USDA Awards $33.5K Thermo Fisher Preventative Maintenance Contract for Analytical Instruments

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,483 ($33.5K)

Contractor: Thermo Electron North America LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-09-30

End Date: 2027-09-29

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $46/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ION CHROMATOGRAPH PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Place of Performance

Location: MADISON, DANE County, WISCONSIN, 53706

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $33,482.82 to THERMO ELECTRON NORTH AMERICA LLC for work described as: ION CHROMATOGRAPH PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Thermo Fisher Scientific for preventative maintenance of ion chromatographs. 2. Spending is minimal, suggesting a routine operational need rather than a major investment. 3. Competition method is 'COMPETED UNDER SAP', indicating a streamlined process for smaller procurements. 4. The sector is Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, crucial for scientific research.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $33,482.82 for a 2-year period appears reasonable for specialized instrument maintenance. Benchmarking against similar service contracts for analytical equipment would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting limited competition due to the relatively low dollar value. This method prioritizes efficiency for smaller purchases.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal given the low contract value, representing a necessary operational expense for the Agricultural Research Service.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation of critical analytical equipment for agricultural research. Supports the Agricultural Research Service's mission by maintaining scientific instrumentation. Provides specialized maintenance services, preventing costly downtime and repairs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Essential service for research continuity.
Utilizes a streamlined procurement process for efficiency.

Sector Analysis

The Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector supports scientific research and development across various government agencies. Spending benchmarks for maintenance services vary widely based on instrument complexity and service level agreements.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were solicited or capable of providing this specialized service.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a Purchase Order, a common method for acquiring goods and services. Oversight would involve monitoring service delivery and adherence to the firm fixed price terms.

Related Government Programs

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Agricultural Research Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition due to SAP.
Potential for higher pricing compared to full and open competition.
No small business award noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $33,482.82 to THERMO ELECTRON NORTH AMERICA LLC. ION CHROMATOGRAPH PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THERMO ELECTRON NORTH AMERICA LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $33,482.82.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-30. End: 2027-09-29.

What is the typical cost range for preventative maintenance on ion chromatographs of this model?

The typical cost range for preventative maintenance on ion chromatographs can vary significantly based on the instrument's make, model, age, and the service provider's pricing structure. Factors like included services (e.g., parts, labor, travel), response time guarantees, and the frequency of maintenance visits all influence the final price. Without specific model details, a precise benchmark is difficult, but contracts often range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars annually for comprehensive service plans.

What are the risks associated with using Simplified Acquisition Procedures for this type of service?

Using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for this service, while efficient for low-value procurements, carries a risk of reduced competition and potentially higher prices compared to full and open competition. Agencies might miss out on more competitive bids from a wider range of vendors, including small businesses. However, for highly specialized maintenance or when vendor availability is limited, SAP can be an appropriate and necessary tool to ensure timely service delivery.

How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Agricultural Research Service?

This contract is crucial for the effectiveness of the Agricultural Research Service by ensuring the reliable operation of essential analytical laboratory instruments. Ion chromatographs are vital for analyzing chemical compounds in agricultural samples, supporting research into food safety, crop quality, environmental monitoring, and pest management. Consistent preventative maintenance minimizes unexpected equipment failures, preventing research delays and ensuring the integrity and accuracy of scientific data generated.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1232SA25Q0745

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Address: 1400 NORTHPOINT PKWY STE 10, WEST PALM BEACH, FL, 33407

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $50,981

Exercised Options: $33,483

Current Obligation: $33,483

Actual Outlays: $16,494

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline