VA awards $49.7K for electromedical apparatus rental, highlighting a need for specialized equipment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $49,749 ($49.7K)

Contractor: Novocure Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 121 days

Daily Burn Rate: $411/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: OPTUNE PLUS TRANSDUCERS RENTAL

Place of Performance

Location: WICHITA, SEDGWICK County, KANSAS, 67218

State: Kansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $49,748.73 to NOVOCURE INC for work described as: OPTUNE PLUS TRANSDUCERS RENTAL Key points: 1. Contract value appears modest, suggesting a focused need for specific equipment. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially healthy market for this type of apparatus. 3. Performance period is short, implying a temporary or trial-based requirement. 4. Sector positioning is within medical device manufacturing, a critical healthcare area. 5. Risk indicators are low given the contract's size and duration.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $49,748.73 for a 4-month rental period for OPTUNE PLUS TRANSDUCERS is relatively small. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized medical equipment rentals is challenging without more specific data on the exact model and duration. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the VA has a clear understanding of the costs involved. The value seems reasonable for a short-term rental of potentially high-cost medical devices, especially considering the specialized nature of electromedical apparatus.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The data does not specify the number of bidders, but the competitive nature suggests that the VA sought the best value from the market. This approach typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider selection of qualified suppliers.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down prices through market forces and ensures that government funds are used efficiently by selecting the most cost-effective solution.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving care will benefit from access to specialized electromedical equipment. The services delivered involve the rental of OPTUNE PLUS TRANSDUCERS, likely for therapeutic purposes. The contract is associated with Kansas (KS), indicating a specific geographic service area. The contract may support specialized roles within the VA's healthcare workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the VA.
Short performance period limits long-term financial commitment and risk.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing sector (NAICS 334510). This sector is crucial for healthcare, providing devices used in diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of medical conditions. The market for such specialized equipment is often characterized by high research and development costs, stringent regulatory requirements, and a need for specialized manufacturing capabilities. Spending in this area by federal agencies like the VA is essential for maintaining advanced patient care.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from this particular award. The competition was open to all qualified vendors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' procurement and program management offices. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, its execution and performance are monitored by the contracting officer and relevant program managers. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Medical Equipment Rental
Veterans Health Administration
Electromedical Devices
Therapeutic Apparatus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $49,748.73 to NOVOCURE INC. OPTUNE PLUS TRANSDUCERS RENTAL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NOVOCURE 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 $49,748.73.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the specific medical condition or treatment that the OPTUNE PLUS TRANSDUCERS are intended for?

The OPTUNE PLUS TRANSDUCERS are typically used in conjunction with the Optune device, which is a wearable, non-invasive treatment for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a type of brain tumor. It utilizes Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy to disrupt the cell division of cancer cells. The specific need for these transducers by the Department of Veterans Affairs suggests that veteran patients diagnosed with GBM are being provided with this advanced treatment option as part of their care plan.

How does this contract's value compare to typical rental costs for similar specialized medical equipment?

Direct comparison of this $49,748.73 contract for a 4-month rental of OPTUNE PLUS TRANSDUCERS is difficult without access to proprietary pricing databases or specific market surveys for this niche equipment. However, specialized medical devices, particularly those for oncology treatments like TTFields, often carry significant rental costs due to their advanced technology, research and development investment, and the need for specialized maintenance and support. The firm-fixed-price nature suggests the VA has negotiated a set rate, which, given the short duration, appears reasonable for accessing such a critical therapeutic tool.

What are the potential risks associated with renting specialized medical equipment like this?

Potential risks associated with renting specialized medical equipment include equipment malfunction, inadequate maintenance leading to performance issues, supply chain disruptions affecting availability, and the potential for higher long-term costs compared to purchasing if usage becomes extensive. For the VA, risks also include ensuring proper training for staff and patients on the equipment's use and ensuring data privacy if the devices collect patient information. However, the short rental period and firm-fixed-price structure mitigate some financial risks, and the full and open competition suggests a focus on reliable vendors.

What is the track record of NOVOCURE INC in supplying similar medical devices to government agencies?

Novocure Inc. is the primary manufacturer and supplier of the Optune device and its associated components, including the transducers. Their track record with government agencies, particularly the Department of Veterans Affairs, would involve assessing their history of timely delivery, product reliability, and responsiveness to service needs. While specific contract history details are not provided here, Novocure is a recognized leader in TTFields therapy, suggesting a strong established presence in the market for this specific technology. Further investigation into their past performance metrics and any reported issues would provide a more complete picture.

How does this spending align with broader VA initiatives for cancer treatment or advanced medical technology adoption?

This contract aligns with the VA's broader commitment to providing state-of-the-art medical care, including advanced cancer treatments. The adoption of technologies like Optune, which utilizes Tumor Treating Fields, reflects the VA's effort to incorporate innovative therapies to improve patient outcomes for complex conditions such as glioblastoma. Such spending is indicative of the VA's strategy to leverage specialized medical equipment to address critical health needs within the veteran population, potentially reducing the need for veterans to seek such specialized care outside the VA system.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 195 COMMERCE WAY, PORTSMOUTH, NH, 03801

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $49,749

Exercised Options: $49,749

Current Obligation: $49,749

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36F79723D0016

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline