VA Awards $554K for Medical Gas Cylinders to Ras Enterprises LLC Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $55,437 ($55.4K)

Contractor: RAS Enterprises LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-06-01

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $152/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: MEDICAL GAS CYLINDERS

Place of Performance

Location: ALTOONA, BLAIR County, PENNSYLVANIA, 16601

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $55,437.47 to RAS ENTERPRISES LLC for work described as: MEDICAL GAS CYLINDERS Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential medical supplies, indicating ongoing demand. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. The contract value is relatively modest, suggesting limited scope or volume. 4. Focus on industrial gas manufacturing highlights a specific niche within healthcare support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $554,374.70 for medical gas cylinders appears reasonable given the duration and nature of the supplies. Benchmarking against similar VA or DoD contracts for industrial gases would provide a more precise assessment.

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, indicating that multiple vendors were likely considered. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests taxpayers are likely receiving fair market value for these essential medical supplies.

Public Impact

Ensures continued availability of critical medical gases for VA facilities. Supports healthcare operations by providing necessary equipment for patient care. Potential for improved patient outcomes through reliable access to medical gases.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price fluctuations in industrial gas markets.
Dependence on a single supplier for a critical need.

Positive Signals

Competitive award process.
Clear contract duration and delivery schedule.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare sector relies heavily on specialized equipment and supplies like medical gas cylinders. Spending in this area is driven by patient volume and the complexity of medical procedures. Benchmarks for similar contracts can vary widely based on gas type, volume, and delivery requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this specific procurement. 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 to ensure timely delivery and quality of medical gas cylinders. Standard procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms should be in place.

Related Government Programs

Industrial Gas Manufacturing
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions.
Dependence on specific gas types and purity.
Market volatility of industrial gas prices.
Ensuring consistent quality and safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $55,437.47 to RAS ENTERPRISES LLC. MEDICAL GAS CYLINDERS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RAS ENTERPRISES 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 $55,437.47.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-06-01. End: 2026-05-31.

What is the typical unit cost for medical gas cylinders of this type, and how does this contract's implied unit cost compare?

Without specific details on the types and quantities of gases ordered, a precise unit cost comparison is difficult. However, the total award of $554,374.70 over approximately one year suggests a significant volume. Industry benchmarks for industrial gas cylinder rentals and fills can range from tens to hundreds of dollars per cylinder, depending on gas purity, size, and duration of need. A detailed breakdown of the delivery order would be necessary for a robust comparison.

What are the primary risks associated with the supply chain for medical gas cylinders, and how are they mitigated in this contract?

Key risks include supply chain disruptions due to manufacturing issues, transportation challenges, or geopolitical events affecting raw material availability. This contract's mitigation relies on the 'full and open competition' clause, which ideally broadens the supplier base and reduces single-point-of-failure risks. However, the specific supplier's capacity and contingency plans are crucial. The VA should monitor supplier performance and market conditions closely.

How effectively does this contract support the VA's mission to provide timely and quality healthcare to veterans?

This contract directly supports the VA's mission by ensuring a consistent supply of essential medical gases, which are critical for various treatments and life support functions in VA healthcare facilities. The competitive award process aims to secure these supplies at a reasonable cost, contributing to efficient resource allocation. Reliable delivery, as stipulated by the contract, is paramount for uninterrupted patient care.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Basic Chemical Manufacturing › Industrial Gas Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2512 25TH AVE STE 3, GULFPORT, MS, 39501

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, 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: $55,437

Exercised Options: $55,437

Current Obligation: $55,437

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24422D0140

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline