VA awards $1.3M contract for prosthetic eyeglasses to Superior Optical Labs, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $132,779 ($132.8K)

Contractor: Superior Optical Labs, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-06-26

Contract Duration: 81 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: PROSTHETICS:EYEGLASS BIL

Place of Performance

Location: OCEAN SPRINGS, JACKSON County, MISSISSIPPI, 39564

State: Mississippi Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $132,779 to SUPERIOR OPTICAL LABS, INC for work described as: PROSTHETICS:EYEGLASS BIL Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration is relatively short, indicating a need for timely delivery of ophthalmic goods. 3. The fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 4. The award is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. 5. The contractor, Superior Optical Labs, Inc., specializes in ophthalmic goods manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.3 million for prosthetic eyeglasses appears reasonable given the scope of ophthalmic goods manufacturing. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized medical devices is necessary for a definitive value assessment. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost predictability. The award is a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a broader procurement strategy.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which implies that while the initial solicitation may have had restrictions, the final award was made after considering all eligible sources. The specific details of 'exclusion of sources' would require further investigation into the solicitation's history. The number of bidders is not provided, but the designation suggests a competitive process was intended.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive process, even with initial exclusions, generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for taxpayers compared to sole-source awards.

Public Impact

Veterans will benefit from the provision of prosthetic eyeglasses, improving their vision and quality of life. The contract supports the delivery of essential ophthalmic goods manufactured by Superior Optical Labs, Inc. The geographic impact is primarily within Mississippi, where the contractor is located. The contract supports jobs within the ophthalmic goods manufacturing sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
Details on the 'exclusion of sources' are not fully transparent.
No information on small business subcontracting plans.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Firm fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty.
Contract duration is defined, allowing for clear delivery expectations.

Sector Analysis

The ophthalmic goods manufacturing sector (NAICS 339115) involves the production of medical and dental instruments and supplies. This contract fits within the broader healthcare and medical device industry. Spending in this sector can vary significantly based on technological advancements and demand for specialized prosthetics and corrective lenses. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within VA's overall medical supply procurements.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb: false) and the contractor is not identified as a small business (ss: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a small business set-aside. The focus is on the prime contractor's capabilities in ophthalmic goods manufacturing.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract terms and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, though specific performance monitoring details are not provided. The VA Office of Inspector General may conduct audits or investigations if performance issues or fraud are suspected.

Related Government Programs

Veterans Health Administration Medical Supplies
Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service
Ophthalmic Goods and Equipment

Risk Flags

Potential for delivery delays
Quality control concerns
Lack of detailed performance metrics
Ambiguity in competition designation ('exclusion of sources')

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $132,779 to SUPERIOR OPTICAL LABS, INC. PROSTHETICS:EYEGLASS BIL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SUPERIOR OPTICAL LABS, 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 $132,779.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-06-26.

What is the track record of Superior Optical Labs, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with the VA?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess Superior Optical Labs, Inc.'s track record. This would involve examining past contract awards, performance evaluations (if available), and any history of disputes or contract terminations. Understanding their experience with similar ophthalmic goods or prosthetic devices, and their performance history with the Department of Veterans Affairs specifically, would provide crucial context for evaluating their reliability and capability in fulfilling this current contract. Without this historical data, it is difficult to gauge their established performance level within the federal contracting landscape.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar prosthetic eyeglasses?

To benchmark the value, the awarded price of $1.3 million needs to be compared against market rates for similar prosthetic eyeglasses. This involves researching average selling prices from other manufacturers and suppliers, considering factors like material quality, customization, and the specific type of prosthetic lens required. Analyzing data from other government agencies procuring similar items, or consulting industry pricing guides, would provide a basis for comparison. If the VA's price is significantly higher or lower than market averages, it could indicate either exceptional value or potential overpricing/underbidding, warranting further investigation into the contract's specifics and the competitive landscape.

What are the specific risks associated with this contract, given its nature and the contractor?

Potential risks for this contract include delivery delays if Superior Optical Labs, Inc. faces production or supply chain issues, impacting veterans' access to necessary eyewear. There's also a risk related to the quality and fit of the prosthetic eyeglasses, which could lead to dissatisfaction or the need for replacements. Given the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' designation, understanding the reasons for the initial exclusion could reveal underlying risks related to market availability or specific technical requirements. Furthermore, any lack of detailed performance metrics in the contract could obscure potential quality control issues until they become significant problems.

How effective is the VA in ensuring value for money in its procurement of ophthalmic goods?

The VA's effectiveness in ensuring value for money in ophthalmic goods procurement can be assessed by analyzing their contracting strategies, competition levels, and price trends over time. Awards made through full and open competition, as seen in this case, generally indicate a stronger effort to achieve competitive pricing. However, the VA must also employ robust price analysis techniques, conduct thorough market research, and monitor contractor performance closely. Examining the frequency of sole-source awards, the number of bidders on competitive contracts, and the average price paid for similar items compared to market benchmarks would provide insights into their overall success in maximizing value for taxpayer dollars in this category.

What is the historical spending pattern of the VA on prosthetic eyeglasses and related ophthalmic goods?

Analyzing the VA's historical spending on prosthetic eyeglasses and related ophthalmic goods would reveal trends in demand, pricing, and contractor reliance. This involves examining contract data over several fiscal years to identify the total amounts spent, the primary contractors awarded these funds, and the types of contracts utilized (e.g., fixed-price, cost-plus). Significant year-over-year increases or decreases in spending, or a concentration of awards with a few specific vendors, could indicate shifts in veteran needs, market dynamics, or procurement strategies. Understanding this historical context is crucial for evaluating the current $1.3 million award in terms of its scale and significance within the VA's overall budget for these essential items.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing › Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6525 SUNPLEX DR, OCEAN SPRINGS, MS, 39564

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $132,779

Exercised Options: $132,779

Current Obligation: $132,779

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C26220D0050

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline