VA Awards $449K for Eyeglasses and Optician Services to PDS Consultants, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $449,260 ($449.3K)

Contractor: PDS Consultants, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-05-28

End Date: 2025-11-27

Contract Duration: 183 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: EYEGLASSES AND OPTICIAN SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: LOUISVILLE, JEFFERSON County, KENTUCKY, 40218

State: Kentucky Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $449,260 to PDS CONSULTANTS, INC for work described as: EYEGLASSES AND OPTICIAN SERVICES Key points: 1. Spending on eyeglasses and optician services is a recurring need within the VA. 2. PDS Consultants, Inc. is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract is a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a larger framework. 4. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $449,260 for a 6-month period appears reasonable for specialized optical goods and services. Benchmarking against similar VA contracts for ophthalmic goods (NAICS 339115) would provide a clearer picture of 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 not yield the best value for taxpayers compared to a competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could lead to higher costs for taxpayers than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract.

Public Impact

Veterans will receive essential vision care and optical products. The contract ensures the availability of specialized ophthalmic goods. The VA continues to support healthcare services for its beneficiaries.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Sole-source award

Positive Signals

Firm fixed price contract
Defined delivery period

Sector Analysis

Spending on medical equipment and supplies, including ophthalmic goods, is a significant category within federal procurement. The VA's focus on healthcare for veterans drives consistent demand in this sector.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this sole-source award, either as prime contractors or subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The VA is responsible for ensuring the necessity and fair pricing of this sole-source award. Further review of the justification for not competing the contract is warranted.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competition
Potential for overpayment due to lack of bidding
Limited transparency in pricing
No small business participation evident

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $449,260 to PDS CONSULTANTS, INC. EYEGLASSES AND OPTICIAN SERVICES

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 $449,260.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-05-28. End: 2025-11-27.

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

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves specific circumstances, such as the unique capabilities of the contractor, urgent needs, or the unavailability of other sources. Without the official justification document, it's difficult to assess the validity of this approach. However, sole-source awards generally bypass competitive bidding, potentially leading to higher prices and reduced value for taxpayer funds.

What is the potential risk associated with a sole-source contract for eyeglasses and optician services?

The primary risk of a sole-source contract is the lack of competitive pressure, which can lead to inflated prices and potentially lower quality or less innovative solutions. For essential services like eyeglasses, this could mean veterans pay more than necessary or receive suboptimal products. It also limits opportunities for other qualified businesses to serve the government.

How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of VA healthcare services?

This contract directly supports the effectiveness of VA healthcare by ensuring veterans have access to necessary vision correction and optical services. Adequate vision is crucial for overall health and well-being, impacting a veteran's quality of life and ability to function. Timely provision of these services through PDS Consultants, Inc. contributes to patient satisfaction and treatment adherence.

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: $449,260

Exercised Options: $449,260

Current Obligation: $449,260

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C25725D0048

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline