VA awards $47K for TMJ prosthetics, with limited competition and a short performance period

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $47,179 ($47.2K)

Contractor: Stryker Sales, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-07-07

Contract Duration: 90 days

Daily Burn Rate: $524/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: PROSTHETICS: PRE-BUY TMJ, CLEAR VIEWS, VSP ORTHOG & GUIDES SURGICAL IMPLANTS

Place of Performance

Location: SAN FRANCISCO, SAN FRANCISCO County, CALIFORNIA, 94121

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $47,179.06 to STRYKER SALES, LLC for work described as: PROSTHETICS: PRE-BUY TMJ, CLEAR VIEWS, VSP ORTHOG & GUIDES SURGICAL IMPLANTS Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized surgical implants and guides. 2. Limited competition raises questions about price discovery and potential value. 3. Short performance period suggests a need for immediate supply or a pilot program. 4. Contractor is a known entity in the medical device sector. 5. Geographic focus on California for delivery. 6. No small business set-aside, indicating potential missed opportunities for smaller firms.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $47,179.06 for a 90-day period is relatively small. Benchmarking is difficult without more specific details on the prosthetics and guides. However, the 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation suggests it may not have undergone the most rigorous price analysis, potentially impacting value for money. The firm fixed-price nature provides cost certainty but may not reflect the best possible pricing if competition was limited.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), and the data indicates it was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP'. This suggests a limited competition approach, possibly due to specific requirements or urgency. With only one offeror (STRYKER SALES, LLC), there is no direct comparison to assess if the pricing is competitive. The lack of broader competition limits the government's ability to leverage market forces for optimal price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition can lead to higher prices for taxpayers as the government may not benefit from the most competitive bids available in the market.

Public Impact

Veterans in California requiring TMJ prosthetics and surgical guides will benefit from this contract. The contract ensures the availability of specialized surgical implants and guides for specific medical procedures. The primary geographic impact is within California, where the supplies will be delivered. The contract supports the medical device manufacturing sector, specifically companies like Stryker Sales, LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may result in suboptimal pricing for taxpayers.
Lack of small business participation could limit economic opportunities for smaller firms in this niche market.

Positive Signals

Contract ensures timely access to critical medical supplies for veterans.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the VA.
Contractor is a known supplier in the medical device industry.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing sector (NAICS 339113). This sector is characterized by the production of medical devices, including prosthetics and surgical instruments. The market size for such specialized medical supplies can be substantial, driven by healthcare needs and technological advancements. This specific contract, though small in dollar value, addresses a niche requirement for TMJ prosthetics, fitting within the broader landscape of medical device procurement.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the data indicates 'sb' is false. This means that larger, established companies like Stryker Sales, LLC were likely the primary focus or sole participants. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting plans, suggesting that opportunities for small businesses to participate indirectly through subcontracting may be limited. This procurement does not appear to actively foster the small business ecosystem within this specialized medical device category.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a Purchase Order, which is a common procurement instrument. Oversight would typically be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and program managers responsible for medical supplies. Accountability is established through the firm fixed-price terms and the delivery schedule. Transparency is limited by the 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation, which often involves less public documentation than fully competed contracts. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Veterans Health Administration Medical Supplies
Department of Veterans Affairs Prosthetics and Medical Equipment
Surgical Implants and Devices Procurement
Medical Manufacturing Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Potential for Non-Competitive Award
Short Performance Period

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $47,179.06 to STRYKER SALES, LLC. PROSTHETICS: PRE-BUY TMJ, CLEAR VIEWS, VSP ORTHOG & GUIDES SURGICAL IMPLANTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STRYKER SALES, 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 $47,179.06.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-07-07.

What is the track record of Stryker Sales, LLC with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

While specific details on Stryker Sales, LLC's entire contract history with the VA are not provided in this data snippet, their role as a supplier of medical devices suggests they are a known entity. The VA frequently procures a wide range of medical equipment and supplies, and established manufacturers like Stryker are common awardees. To fully assess their track record, a deeper dive into historical contract awards, performance reviews, and any past issues or commendations would be necessary. This would include examining the volume and value of previous contracts, the types of products supplied, and any documented performance metrics or user feedback.

How does the pricing of these TMJ prosthetics compare to similar contracts or market rates?

Direct comparison of pricing is challenging without more specific product details and a broader set of comparable contracts. The contract value is $47,179.06 for a 90-day period. Given that it was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' and had limited competition, the price may not reflect the most competitive market rate. To benchmark effectively, one would need to identify other VA or federal contracts for similar TMJ prosthetics and surgical guides, analyze their pricing structures (per unit, by kit, etc.), and consider factors like volume discounts, contract duration, and specific product features. Market research reports for surgical implant pricing could also provide a reference point.

What are the primary risks associated with this limited competition award?

The primary risks associated with this limited competition award include potential overpayment due to a lack of competitive pressure, reduced incentive for the contractor to offer the best possible price or service, and a missed opportunity to foster competition among a wider range of suppliers, potentially including innovative small businesses. There's also a risk that the specific needs of the VA might not be perfectly met if alternative solutions from other vendors were not explored. The short performance period could also indicate a risk of supply chain disruption if the current vendor faces unforeseen issues.

How effective is this contract likely to be in meeting the VA's needs for TMJ prosthetics?

The effectiveness of this contract hinges on several factors. Firstly, the selection of Stryker Sales, LLC, a known entity, suggests a degree of confidence in their ability to supply the required items. The firm fixed-price nature provides cost certainty. However, the limited competition and short duration raise questions about whether this represents the most strategic or cost-effective long-term solution. If these specific prosthetics are critical and only available from this vendor, the contract may be highly effective in meeting an immediate need. Conversely, if alternative, potentially more cost-effective or technologically advanced options exist, its long-term effectiveness could be questioned.

What are the historical spending patterns for TMJ prosthetics or similar surgical implants by the VA?

Historical spending patterns for TMJ prosthetics and similar surgical implants by the VA are not detailed in the provided data. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs consistently procures a vast array of medical supplies and equipment to serve its veteran population. Spending in this category would likely fluctuate based on veteran population needs, advancements in surgical techniques, and the availability of new prosthetic technologies. Analyzing past VA spending on orthopedic implants, surgical guides, and specific prosthetic devices would reveal trends in volume, average costs, and key suppliers over time. This contract represents a small, specific instance within that broader spending context.

What is the significance of the 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation?

The 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation is significant because it indicates that the procurement did not follow the standard Simplified Acquisition Procedures, which are typically used for purchases below a certain threshold (e.g., $250,000 for many agencies). This suggests that either the procurement method was different (e.g., a specific exception to full and open competition was invoked, or it was a non-competitive award under specific circumstances) or that the contract value, while appearing small, was handled through a non-standard process. It often implies limited competition or a sole-source justification, raising questions about the extent of market research and price analysis conducted.

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 UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Stryker Sales LLC

Address: 3800 E CENTRE AVE, PORTAGE, MI, 49002

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $47,179

Exercised Options: $47,179

Current Obligation: $47,179

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline