Contract Dates: 2018-2024/25
The Hearing Aid Accessories Contract is a part of the national hearing aid repairs contract and serves not only the entire VA healthcare system, but a number of other agencies as well. This contract is limited to products that reduce hearing aid repairs, aid in the use of hearing aids, or prolong the life of hearing aids. All products must be safe for at-home use – this contract cannot include any clinical/medical products.
Important Contract Terms:
– Five Year Term (please read contract timeline notes)
– FFP (Firm, Fixed Price) Contract
– Strict Delivery Requirements
– Manufacturing partners signed both a distribution agreement with ADCO as well as an ADL (authorized distributor letter), in addition to exclusivity on most items
Contract Categories
This contract does not have predefined contract line item numbers of even rigorous categories that must be adhered to, as long as offered products are relevant to the overall intent of the contract itself. We currently have 64 active line items on this contract the following categories:
– Protection
– Cleaning
– Dehumidifiers/Desiccants
– Cases
– Tubing
– Protection
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can products be ADDED to this contract?
YES – on average we are making modifications to this contract twice a year. Relevant products may be added to this contract through a contract modification process. Similarly, we can also remove products from this contract.
Is TAA Compliance mandatory on this contract?
The current contract did not include language that required or even outlined a preference for TAA/BAA compliance. However, many things have changed in federal contracting since 2018, including very strict guidelines on TAA/BAA compliance. We strongly suspect that there will be a TAA preference, if not an outright requirement, when this contract is renewed in 2024/2025.
Can prices be modified on this contract?
No. This is a firm, fixed price contract which means pricing may NOT be modified post-award for any reason. Even during COVID, pricing could not be modified despite the circumstances. This is why the pricing you provide to ADCO must be honored for a minimum of 5 years, as we CANNOT modify our pricing on contract during the term.
Why does ADCO require exclusivity?
Over the years, ADCO has evolved primarily into a distributor serving the federal marketplace. This focus requires efforts, expenses and risks that do not occur in other types of businesses. As such, we now exclusively align ourselves with brands looking for long-term partnerships, sustainable growth and a mutually beneficial relationship.
Contract Timeline
This contract was initially intended to operate on a five year timeline, made up of one base year and four option years:
BASE: 08/01/2018 – 05/31/2019
Option 1: 06/01/2019 – 05/31/2020
Option 2: 06/01/2020 – 05/31/2021
Option 3: 06/01/2021 – 05/31/2022
Option 4: 06/01/2022 – 05/31/2023
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However, the contract was initially extended on a 6-month extension period from June 1, 2023 through November 30, 2023. Due to issues in releasing a timely solicitation, and internal changes at the VA, this contract was re-awarded on a bridge contract that has a base period and two option periods that are essentially extensions of the original contract.
The base period was 12/01/2023 – 05/31/2023
The first option period has already been exercised, which extends this bridge contract through 11/31/2023. A final option period could extend this contract further through May 31, 2025.
Option years are exercised as long as the contract remains relevant and necessary to the VA, and the contract holder has met the terms of the contract during the previous term. Each option year is exercised independent of one another.
ADCO has NEVER had any contract where an option year was not exercised. We continuously meet, if not exceed, the requirements of every contract that we hold.