VA Awards $9M for Eyeglass Frames/Lenses to PDS Consultants, Inc. with No Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,043,342 ($9.0M)

Contractor: PDS Consultants, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-05-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 425 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: EYEGLASSES FRAMES/LENSES SUPPLY

Place of Performance

Location: LOUISVILLE, JEFFERSON County, KENTUCKY, 40218

State: Kentucky Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $9.0 million to PDS CONSULTANTS, INC for work described as: EYEGLASSES FRAMES/LENSES SUPPLY Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $9.04M for ophthalmic goods. 2. Sole-source award to PDS Consultants, Inc. raises competition concerns. 3. Potential for higher costs due to lack of competitive bidding. 4. Focus on veteran healthcare services within the Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $9.04M for eyeglass frames and lenses appears high given the lack of competition. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for ophthalmic goods is difficult without competitive data, but the absence of bidding suggests potential overpricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This method limits price discovery and may lead to less favorable pricing for the government compared to a competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may bear a higher cost for eyeglass frames and lenses due to the absence of competitive pressure to drive down prices.

Public Impact

Veterans may receive essential vision care supplies. The sole-source nature could impact the availability of diverse product options. Potential for taxpayer funds to be used less efficiently without competitive bidding.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpricing
Sole-source award

Positive Signals

Supports veteran healthcare needs
Contract awarded to a specific manufacturer

Sector Analysis

The Department of Veterans Affairs is procuring ophthalmic goods, specifically eyeglass frames and lenses. This falls under the Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing sector. Government spending in this area typically aims to provide necessary medical equipment to beneficiaries.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were considered or had the opportunity to bid.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny from oversight bodies to ensure the price is fair and reasonable and that the government's interests are protected.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Potential for inflated pricing.
Lack of transparency in price discovery.
No small business participation indicated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $9.0 million to PDS CONSULTANTS, INC. EYEGLASSES FRAMES/LENSES SUPPLY

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 $9.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-05-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or a lack of adequate competition. Without further documentation, it's unclear why PDS Consultants, Inc. was the only viable option for providing these eyeglass frames and lenses to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

How does the pricing compare to industry benchmarks for similar ophthalmic goods?

Direct comparison is challenging without competitive data. However, sole-source contracts often carry a risk of higher pricing than competitively bid contracts. An independent cost analysis or review of historical pricing for similar VA contracts would be necessary to assess if the $9.04M award is reasonable.

What is the potential impact on veteran access to eyewear if this sole-source arrangement is not cost-effective?

If the sole-source pricing is not cost-effective, it could mean that fewer resources are available for other veteran services or that the quality or variety of eyewear options is limited. This could indirectly impact veteran satisfaction and access to necessary vision correction.

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, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,043,342

Exercised Options: $9,043,342

Current Obligation: $9,043,342

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C25625D0011

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline