VA awards $968K contract for eyeglass supply and optician services to Superior Optical Labs, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $967,937 ($967.9K)

Contractor: Superior Optical Labs, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-04-01

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: VISN 6 EYEGLASS SUPPLY & OPTICIAN SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: HAMPTON, HAMPTON CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23667

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $967,937.41 to SUPERIOR OPTICAL LABS, INC for work described as: VISN 6 EYEGLASS SUPPLY & OPTICIAN SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a non-competitive basis, raising questions about potential cost savings through broader competition. 2. The contract's duration of one year suggests a need for ongoing services, but the lack of competition limits price discovery. 3. Focus on ophthalmic goods manufacturing indicates a specialized service requirement for the Department of Veterans Affairs. 4. The fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government, but the absence of competition may lead to higher prices. 5. This award represents a significant investment in supporting the vision needs of veterans within VISN 6.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $967,937.41 for a one-year period for eyeglass supply and optician services appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized medical equipment and services. However, without competitive bidding, it is difficult to benchmark against market rates or determine if this represents the best value for the government. The lack of comparison data due to the sole-source nature of the award prevents a definitive assessment of pricing efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor, Superior Optical Labs, Inc., was solicited. This approach bypasses the standard competitive procurement process, which typically involves soliciting bids from multiple qualified vendors. While sole-source awards can be justified in specific circumstances (e.g., unique capabilities, urgent needs), they generally lead to less price competition and potentially higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not be benefiting from the most cost-effective pricing that could have been achieved through a competitive bidding process. This could result in a higher overall expenditure for these essential vision services.

Public Impact

Veterans within VISN 6 will benefit from access to necessary eyeglass supplies and optician services. The contract ensures the provision of ophthalmic goods, directly supporting the health and well-being of beneficiaries. Services are likely to be delivered within the geographic area served by VISN 6, primarily Virginia. The contract supports specialized roles within the optical services sector, potentially impacting local employment in opticianry and related fields.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to inflated pricing and reduced value for taxpayer dollars.
Sole-source awards can limit opportunities for other qualified small or large businesses to compete for government contracts.
Absence of a competitive process makes it harder to assess if the contractor's performance is truly meeting or exceeding market standards.

Positive Signals

The contract ensures a consistent supply of essential vision care products and services for veterans.
A firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The award specifies a clear performance period, allowing for defined service delivery.

Sector Analysis

The ophthalmic goods manufacturing sector encompasses companies that produce eyeglasses, lenses, frames, and related optical equipment. This contract falls within the broader healthcare services industry, specifically focusing on medical devices and patient care. The market for ophthalmic goods is substantial, driven by an aging population and increasing awareness of eye health. Government contracts in this area often support healthcare facilities and specific patient populations, such as veterans, ensuring access to necessary medical aids.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, Superior Optical Labs, Inc., is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data. The lack of a small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this contract are limited. This could reduce the overall impact on the small business ecosystem within the ophthalmic goods manufacturing and services sector.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracting officers and program managers. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle (though not specified here), there may be established oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, where this award is recorded. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Equipment Procurement
Ophthalmic Goods and Services Contracts
Federal Healthcare Services Contracts
Sole-Source Medical Supply Contracts

Risk Flags

Sole-source award may limit competition and potentially increase costs.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in award data hinders assessment of service quality.
Contract duration is relatively short (1 year), requiring potential future procurements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $967,937.41 to SUPERIOR OPTICAL LABS, INC. VISN 6 EYEGLASS SUPPLY & OPTICIAN SERVICES

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 $967,937.41.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-01. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the track record of Superior Optical Labs, Inc. with the Department of Veterans Affairs or other federal agencies?

Information regarding the specific track record of Superior Optical Labs, Inc. with the Department of Veterans Affairs or other federal agencies is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their performance history, one would typically review past contract awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any documented issues or successes. A thorough review would involve searching federal procurement databases for previous awards to this contractor, examining the types of goods and services provided, contract values, and the duration of those contracts. Understanding their past performance is crucial for evaluating the reliability and quality of services they are likely to provide under this new award, especially given the sole-source nature of the contract.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar contracts awarded by the VA or other agencies for ophthalmic goods and optician services?

Direct comparison of pricing for this contract is challenging due to its sole-source nature and the limited data provided. Typically, a value-for-money assessment would involve benchmarking the per-unit costs or overall contract value against similar contracts awarded competitively. Without access to a competitive bidding process for this specific award, it's difficult to ascertain if Superior Optical Labs, Inc.'s pricing reflects market competitiveness. Further analysis would require identifying comparable contracts for ophthalmic goods and optician services awarded by the VA or other federal agencies, considering factors like quantity, service scope, and contract duration, to establish a reliable benchmark for cost-effectiveness.

What are the specific risks associated with awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The primary risk associated with awarding this contract on a sole-source basis is the potential for inflated pricing and reduced value for taxpayer money. Without competition, the government loses the leverage to negotiate the best possible price, and the contractor may not feel the same pressure to optimize efficiency or offer the most competitive rates. Another risk is the missed opportunity to foster innovation and potentially discover more cost-effective solutions or superior service providers that might have emerged from a competitive bidding process. Furthermore, sole-source awards can create a perception of favoritism or lack of transparency, even if legally justified, which can undermine public trust in the procurement process.

How effective is the VA in meeting the vision care needs of veterans through contracts like this one?

The effectiveness of the VA in meeting veterans' vision care needs through contracts like this one can be assessed by examining several factors. This contract specifically addresses the supply of eyeglasses and optician services for VISN 6, indicating a targeted effort to fulfill these needs within a particular region. The VA's overall effectiveness depends on its ability to consistently secure quality services at reasonable prices, ensure timely delivery, and achieve high levels of beneficiary satisfaction. While this sole-source award ensures a provider is in place, its long-term effectiveness would be better evaluated if it were part of a broader, competitively sourced strategy that demonstrates consistent value and responsiveness to veteran needs across different regions and service types.

What has been the historical spending pattern for eyeglass supply and optician services by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Historical spending patterns for eyeglass supply and optician services by the Department of Veterans Affairs are not detailed in the provided data. To analyze this, one would need to examine historical contract awards for similar services over several fiscal years, looking at total annual expenditures, the number of contracts awarded, the types of procurement methods used (competitive vs. sole-source), and the average contract values. Understanding these patterns would reveal trends in VA's reliance on external providers, the growth or decline in spending for these services, and whether spending has been concentrated with specific vendors or spread across multiple sources. This historical context is vital for strategic planning and budget allocation.

Are there any specific performance metrics or service level agreements (SLAs) associated with this contract?

The provided data does not specify any performance metrics or service level agreements (SLAs) associated with this contract. In a typical federal contract, especially for medical supplies and services, performance metrics and SLAs are crucial for ensuring quality, timeliness, and customer satisfaction. These might include delivery timelines, product quality standards, patient appointment availability, and patient satisfaction scores. Without explicit mention, it is assumed that standard VA requirements for such services would apply, but the absence of detailed metrics in the award data makes it difficult to assess the specific performance expectations and accountability measures for Superior Optical Labs, Inc. under this agreement.

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: $3,182,692

Exercised Options: $3,182,692

Current Obligation: $967,937

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24625D0048

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline