VA awards $115K for off-site ophthalmology services in Central Iowa, serving veterans in the region

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $114,619 ($114.6K)

Contractor: DES Moines EYE Surgeons, L.L.P.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-04-19

End Date: 2026-04-18

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $315/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: LOCAL OFF-SITE OPHTHALMOLOGY PHYSICIAN SERVICES CENTRAL IOWA VA - OY1

Place of Performance

Location: DES MOINES, POLK County, IOWA, 50310

State: Iowa Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $114,619.42 to DES MOINES EYE SURGEONS, L.L.P. for work described as: LOCAL OFF-SITE OPHTHALMOLOGY PHYSICIAN SERVICES CENTRAL IOWA VA - OY1 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized medical services in a specific geographic area. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially efficient pricing environment. 3. Performance risk is moderate, given the need for specialized physician services. 4. This contract supports the VA's mission to provide healthcare access to veterans. 5. The service aligns with the broader healthcare sector's demand for specialized physician expertise.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $115,000 for a one-year period for off-site ophthalmology services seems aligned with market rates for specialized physician services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for physician services at other VA facilities or comparable healthcare providers would provide a more precise value assessment. However, given the specialized nature of ophthalmology and the need for off-site provision, the price appears to be within a reasonable range for the services rendered.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a competitive process for awards below certain thresholds. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation suggests that multiple offers were solicited and considered. This level of competition, even under SAP, generally contributes to fair price discovery and encourages contractors to offer competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award, even under SAP, is beneficial for taxpayers as it helps ensure that the government is not overpaying for essential medical services.

Public Impact

Veterans in Central Iowa will benefit from access to specialized off-site ophthalmology care. The services delivered will include diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions. The geographic impact is focused on the Central Iowa region, serving veterans within the VA's catchment area. This contract supports local healthcare providers and potentially their staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for service disruptions if the contractor faces staffing issues.
Ensuring continuity of care for veterans with chronic eye conditions.
Monitoring quality of care provided off-site.

Positive Signals

Provides specialized care closer to veterans' homes.
Supports the VA's network of healthcare providers.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare sector, particularly the provision of specialized medical services, is a significant area of federal spending. This contract for ophthalmology services fits within the broader category of physician services, which are essential for comprehensive veteran healthcare. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous private practices and healthcare systems capable of providing these specialized skills. The VA's use of off-site providers is a common strategy to expand access and leverage existing community resources.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract included a small business set-aside. However, given the nature of specialized medical services, it is possible that small, physician-owned practices could be awarded such contracts. Further analysis would be needed to determine subcontracting opportunities or the impact on the broader small business ecosystem in this specific medical sub-sector.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver services at a set price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, although specific performance metrics and quality assurance reviews may not always be publicly detailed.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Services Contracts
Ophthalmology Services
Physician Services Contracts
Off-Site Medical Support

Risk Flags

Potential for service gaps if contractor faces staffing issues.
Ensuring consistent quality of care in an off-site setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $114,619.42 to DES MOINES EYE SURGEONS, L.L.P.. LOCAL OFF-SITE OPHTHALMOLOGY PHYSICIAN SERVICES CENTRAL IOWA VA - OY1

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DES MOINES EYE SURGEONS, L.L.P..

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 $114,619.42.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-19. End: 2026-04-18.

What is the track record of DES MOINES EYE SURGEONS, L.L.P. with federal contracts, particularly with the VA?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to ascertain the track record of DES MOINES EYE SURGEONS, L.L.P. with federal contracts. This would involve checking for past awards, performance history, and any reported issues or disputes. Understanding their experience with the VA specifically would be crucial, as it indicates familiarity with VA regulations, reporting requirements, and patient care protocols. A history of successful contract performance suggests a lower risk for this current award, while a history of issues might warrant closer scrutiny of this new contract's management and oversight.

How does the awarded price compare to similar ophthalmology service contracts awarded by the VA or other federal agencies?

To benchmark the value, one would compare the awarded amount ($114,619.42 for 364 days) against similar contracts for ophthalmology services. This comparison should consider factors like geographic location (cost of living and practice overhead vary), the specific services included (e.g., routine exams, specialized procedures), and the contract duration. If comparable contracts in similar regions are priced significantly higher or lower, it could indicate either exceptional value or potential overpricing/underbidding. Data from contract databases like FPDS or SAM.gov would be essential for this analysis.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include potential disruptions in service delivery due to contractor staffing shortages, ensuring the quality and appropriateness of off-site care, and maintaining continuity for veterans with ongoing eye conditions. Mitigation strategies likely involve clear performance standards in the contract, regular communication between the VA and the contractor, and potentially backup provider arrangements. The firm-fixed-price nature helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government, but quality and availability risks remain.

How effective is the VA in ensuring quality of care for off-site contracted services like this one?

The VA's effectiveness in ensuring quality for off-site services relies heavily on its contract management and oversight processes. This includes establishing clear performance work statements (PWS), defining quality assurance surveillance plans (QASP), and conducting regular site visits or reviews. The VA's ability to monitor patient outcomes, provider qualifications, and adherence to clinical standards is critical. Feedback mechanisms for veterans and robust communication channels with the contractor are also vital components of quality assurance for contracted care.

What has been the historical spending trend for ophthalmology services by the VA in Iowa or similar regions?

Analyzing historical spending trends for ophthalmology services by the VA in Iowa or comparable regions would provide context for the current award. This involves examining past contract values, the number of contracts awarded, and the primary contractors over several fiscal years. An increasing trend might suggest growing demand or rising costs, while a stable trend could indicate consistent service needs. Understanding these patterns helps in forecasting future requirements and assessing the reasonableness of current spending levels.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Offices of Physicians › Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND SURGICAL SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5901 WESTOWN PKWY STE 200, WEST DES MOINES, IA, 50266

Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $114,619

Exercised Options: $114,619

Current Obligation: $114,619

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C26324D0061

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline