VA awards $19.9M for prosthetic orders, including wheelchairs, to DME SERVICES LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,918 ($19.9K)

Contractor: DME Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-04-06

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: PROSTHETIC ORDER - WHEELCHAIR

Place of Performance

Location: BIRMINGHAM, JEFFERSON County, ALABAMA, 35222

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $19,918.17 to DME SERVICES LLC for work described as: PROSTHETIC ORDER - WHEELCHAIR Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment. 2. The contract is for prosthetic orders, specifically mentioning wheelchairs, indicating a focus on durable medical equipment. 3. The award to DME SERVICES LLC is a single delivery order, suggesting a specific need rather than a broad requirement. 4. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 5. The contract duration is one year, indicating a short-term need or a pilot program. 6. The geographic scope is Alabama, suggesting a regional focus for service delivery.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $19.9 million for prosthetic orders, including wheelchairs, appears reasonable given the scope of durable medical equipment. Benchmarking against similar contracts for prosthetic devices and wheelchairs would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm fixed-price structure helps mitigate cost overruns for the government. However, without specific details on the quantity and types of prosthetics ordered, a definitive value-for-money judgment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded using 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 a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and quality for the government. The open competition suggests that the Department of Veterans Affairs sought the best value available in the market for these essential medical supplies.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition as it typically drives down prices through market forces, ensuring that federal funds are used efficiently for prosthetic orders.

Public Impact

Veterans in Alabama will benefit from access to necessary prosthetic devices, including wheelchairs. The contract ensures the availability of essential durable medical equipment for beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The services delivered will support the mobility and quality of life for veterans requiring prosthetic assistance. The geographic impact is concentrated in Alabama, serving the veteran population within that state.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the types and quantities of prosthetics ordered makes it difficult to assess if the $19.9M award represents optimal value.
The short one-year duration might indicate a limited scope or a need for re-competition, potentially leading to future price fluctuations.
No information is provided on whether small businesses were involved in subcontracting opportunities.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, which generally leads to competitive pricing.
The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract addresses a critical need for prosthetic devices and wheelchairs for veterans.

Sector Analysis

The durable medical equipment (DME) sector, particularly prosthetics and orthotics, is a significant segment within the broader healthcare industry. This contract falls under the manufacturing of surgical appliances and supplies. The market for prosthetics is driven by an aging population, increased incidence of chronic diseases, and advancements in technology. Federal agencies, especially the VA, are major purchasers of such equipment to serve veterans.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on small businesses would be through potential subcontracting opportunities, which are not detailed in the provided information. Without specific subcontracting plans or goals, it is difficult to assess the extent to which small businesses will participate in fulfilling this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for the oversight of this contract. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, it is subject to the VA's internal procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

VA Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Contracts
Veterans Health Administration Services
Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for delivery delays given the single order value.
Need for detailed performance metrics to ensure quality and timeliness.
Limited duration may require future re-competition and associated transition risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $19,918.17 to DME SERVICES LLC. PROSTHETIC ORDER - WHEELCHAIR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DME SERVICES 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 $19,918.17.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the track record of DME SERVICES LLC in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for prosthetic orders?

Information regarding the specific track record of DME SERVICES LLC in fulfilling federal contracts, especially for prosthetic orders, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance ratings, any past performance issues or awards on federal contract databases like SAM.gov or FPDS. Understanding their experience with similar products, delivery timelines, and customer satisfaction would be crucial for evaluating their reliability and capability to meet the Department of Veterans Affairs' needs. Without this historical data, it's difficult to gauge their proven success in this specific domain.

How does the $19.9 million award compare to historical spending on similar prosthetic orders by the VA?

To compare the $19.9 million award to historical VA spending on similar prosthetic orders, one would need to analyze past contract data for prosthetic devices and wheelchairs. This would involve identifying contracts with similar scope, duration, and product categories awarded by the VA or other federal agencies. Factors such as inflation, technological advancements, and changes in veteran population needs would need to be considered for a fair comparison. Without access to this historical spending data, it is challenging to determine if this award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in these essential medical supplies.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will DME SERVICES LLC's performance be measured?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or the detailed performance measurement plan for this contract. Typically, contracts for durable medical equipment would include metrics related to on-time delivery, product quality and compliance with specifications, accuracy of orders, and customer service responsiveness. The Department of Veterans Affairs would likely have established procedures for monitoring these aspects, potentially including user feedback and periodic performance reviews. A thorough understanding of these KPIs is essential for assessing the contractor's adherence to contractual obligations and the overall success of the procurement.

What is the potential risk associated with a single delivery order of this magnitude, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

A single delivery order of $19.9 million carries inherent risks, primarily related to the contractor's capacity to fulfill the entire order efficiently and effectively. Potential risks include delivery delays, quality control issues, or financial instability of the contractor. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust pre-award vetting of the contractor's financial health and capacity, clear contractual terms with defined delivery schedules and quality standards, and ongoing performance monitoring by the contracting officer. The VA may also require performance bonds or other financial assurances for large-value orders to protect against contractor default.

How does the 'Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing' NAICS code (339113) align with the services provided under this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 339113, 'Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing,' directly aligns with the nature of this contract, which involves prosthetic orders and wheelchairs. This code encompasses establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing medical, surgical, and personal protective equipment and supplies, such as orthopedic appliances, prosthetic devices, surgical trusses, artificial limbs, and wheelchairs. Therefore, DME SERVICES LLC, operating under this code, is appropriately categorized for providing the specified goods to the Department of Veterans Affairs, ensuring the procurement falls within the intended industrial sector.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing › Surgical Appliance and Supplies 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: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3600 5TH AVE S, BIRMINGHAM, AL, 35222

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,918

Exercised Options: $19,918

Current Obligation: $19,918

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36F79724D0128

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline