VA awards $2.55M for prescription eyeglasses and optician support to PDS Consultants, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $255,000 ($255.0K)

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: $2.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES AND OPTICIAN SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTINGTON, CABELL County, WEST VIRGINIA, 25704

State: West Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $255,000 to PDS CONSULTANTS, INC for work described as: PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES AND OPTICIAN SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting price competition. 2. The contract duration is relatively short at 121 days. 3. Focus on ophthalmic goods manufacturing suggests a specialized service. 4. Geographic focus on West Virginia may indicate regional needs. 5. The firm fixed-price contract type shifts cost risk to the contractor.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.55 million for 121 days of service is substantial. Without comparable contract data for prescription eyeglasses and optician support, it is difficult to benchmark the value for money. The firm fixed-price structure is standard for this type of service, but the lack of competition raises concerns about whether the government secured the best possible price. The specific nature of the services and the geographic focus on West Virginia are key factors in assessing its overall value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning PDS Consultants, Inc. was the only vendor considered. This significantly limits the opportunity for competitive bidding and price discovery. While sole-source awards can be justified under specific circumstances (e.g., unique capabilities or urgent needs), the lack of competition here means the VA did not benefit from multiple offers to drive down costs or improve service offerings.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not have received the most competitive pricing due to the absence of a bidding process. This could result in a higher overall cost for the required prescription eyeglasses and optician support.

Public Impact

Veterans in West Virginia will benefit from access to prescription eyeglasses and optician support. The contract ensures the provision of ophthalmic goods manufacturing services. Services are geographically concentrated within West Virginia. The contract supports the operational needs of the Department of Veterans Affairs in providing healthcare services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potential value for taxpayers.
Short contract duration may lead to frequent re-competition and potential disruption.
Lack of transparency in the justification for sole-source award.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Specific focus on ophthalmic goods manufacturing suggests specialized service delivery.
Contract supports a critical need for veterans' healthcare.

Sector Analysis

The ophthalmic goods manufacturing sector involves the production of eyeglasses, lenses, and related optical products. This contract falls within the broader healthcare services and medical supplies industry. The market for these goods is competitive, but government contracts can sometimes be awarded sole-source due to specific requirements or existing relationships. Benchmarking this contract's value is challenging without more data on similar government procurements for specialized optician support.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not competed and there is no indication of small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, as the award was made to a single entity without a competitive process that typically includes provisions for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. As a sole-source award, the justification for this procurement method should be well-documented and available for review. Transparency regarding the specific needs met by PDS Consultants, Inc. and the pricing structure will be crucial for accountability. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Veterans Health Administration Medical Supplies
Ophthalmic Goods and Equipment
Medical and Surgical Instruments

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
Short contract duration may indicate a temporary need or bridge contract.
Limited public information on the justification for sole-source award.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $255,000 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 $255,000.

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 to PDS Consultants, Inc.?

The provided data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED,' which implies a sole-source award. Government regulations typically require competitive bidding unless specific exceptions apply. These exceptions can include situations where only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services, there is a compelling urgency, or the acquisition is for specialized services or products unique to a particular contractor. Without further documentation from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the precise justification for this sole-source award remains unclear. A thorough review of the contract file would be necessary to understand the rationale, such as unique capabilities of PDS Consultants, Inc., proprietary technology, or a critical and immediate need that could not be met through a competitive process within the required timeframe.

How does the $2.55 million contract value compare to similar VA contracts for prescription eyeglasses and optician support?

Benchmarking the $2.55 million contract value against similar Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracts for prescription eyeglasses and optician support is challenging with the provided data alone. The contract is for a short duration of 121 days, ending April 1, 2026. To perform a meaningful comparison, one would need to analyze historical VA contracts for similar services, considering factors such as the scope of work (e.g., number of eyeglasses provided, types of optical services), contract duration, geographic service area, and the pricing structure (e.g., firm fixed-price, cost-plus). A higher value for a shorter duration or a smaller scope compared to historical data might indicate potential overpricing, especially given the sole-source nature of this award. Conversely, if this contract covers a significantly broader range of services or a larger patient population than previous contracts, the value might be justified.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source contract for essential veteran healthcare services like prescription eyeglasses?

The primary risks associated with a sole-source contract for essential veteran healthcare services, such as prescription eyeglasses, revolve around cost, quality, and innovation. Without competition, there is a reduced incentive for the contractor (PDS Consultants, Inc.) to offer the most competitive pricing, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers. Furthermore, the absence of multiple bidders means the VA may not be exposed to the best available technologies or service delivery models, potentially limiting quality improvements. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in, where the government becomes dependent on a single provider, making future transitions difficult and potentially more expensive. Ensuring robust oversight and performance standards becomes even more critical in sole-source situations to mitigate these inherent risks and ensure veterans receive adequate and fairly priced services.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the delivery of ophthalmic goods and services to veterans in West Virginia?

This contract is expected to ensure the continued availability of prescription eyeglasses and optician support for veterans residing in West Virginia. By awarding this contract to PDS Consultants, Inc., the Department of Veterans Affairs aims to meet the specific ophthalmic needs of the veteran population in that region. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract suggests a defined scope of services and products, providing a degree of predictability in delivery. The geographic focus on West Virginia indicates that the services are tailored to the needs of veterans within that state, potentially improving access and reducing wait times for essential vision care and corrective eyewear.

Given the short duration (121 days), what are the implications for future contract planning and potential competition?

The short duration of this contract (121 days) has several implications for future contract planning and potential competition. Firstly, it suggests that this may be a bridge contract, intended to cover a period while a longer-term, potentially competitively awarded contract is being finalized. Alternatively, it could indicate a very specific, short-term need. The brevity necessitates prompt action for subsequent contract actions to ensure continuity of services. From a competition standpoint, a short duration can sometimes deter potential bidders who may not see sufficient return on investment for the effort required to bid, especially if the contract is likely to be re-competed frequently. However, it also provides opportunities for new vendors to enter the market if the follow-on contract is competed broadly.

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: $255,000

Exercised Options: $255,000

Current Obligation: $255,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24526D0040

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline