VA Awards $667K for Eyeglass Supply & Service to Superior Optical Labs, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $667,699 ($667.7K)

Contractor: Superior Optical Labs, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-10-01

End Date: 2025-03-31

Contract Duration: 181 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: VISN 6 EYEGLASS SUPPLY & SERVICE

Place of Performance

Location: HAMPTON, HAMPTON CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23667

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $667,699.44 to SUPERIOR OPTICAL LABS, INC for work described as: VISN 6 EYEGLASS SUPPLY & SERVICE Key points: 1. Contract awarded for ophthalmic goods manufacturing. 2. Sole source award to Superior Optical Labs, Inc. 3. Potential for higher costs due to limited competition. 4. Focus on IT sector for Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $667,699.44 for a 6-month period appears reasonable for specialized optical goods. However, without a competitive benchmark, it's difficult to definitively assess value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in a higher price than if multiple vendors had competed.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being spent without the benefit of competitive bidding, potentially leading to a less efficient use of resources.

Public Impact

Veterans will receive essential eyeglass supplies and services. Limited competition may impact the availability or quality of services if the sole source faces issues. The VA's reliance on a single vendor for this service warrants monitoring.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Short contract duration

Positive Signals

Addresses a specific need for veterans
Clear contract end date

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing sector (NAICS 339115). Spending in this sector can vary widely based on demand for specialized medical devices and services.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business, and the sole-source nature further limits opportunities for small business participation in this specific procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is needed to ensure the VA is receiving fair value and quality service from Superior Optical Labs, Inc., especially given the sole-source nature of the award.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and potentially increases cost.
Lack of a competitive bidding process may not yield the best value for taxpayer dollars.
No small business participation noted in this specific award.
Short contract duration may lead to frequent re-procurement efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $667,699.44 to SUPERIOR OPTICAL LABS, INC. VISN 6 EYEGLASS SUPPLY & SERVICE

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 $667,699.44.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-01. End: 2025-03-31.

What is the typical cost for similar eyeglass supply and service contracts awarded through full and open competition?

Determining the typical cost for similar contracts requires access to a broader dataset of competitively awarded procurements for ophthalmic goods and services. Without this comparative data, it's challenging to establish a precise benchmark. However, sole-source contracts often carry a premium compared to those secured through competitive bidding processes.

What are the risks associated with a sole-source award for essential veteran services like eyeglass provision?

A sole-source award for essential services like eyeglass provision carries risks of inflated pricing due to lack of competition, potential for service degradation if the sole provider faces operational issues, and limited flexibility for the agency to switch providers if performance is unsatisfactory. It also bypasses opportunities for small businesses to compete.

How effective is this contract in meeting the eyeglass needs of veterans in VISN 6?

The effectiveness of this contract in meeting veteran needs hinges on the performance of Superior Optical Labs, Inc. and the quality of services rendered. While the contract is in place, its effectiveness is best measured by veteran satisfaction, timely delivery of services, and the overall quality of the eyeglasses provided.

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, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,128,726

Exercised Options: $3,128,726

Current Obligation: $667,699

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24624D0046

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline