VA awards $19.4K contract for controller replacement washer, highlighting potential for specialized equipment maintenance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,357 ($19.4K)

Contractor: Steris Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2027-04-09

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $53/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CONTROLLER REPLACEMENT CART WASHER

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBIA, RICHLAND County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29209

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $19,357.45 to STERIS CORPORATION for work described as: CONTROLLER REPLACEMENT CART WASHER Key points: 1. Contract value appears low, suggesting a focus on a specific component rather than a broad service. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential cost efficiencies. 3. Limited duration of one year may indicate a pilot or short-term need. 4. Fixed-price contract shifts risk to the contractor, potentially impacting final cost. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 811210 points to a niche repair and maintenance market. 6. Awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, suggesting a need within healthcare facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking the value of this specific contract is challenging due to its niche nature and sole-source award. The $19,357.45 price for a controller replacement washer is difficult to compare without detailed specifications of the equipment and the scope of work. However, given the limited scope, the price seems reasonable if it covers the necessary parts and labor for a specialized repair. Further investigation into the necessity of this specific part and the pricing of comparable components would be beneficial.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded as a sole-source purchase order, meaning it was not competed. This approach is typically used when only one vendor can provide the required goods or services, often due to proprietary technology, unique expertise, or urgent needs. The lack of competition means there was no opportunity for price discovery through a bidding process, which could potentially lead to higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not have received the best possible price due to the absence of competitive bidding. The government relied on the contractor's proposed price without market validation.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving care at VA facilities will benefit from the continued operational readiness of medical equipment. The contract ensures the availability of essential replacement parts for specialized medical equipment maintenance. The geographic impact is localized to the VA facilities where the equipment is installed and maintained. This contract supports specialized technicians within the repair and maintenance sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to inflated pricing.
Sole-source awards can indicate potential vendor lock-in.
Limited contract duration might necessitate future sole-source awards if the need persists.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Award to a single vendor can expedite delivery for critical components.
Specific NAICS code suggests a focus on specialized, essential services.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the broader 'Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance' sector, specifically NAICS code 811210. This sector is characterized by specialized technical skills and often involves proprietary equipment or software. The market size for such niche repair services can be difficult to quantify but is essential for maintaining the operational integrity of critical infrastructure, particularly in healthcare settings like the VA. Comparable spending benchmarks are scarce for such specific components, making value assessment reliant on individual vendor quotes and technical specifications.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside (sb=false). Given the sole-source nature and the specific item being procured, it's unlikely that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would be significant unless the primary contractor actively seeks them out. The impact on the small business ecosystem is minimal for this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

As a purchase order, oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program office within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Accountability measures would focus on ensuring the delivered product meets specifications and is installed correctly. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature, with details of the negotiation and justification for the award not publicly available beyond the basic contract information.

Related Government Programs

Medical Equipment Maintenance Contracts
Veterans Affairs Procurement
Specialized Equipment Repair Services
Healthcare Facility Support Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competition.
Potential for unverified pricing due to lack of competition.
Limited contract duration may lead to recurring sole-source needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $19,357.45 to STERIS CORPORATION. CONTROLLER REPLACEMENT CART WASHER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STERIS CORPORATION.

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 $19,357.45.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2027-04-09.

What is the specific type of controller replacement washer and the equipment it serves?

The provided data does not specify the exact make and model of the controller replacement washer or the specific medical equipment it is intended for. The NAICS code 811210, 'Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance,' suggests it is a component for specialized electronic or precision machinery. Given the awarding agency is the Department of Veterans Affairs, it is highly probable that this component is for a critical piece of medical equipment used in patient care. Without further details, it's impossible to ascertain the exact function or the criticality of the equipment it supports, which would be crucial for a comprehensive risk assessment.

What is the justification for the sole-source award, and were alternatives considered?

The data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) and awarded as a 'PURCHASE ORDER.' While not explicitly stating 'sole-source,' the absence of competition under SAP and the single awardee strongly imply a sole-source or limited-source justification. Typically, sole-source awards require a formal justification, such as the item being available only from a single source due to proprietary reasons, or a critical need that cannot be met through competitive means within the required timeframe. The specific justification for this award is not detailed in the provided data, and it is unclear if any alternatives were formally considered or documented.

How does the $19,357.45 price compare to market rates for similar controller replacement washers?

Directly comparing the $19,357.45 price for a 'CONTROLLER REPLACEMENT CART WASHER' to market rates is challenging without knowing the exact specifications, manufacturer, and model number of the part, as well as the scope of services included (e.g., installation, testing). The NAICS code 811210 covers a broad range of electronic and precision equipment repair. However, for a single component replacement, this price could be considered high if it's a standard part. Conversely, if it's a highly specialized, proprietary component for critical medical equipment, the price might be justified. A thorough market analysis would require identifying the specific part and obtaining quotes from multiple suppliers or service providers.

What is the track record of STERIS CORPORATION in providing similar equipment or services to the federal government?

STERIS CORPORATION is a known entity in the healthcare sector, often providing medical equipment, sterilization solutions, and related services. While the provided data doesn't detail their specific track record with the VA or other federal agencies for this particular item, their general presence in the healthcare market suggests they possess the capability to supply such components. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) would reveal their past performance, contract history, and any reported issues or successes with similar procurements, offering a clearer picture of their reliability and pricing competitiveness in the federal space.

What are the potential risks associated with a one-year, fixed-price contract for this item?

The primary risks associated with this one-year, firm fixed-price contract are related to the sole-source nature and the potential for the contractor to overprice the component or service, as there is no competitive pressure. If the part is critical and STERIS CORPORATION is the only source, the VA is dependent on their pricing. The fixed-price nature, while offering cost certainty, means the VA pays the agreed price regardless of the contractor's actual costs. If the contractor underestimated their costs, they might cut corners on quality or service, although the fixed price generally protects the government from cost overruns. The short duration also means the VA will need to re-evaluate the need and procurement strategy annually.

How does this contract fit into the VA's broader strategy for medical equipment maintenance and replacement?

This contract represents a small, specific procurement within the VA's extensive medical equipment maintenance and replacement strategy. The VA manages a vast inventory of complex medical devices, and ensuring their operational readiness is paramount for patient care. Procurements like this, even for seemingly minor components like a controller replacement washer, are essential for maintaining the functionality of larger, critical systems. The VA likely has established protocols for identifying maintenance needs, sourcing parts (sometimes through sole-source channels for specialized items), and managing service contracts to ensure continuity of care and compliance with healthcare regulations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance › Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5960, HEISLEY ROAD, MENTOR, OH, 44060

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,507

Exercised Options: $19,507

Current Obligation: $19,357

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline