VA awards $600K for Prescription Eyeglasses to Superior Optical Labs, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $60,000 ($60.0K)

Contractor: Superior Optical Labs, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 121 days

Daily Burn Rate: $496/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES & OPTICIAN SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: BECKLEY, RALEIGH County, WEST VIRGINIA, 25801

State: West Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $60,000 to SUPERIOR OPTICAL LABS, INC for work described as: PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES & OPTICIAN SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single vendor, raising questions about competition. 2. The contract duration is 121 days, suggesting a short-term need. 3. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 339115 indicates Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing. 4. The award is a Delivery Order under an unspecified contract. 5. The contract is Firm Fixed Price, providing cost certainty.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value is $600,000 for a 121-day period. Without specific details on the quantity or type of eyeglasses and optical support, it is difficult to benchmark against similar contracts. The lack of competition further complicates a precise value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source or limited competition award. This method may lead to higher prices as there is no competitive pressure to drive down costs. The specific justification for not competing is not provided.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these prescription eyeglasses and optical support services.

Public Impact

Veterans will receive prescription eyeglasses and optical support. The contract supports a specific region in West Virginia. The award is for a limited duration, potentially impacting long-term service availability.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 49 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Limited contract duration
Unclear justification for sole-source award

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty
Supports veteran healthcare needs

Sector Analysis

The Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing sector (NAICS 339115) includes companies that produce eyeglasses, lenses, and related optical equipment. Federal spending in this sector often supports healthcare initiatives, particularly for veterans and military personnel. Benchmarks for similar contracts are difficult to ascertain without more detailed contract information.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. The award was made to Superior Optical Labs, Inc., and the contract was not competed, limiting opportunities for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. The lack of competition and limited duration warrant scrutiny to ensure the government is receiving fair value and that the procurement process was justified.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for overpayment due to lack of competition.
Limited duration may not meet long-term veteran needs.
Lack of transparency regarding sole-source justification.
Difficulty in assessing value for money without detailed specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $60,000 to SUPERIOR OPTICAL LABS, INC. PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES & OPTICIAN SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SUPERIOR OPTICAL LABS, 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 $60,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The provided data does not include the specific justification for the sole-source award. Typically, sole-source contracts are justified when only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services, or in cases of urgent need. Further investigation into VA procurement records would be necessary to determine the official reason.

How does the per-unit cost of these eyeglasses compare to market rates or other government contracts?

Without detailed specifications of the eyeglasses (e.g., frame type, lens material, prescription complexity) and the exact services included, a direct per-unit cost comparison is not possible. The contract value of $600,000 over 121 days for an unspecified quantity makes benchmarking difficult. The lack of competition also hinders price discovery.

What is the expected impact on veteran access to optical services given the short contract duration?

The 121-day duration suggests this contract may be a short-term solution or a bridge to a larger, potentially competed contract. If it's the sole source of supply for this period, veterans in the specified region should still have access. However, the short term raises questions about long-term service continuity and planning.

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: 6525 SUNPLEX DR, OCEAN SPRINGS, MS, 39564

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $60,000

Exercised Options: $60,000

Current Obligation: $60,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24526D0038

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline