The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is issuing a presolicitation notice regarding the sole-source procurement of customized prescription hearing aid devices and repair services from WS Audiology. This initiative, managed by the National Acquisition Center for the Veterans Health Administration, aims to ensure accessible clinical availability of hearing aids and standardized pricing for veterans and Department of Defense (DoD) members. The contract, which falls under NAICS code 334510, will be executed without competitive proposals due to the proprietary nature of the products. Interested parties can submit capability statements to the designated Contract Specialist, Connie Gordon, within 30 days of publication. The VA retains discretion over whether to initiate competitive procurement based on received responses. This notice underscores the VA's commitment to meeting the specific needs of veterans through specialized service agreements.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) seeks to establish a noncompetitive contract with WS Audiology USA, Inc. for customized prescription hearing aids and repair services through a Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition. This action aims to continue the national Hearing Aid Program, allowing for a firm-fixed price indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract over five years. The chosen contractor will supply hearing aids from multiple proprietary product lines to ensure the VA can meet the specific needs of Veterans consistently.
The rationale for limiting the competition is based on the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor, historically serving the VA for over 30 years, and the proprietary nature of the products required. The shift to electronic hearing aids necessitates specialized training and unique technologies that are only available through the manufacturer. Market research confirms that only a few manufacturers hold the necessary market share and technical abilities to satisfy the VA's needs. Additionally, the recent introduction of over-the-counter hearing aids does not meet the technical requirements, further supporting the decision to pursue a noncompetitive contracting approach focused on optimal Veteran care. The acquisition will undergo a fair pricing evaluation to ensure cost-effectiveness for the government.