VA awards $554K for stairlifts, highlighting a sole-source purchase for prosthetics and assistive devices

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $55,400 ($55.4K)

Contractor: Aloha Lifts LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-08-03

Contract Duration: 122 days

Daily Burn Rate: $454/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: PROSTHETICS - STAIRLIFTS

Place of Performance

Location: HONOLULU, HONOLULU County, HAWAII, 96819

State: Hawaii Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $55,400 to ALOHA LIFTS LLC for work described as: PROSTHETICS - STAIRLIFTS Key points: 1. The contract for stairlifts falls under the broader category of prosthetics and assistive devices, indicating a need for mobility aids. 2. A sole-source award suggests limited market availability or specific contractor capabilities required for this particular need. 3. The short duration of 122 days points to an immediate or short-term requirement for these devices. 4. The purchase order mechanism indicates a direct acquisition rather than a more complex contract vehicle. 5. The geographic focus on Hawaii (HI) suggests this award is for a specific VA facility or region within the state.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific stairlift purchase is challenging without more detailed specifications and market data for specialized medical equipment. The award amount of $554,000 for a 122-day period appears substantial, but the exact value proposition depends heavily on the quantity, type, and installation complexity of the stairlifts. Comparing it to similar VA procurements for mobility aids would provide better context, but such data is not readily available in this summary.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor, ALOHA LIFTS LLC, was solicited. This approach is typically used when there are unique capabilities, urgent needs, or insufficient competition. The lack of a competitive bidding process means the VA did not explore potentially lower prices or alternative solutions that might have emerged from a broader solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers as they bypass the price discovery mechanisms inherent in competitive bidding.

Public Impact

Veterans in Hawaii requiring mobility assistance will benefit from the provision of stairlifts. The services delivered include the supply and potentially installation of stairlifts to improve accessibility. The geographic impact is limited to the state of Hawaii, specifically serving veterans within the VA's jurisdiction there. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving a small team from ALOHA LIFTS LLC for delivery and installation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and potentially increases costs.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess value for money.
Short contract duration may indicate an urgent need, but also limits long-term planning.
Limited geographic scope may not address broader VA needs for such equipment.

Positive Signals

Addresses a specific need for veteran mobility and accessibility.
Direct award to a specific vendor suggests a tailored solution was identified.
Purchase order mechanism can expedite delivery of needed equipment.

Sector Analysis

The market for prosthetics and assistive devices, including mobility aids like stairlifts, is specialized. This contract fits within the broader healthcare and medical equipment sector. While specific benchmarks for VA stairlift procurements are not publicly detailed, the overall healthcare equipment market is substantial, driven by an aging population and increasing demand for home-based care solutions. The NAICS code 339113 points to Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to involve significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses based on the sole-source nature of the award to ALOHA LIFTS LLC. The primary focus is on fulfilling the VA's requirement directly through the awarded vendor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order would typically fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' internal procurement and financial management systems. Accountability is maintained through the terms of the purchase order and the vendor's adherence to them. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature, but the award itself is a matter of public record. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Equipment Procurement
Assistive Technology for Veterans
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Contracts
Veteran Mobility Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award may limit competition and potentially increase costs.
Lack of detailed specifications hinders value assessment.
Limited performance data available for the contractor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $55,400 to ALOHA LIFTS LLC. PROSTHETICS - STAIRLIFTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALOHA LIFTS LLC.

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 $55,400.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-08-03.

What specific type and quantity of stairlifts were procured under this contract, and what are their technical specifications?

The provided data does not specify the exact type, model, or quantity of stairlifts procured. It only indicates the general category as 'PROSTHETICS - STAIRLIFTS' and the NAICS code 339113 for Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing. To understand the value and suitability of the purchase, detailed technical specifications, including load capacity, power requirements, installation site considerations, and any specialized features (e.g., for outdoor use, specific stair configurations), would be necessary. Without this information, it's impossible to assess if the chosen equipment precisely meets the needs of the intended veteran users or if it represents an over- or under-specification for the requirement.

Why was this contract awarded on a sole-source basis, and what efforts were made to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?

The contract was designated as 'NOT COMPETED' and awarded as a sole-source purchase order to ALOHA LIFTS LLC. Agencies typically use sole-source justifications when only one vendor possesses the required capability, when there's an urgent need that precludes competition, or when market research indicates a lack of adequate competition. The data does not provide the specific justification for this sole-source award. For sole-source procurements, the agency is still obligated to ensure the price is fair and reasonable. This often involves reviewing the vendor's cost breakdown, comparing prices to historical data for similar items, or obtaining a Certificate of Cost or Pricing Data. The effectiveness of these measures in securing optimal pricing for taxpayers is difficult to ascertain without further details on the pricing analysis conducted by the VA.

What is the typical cost range for similar stairlift installations or procurements by the VA or other federal agencies?

Determining a precise cost range for similar VA stairlift procurements is challenging without more specific contract details. Stairlift costs can vary significantly based on factors such as the type of stairlift (straight, curved, outdoor), installation complexity, brand, and included features. A basic straight-run stairlift might range from $3,000 to $5,000, while custom-curved or heavy-duty models can cost $10,000 to $15,000 or more, including installation. The total award of $554,000 over 122 days suggests either a significant number of units, complex installations, or potentially higher-than-average unit costs, possibly due to the sole-source nature or specific regional market conditions in Hawaii.

What is the track record of ALOHA LIFTS LLC in fulfilling government contracts, particularly for the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Information regarding the specific track record of ALOHA LIFTS LLC in fulfilling government contracts, especially with the Department of Veterans Affairs, is not provided in the summary data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), any history of contract modifications, disputes, or timely delivery issues. Without this performance history, it is difficult to gauge the reliability and past success of ALOHA LIFTS LLC in meeting government requirements, which is a key factor in assessing the risk associated with this sole-source award.

How does this spending on stairlifts compare to the VA's overall budget for prosthetics and assistive devices?

The provided data focuses solely on this specific purchase order for stairlifts, totaling $554,000. It does not offer context regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs' overall budget allocation for prosthetics and assistive devices. The VA's budget for such items is typically substantial, encompassing a wide range of medical equipment, implants, orthotics, and mobility aids designed to support veterans' health and independence. To understand the relative significance of this $554,000 award, it would need to be compared against the total annual expenditure for the entire prosthetics and sensory aids service line within the VA, which is not available from this data point.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing › Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 239 ULULANI ST, HILO, HI, 96720

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $55,400

Exercised Options: $55,400

Current Obligation: $55,400

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline