VA awards $3.6M for Prescription Eyeglasses and Optician Support to PDS Consultants, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $367,768 ($367.8K)

Contractor: PDS Consultants, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 121 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES AND OPTICIAN SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: CLARKSBURG, HARRISON County, WEST VIRGINIA, 26301

State: West Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $367,768 to PDS CONSULTANTS, INC for work described as: PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES AND OPTICIAN SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to PDS Consultants, Inc. for $3.67M. 2. The contract is for prescription eyeglasses and optician support. 3. The period of performance is from April 1, 2026, to July 31, 2026. 4. This is a delivery order under an existing contract. 5. The contract was not competed.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $3.67M for a 4-month period suggests a potentially high per-unit cost, especially if the scope includes significant optician services beyond just dispensing. Benchmarking against similar contracts for optical goods and services is crucial to assess value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract was not competed, indicating a lack of competitive bidding. This limits price discovery and may result in a higher cost to the government compared to a fully competed contract.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition raises concerns about the optimal use of taxpayer funds for these essential services.

Public Impact

Veterans will receive prescription eyeglasses and optician support. The contract ensures access to vision care services for beneficiaries. The duration of the contract is relatively short, suggesting a potential need for future procurements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpricing due to no competition

Positive Signals

Ensures provision of essential vision services to veterans

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls under Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing, a niche sector. Spending benchmarks for similar VA contracts for optical services are needed to assess if the $3.67M award is reasonable for the specified period and scope.

Small Business Impact

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

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. The 'not competed' status warrants scrutiny to ensure the government received fair value and that competition was appropriately waived.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpricing
Limited transparency in pricing
No clear justification for sole-source award provided

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $367,768 to PDS CONSULTANTS, INC. PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES AND OPTICIAN SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PDS CONSULTANTS, 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 $367,768.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the estimated number of beneficiaries or units to be served under this contract to justify the $3.67M award?

Without specific details on the quantity of eyeglasses or the scope of optician support, it's difficult to definitively assess the value. However, a $3.67M award for a 4-month period suggests a significant volume of services or high per-unit costs. Further justification from the VA regarding the expected demand and service level is necessary to confirm value for money.

What are the specific risks associated with awarding this contract without competition?

The primary risk is the potential for inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive pressure. This could lead to the government overpaying for prescription eyeglasses and optician support. Additionally, a lack of competition might limit innovation and the availability of specialized services that could arise from a broader market engagement.

How effective is the VA in ensuring quality optical services for veterans through this type of sole-source or limited-competition award?

The effectiveness hinges on the VA's internal quality assurance processes and the contractor's performance history. While competition drives quality, a well-managed non-competed contract can still deliver effective services if stringent performance standards and oversight are in place. The VA must actively monitor service delivery and patient satisfaction to ensure effectiveness.

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: 3801 BISHOP LN, LOUISVILLE, KY, 40218

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $367,768

Exercised Options: $367,768

Current Obligation: $367,768

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24526D0039

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline