VA awards $300K for prescription eyeglasses and optician services to PDS Consultants, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $300,000 ($300.0K)

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: $2.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES AND OPTICIAN SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: MARTINSBURG, BERKELEY County, WEST VIRGINIA, 25405

State: West Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $300,000 to PDS CONSULTANTS, INC for work described as: PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES AND OPTICIAN SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting potential cost savings from competition. 2. The contract duration is relatively short, suggesting a need for ongoing services. 3. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 339115 indicates a focus on ophthalmic goods manufacturing. 4. The contract is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger contract vehicle. 5. The contract is firm-fixed-price, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 6. The contract is not set aside for small businesses, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller firms.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $300,000 for prescription eyeglasses and optician services appears moderate for a federal contract of this nature. Without specific benchmarks for similar services provided by the VA or other agencies, it is difficult to definitively assess value for money. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, but the lack of competition raises concerns about whether the most competitive pricing was achieved. Further analysis would require comparison with other contracts for similar services, considering the scope and duration.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when only one vendor can provide the required goods or services, or in specific circumstances where full and open competition is not feasible. The lack of competition means that the government did not benefit from the price discovery and potential cost reductions that typically arise from a competitive bidding process.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, a sole-source award means there is a higher risk that the price paid may not be the lowest possible. Without competitive pressure, the contractor may not have an incentive to offer the most cost-effective solution.

Public Impact

Veterans in West Virginia will benefit from access to prescription eyeglasses and optician services. The contract ensures the provision of essential vision care services to the veteran population. The geographic impact is focused on West Virginia, where the services will be delivered. The contract supports jobs within the optical goods manufacturing and optician services sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
Sole-source award limits transparency in pricing and service delivery.
Short contract duration could indicate potential issues with contractor performance or evolving needs.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Contract ensures essential services are provided to veterans.
Delivery order structure may indicate efficient use of an existing contract vehicle.

Sector Analysis

The ophthalmic goods manufacturing sector, classified under NAICS code 339115, encompasses companies that produce eyeglasses, lenses, and other optical instruments. Federal spending in this sector often supports healthcare services for specific populations, such as veterans or military personnel. The market size for optical goods is substantial, driven by both consumer demand and government procurement for healthcare programs. This contract fits within the broader healthcare services procurement landscape, ensuring access to necessary vision correction for beneficiaries.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the data indicates no small business subcontracting is planned. This means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in providing these essential vision services were not actively pursued through this specific award. The absence of a small business set-aside or subcontracting plan may limit the direct economic benefit to the small business ecosystem in this instance.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, oversight may be managed through the terms of that parent contract. The VA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) has jurisdiction to investigate potential fraud, waste, and abuse related to VA contracts. Transparency is enhanced through contract databases, but the sole-source nature of this award limits public insight into the negotiation process.

Related Government Programs

Veterans Health Administration Medical Care Programs
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Equipment and Supplies
Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contracts for Medical Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award may result in higher costs.
Limited competition reduces transparency and potential for cost savings.
Short contract duration requires careful monitoring of performance and potential need for re-competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $300,000 to PDS CONSULTANTS, INC. PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES AND OPTICIAN SERVICES

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 $300,000.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the track record of PDS Consultants, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

A review of federal procurement data is necessary to ascertain the track record of PDS Consultants, Inc. Specifically, one would look for past awards, contract performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS), and any history of disputes or terminations. For this particular contract, the sole-source award suggests a potential pre-existing relationship or a specific capability that led to this direct award. Without access to detailed contract performance history, it's difficult to assess their reliability and past performance comprehensively. Further investigation into their contract history would reveal if they have successfully delivered similar services in the past and to what satisfaction level.

How does the awarded amount of $300,000 compare to similar federal contracts for prescription eyeglasses and optician services?

Benchmarking this $300,000 contract requires comparing it to similar awards made by the Department of Veterans Affairs or other federal agencies for prescription eyeglasses and optician services. Factors such as the number of beneficiaries served, the scope of services (e.g., routine exams, specialized fittings, types of frames/lenses), contract duration, and geographic location are crucial for a fair comparison. Given this is a sole-source award for a 121-day period, it might represent a specific, potentially urgent need or a specialized service. A comprehensive analysis would involve querying federal procurement databases for comparable contracts, adjusting for inflation and service variations, to determine if the pricing is within an expected range.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source award for essential healthcare services like optician services?

The primary risks associated with a sole-source award for essential healthcare services like optician services include potential overpricing due to the absence of competitive bidding, reduced incentive for the contractor to innovate or improve efficiency, and a lack of transparency in the procurement process. Taxpayers may end up paying more than necessary. Furthermore, if the sole-source justification is weak or if the contractor fails to perform adequately, the government has limited recourse compared to a competitive environment where alternative vendors could be readily engaged. This can also create a barrier for new or smaller businesses seeking to enter the federal market for these services.

How effective is the firm-fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money for prescription eyewear services?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally effective in ensuring value for money for services like prescription eyewear because it shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. The government knows the total price upfront, which aids in budget predictability. For the contractor, the incentive is to manage their costs efficiently to maximize profit. This structure is well-suited for services with clearly defined scopes, such as providing standard prescription eyeglasses and optician services. However, the overall value for money is still contingent on the initial price negotiation and the contractor's ability to deliver quality services within that fixed price.

What is the historical spending pattern for prescription eyeglasses and optician services by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for prescription eyeglasses and optician services by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) would involve examining procurement data over several fiscal years. This would reveal trends in contract values, the number of awards, the types of contracts used (competitive vs. sole-source), and the primary contractors. Understanding these patterns can help identify whether spending has been increasing or decreasing, whether the VA relies heavily on sole-source awards for these services, and if there are opportunities to achieve better pricing through increased competition or strategic sourcing. Such analysis is crucial for long-term budget planning and ensuring efficient use of taxpayer funds.

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: $300,000

Exercised Options: $300,000

Current Obligation: $300,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24526D0036

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline