear plan and budget allocation for these future expenses to ensure the system remains effective and doesn't become obsolete or excessively costly to maintain over its lifecycle.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Coating, Engraving, Heat Treating, and Allied Activities › Metal Coating, Engraving (except Jewelry and Silverware), and Allied Services to Manufacturers

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 36C24126Q0345

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 751 LYNNES CV, WADSWORTH, OH, 44281

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $429,850

Exercised Options: $429,850

Current Obligation: $429,850

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline