USDA awards $275K for cell sorters, with 3 bidders competing for analytical lab instruments

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $275,165 ($275.2K)

Contractor: Miltenyi Biotec, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-09-18

End Date: 2025-12-30

Contract Duration: 103 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.7K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: MACSQUANT TYTO CELL SORTER

Place of Performance

Location: AUBURN, PLACER County, CALIFORNIA, 95602

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $275,164.79 to MILTENYI BIOTEC, INC. for work described as: MACSQUANT TYTO CELL SORTER Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the competitive bidding process. 2. The contract was competed under SAP, indicating a streamlined procurement. 3. Risk indicators are low due to a firm fixed-price contract type. 4. Performance context is limited to the supply of analytical laboratory instruments. 5. Sector positioning is within the analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing market.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $275,164.79 for analytical laboratory instruments seems within a reasonable range for specialized equipment. Benchmarking against similar contracts for cell sorters would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm fixed-price structure helps control costs for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically allows for broad competition. With three bidders participating, it suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this type of specialized equipment. The presence of multiple bidders generally leads to better price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this procurement is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely resulted in a more favorable price compared to a sole-source award.

Public Impact

Researchers within the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service will benefit from access to advanced cell sorting technology. The contract will facilitate the delivery of analytical laboratory instruments essential for scientific research. The geographic impact is primarily within California, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications are likely related to the specialized manufacturing and support of these instruments.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks.
Competitive bidding process suggests a fair market price was obtained.
Contract awarded to a known entity in the field of laboratory instruments.

Sector Analysis

The market for analytical laboratory instruments is a specialized segment within the broader scientific equipment industry. This contract for cell sorters fits within the niche of analytical instrument manufacturing, supporting research and development activities. Spending in this sector is driven by scientific advancements and the need for precise measurement tools.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided in the data. The contract was competed under SAP, which can include small business participation, but specific set-aside status is not indicated. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would fall under the Department of Agriculture's procurement and financial management systems. As a purchase order, it is subject to standard government contracting regulations and oversight. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, and any specific Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on the nature of any potential issues.

Related Government Programs

Laboratory Equipment Procurement
Scientific Instrument Acquisition
Agricultural Research Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for obsolescence of analytical instruments over time.
Reliance on a single manufacturer for specialized equipment support and consumables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $275,164.79 to MILTENYI BIOTEC, INC.. MACSQUANT TYTO CELL SORTER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MILTENYI BIOTEC, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Agricultural Research Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $275,164.79.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-18. End: 2025-12-30.

What is the typical lifespan and maintenance cost associated with this type of cell sorter?

The typical lifespan of a high-end cell sorter can range from 5 to 10 years, depending on usage, maintenance, and technological obsolescence. Maintenance costs can be significant, often ranging from 10-20% of the initial purchase price annually, especially if a service contract is included. This includes routine servicing, calibration, and potential replacement of wear-and-tear parts like lasers, flow cells, and fluidics components. The specific model procured by the USDA would influence these figures, and it's advisable to consult the manufacturer's specifications and service agreements for precise estimates. Understanding these ongoing costs is crucial for a complete total cost of ownership analysis beyond the initial purchase price.

How does the price of this cell sorter compare to similar models from other manufacturers?

Benchmarking the price of this specific Miltenyi Biotec cell sorter against comparable models from other leading manufacturers like BD Biosciences, Thermo Fisher Scientific, or Beckman Coulter requires detailed market research. Factors such as sorting speed, cell viability preservation, number of lasers and detectors, software capabilities, and automation features significantly influence pricing. A preliminary assessment suggests that for a system with advanced capabilities, the awarded price of approximately $90,000 per unit (assuming 3 units for $275K) is competitive within the high-end market segment. However, a comprehensive comparison would necessitate evaluating detailed specifications and obtaining quotes for equivalent systems to confirm optimal value for money.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the success of this contract?

Key performance indicators for this contract would likely focus on the timely delivery of the specified cell sorters, ensuring they meet all technical specifications and performance requirements outlined in the purchase order. Post-delivery, KPIs could include the operational uptime of the instruments, the accuracy and reliability of their sorting functions, and user satisfaction among the researchers utilizing the equipment. Furthermore, adherence to the firm fixed-price agreement, preventing cost overruns, would be a critical performance metric. The Agricultural Research Service would establish specific acceptance criteria and potentially conduct performance testing to validate the equipment's capabilities before final acceptance.

What is the historical spending pattern for analytical laboratory instruments by the Agricultural Research Service?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for analytical laboratory instruments by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) would reveal trends in procurement volume, types of instruments acquired, and average costs over time. This data can help contextualize the current $275,164.79 award. For instance, if ARS typically spends millions annually on a wide array of instruments, this award represents a relatively small, targeted purchase. Conversely, if such procurements are infrequent, it might indicate a significant investment. Examining past contracts for cell sorters or similar high-value analytical equipment would provide insights into the frequency, scale, and pricing ARS has historically engaged with for such needs.

What is the track record of Miltenyi Biotec, Inc. in supplying similar equipment to federal agencies?

Miltenyi Biotec, Inc. is a well-established company specializing in cell isolation and analysis technologies, including cell sorters. They have a significant presence in both the commercial and research markets. Their track record in supplying similar equipment to federal agencies is likely robust, given their market position. Federal agencies, particularly those in life sciences research like NIH, USDA, and DOD components, frequently procure sophisticated laboratory instruments. Miltenyi Biotec's participation in competitive bids, such as this one under SAP, suggests they are actively pursuing and winning government contracts. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) would confirm the volume and value of their past awards to various agencies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1232SA25Q0542

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2303 LINDBERGH STREET, AUBURN, CA, 95602

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $275,165

Exercised Options: $275,165

Current Obligation: $275,165

Actual Outlays: $275,165

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline