VA awards $19.9M for dental equipment, with a 30-day delivery order under a larger contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,916 ($19.9K)

Contractor: Dentsply North America LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-05-10

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $664/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Place of Performance

Location: WILMINGTON, NEW CASTLE County, DELAWARE, 19805

State: Delaware Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $19,915.72 to DENTSPLY NORTH AMERICA LLC for work described as: MEDICAL EQUIPMENT Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through competitive bidding and fixed-price structure. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, likely driving favorable pricing. 3. Risk indicators include short performance duration and reliance on a single delivery order. 4. Performance context is a specific need for dental equipment within a 30-day window. 5. Sector positioning within medical supplies, specifically dental equipment manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $19.9 million for dental equipment appears reasonable given the scope of a delivery order. Benchmarking against similar contracts for medical supplies suggests competitive pricing was likely achieved through the full and open competition. The firm fixed-price structure further supports value for money by capping costs for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, suggesting multiple bidders were invited to submit proposals. The level of competition is generally positive for price discovery, as it encourages vendors to offer their best pricing to win the award. Specific details on the number of bidders are not provided but the designation implies a robust process.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition typically leads to better pricing for taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment among suppliers.

Public Impact

Veterans Affairs beneficiaries will receive services supported by this dental equipment. Essential dental equipment and supplies will be delivered to support healthcare operations. The geographic impact is likely concentrated where the VA facilities receiving the equipment are located. Workforce implications include ensuring dental professionals have the necessary tools to perform their duties.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Short performance period (30 days) may indicate urgent need or limited scope.
Reliance on a single delivery order could imply a need for future competitive actions for sustained supply.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a well-vetted procurement process.
Awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, indicating support for veteran healthcare.

Sector Analysis

The medical equipment sector is vast, with dental equipment and supplies being a specialized segment. This contract fits within the broader healthcare procurement landscape, where the VA is a significant purchaser. Comparable spending benchmarks for dental equipment can vary widely based on specific items and quantities, but this award represents a substantial single order.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses participated as prime contractors or subcontractors within this full and open competition. The absence of set-aside language suggests larger prime contractors may be involved.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' procurement and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring delivery of specified goods. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award data being publicly available, though specific performance monitoring details are not provided.

Related Government Programs

Medical Equipment Procurement
Dental Supplies
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracts
Healthcare Services

Risk Flags

Short delivery window
Potential supply chain risks
Reliance on a single delivery order

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $19,915.72 to DENTSPLY NORTH AMERICA LLC. MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DENTSPLY NORTH AMERICA 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 $19,915.72.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-05-10.

What is the track record of DENTSPLY NORTH AMERICA LLC with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

DENTSPLY NORTH AMERICA LLC has a history of contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs, primarily in the domain of dental equipment and supplies. Analyzing past awards, including their value, duration, and performance feedback, would provide insight into their reliability and pricing consistency. A review of their contract history can reveal patterns of successful delivery or any recurring issues. For instance, understanding if they have previously fulfilled similar large-value delivery orders under firm fixed-price terms for the VA would be crucial. This specific award, valued at $19.9 million with a 30-day delivery window, suggests a capacity to meet urgent or specific supply needs. Further investigation into their performance on prior VA contracts, particularly those with similar product categories and delivery timelines, would offer a more comprehensive assessment of their suitability and past performance.

How does the $19.9 million value compare to typical VA dental equipment procurements?

The $19.9 million value for this specific delivery order of dental equipment is substantial and likely represents a significant procurement event for the Department of Veterans Affairs. To benchmark this value effectively, one would need to compare it against historical spending data for dental equipment and supplies by the VA. This comparison should consider the quantity and type of equipment included in the order, as the $19.9 million could cover a wide range of items from basic consumables to complex machinery. Analyzing the average contract value for similar dental equipment categories over the past several fiscal years would provide context. If this $19.9 million order is an outlier, it might indicate a large-scale upgrade, a specific project need, or a consolidation of requirements. Conversely, if it aligns with previous large orders, it suggests a consistent level of investment in dental care infrastructure.

What are the primary risks associated with a 30-day delivery period for this contract?

A 30-day delivery period for a $19.9 million dental equipment contract presents several potential risks. Firstly, there's a risk of supply chain disruptions impacting the contractor's ability to procure and deliver the specified items within the tight timeframe. This is particularly relevant given the global nature of manufacturing and logistics. Secondly, the compressed timeline could lead to increased costs for expedited shipping or production, potentially impacting the value for money, even under a fixed-price contract if unforeseen issues arise. Thirdly, there's a risk of rushed quality control processes, which could compromise the integrity or suitability of the delivered equipment. The VA would need robust inspection and acceptance procedures to mitigate this. Finally, if the equipment is critical for ongoing operations, any delay beyond the 30 days could disrupt patient care, leading to operational inefficiencies and potential negative impacts on veteran health services.

What does the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION' designation imply for the effectiveness of this procurement?

The designation 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION' implies that the Department of Veterans Affairs sought proposals from all responsible sources, without restrictions on the use of full and open competition. This is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring fair and transparent procurement, maximizing competition, and achieving the best value for the government. It suggests that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid, which typically drives down prices and encourages innovation. The effectiveness of this competition hinges on the clarity of the solicitation requirements, the evaluation criteria, and the fairness of the selection process. A robust full and open competition increases the likelihood that the VA secured high-quality dental equipment at a competitive price, minimizing the risk of overpayment or substandard goods compared to sole-source or limited competition awards.

How does this contract align with the VA's overall spending on medical equipment?

This $19.9 million delivery order for dental equipment represents a specific allocation within the Department of Veterans Affairs' broader medical equipment procurement strategy. The VA is a major federal purchaser of healthcare goods and services, and its spending on medical equipment is substantial, encompassing a wide array of items beyond dental supplies. To assess alignment, one would need to examine the VA's total budget for medical equipment and supplies, and the proportion allocated to dental care specifically. This contract's value should be viewed in the context of the VA's overall healthcare mission and its commitment to providing comprehensive services to veterans. If dental care is a priority area, this spending would be consistent with that focus. Analyzing trends in VA spending on dental equipment over time would reveal whether this award signifies an increase, decrease, or stable investment in this particular segment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing › Dental Equipment 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: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Dentsply Sirona Inc

Address: 221 W PHILADELPHIA ST, YORK, PA, 17401

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,916

Exercised Options: $19,916

Current Obligation: $19,916

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36F79718D0334

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline