USDA Awards $23,927 DNA Analyzer Service Contract to Life Technologies Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,927 ($23.9K)

Contractor: Life Technologies Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2021-09-29

End Date: 2026-09-28

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DNA ANALYZER 3730XL SERVICE CONTRACT-4/15/2026-4/14/2027

Place of Performance

Location: STONEVILLE, WASHINGTON County, MISSISSIPPI, 38776

State: Mississippi Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $23,927.4 to LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION for work described as: DNA ANALYZER 3730XL SERVICE CONTRACT-4/15/2026-4/14/2027 Key points: 1. Contract value is modest at $23,927 for a 5-year term. 2. Sole-source award limits competition and potentially impacts price discovery. 3. Risk of higher pricing due to lack of competition. 4. Sector is Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, supporting agricultural research.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $23,927 over five years appears reasonable for specialized equipment service. However, without competitive bids, it's difficult to definitively assess if this represents the best possible price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits opportunities for other vendors to bid, potentially leading to less favorable pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for this contract. The lack of competition may result in a higher cost than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract.

Public Impact

Supports critical agricultural research by ensuring the functionality of DNA analysis equipment. Ensures continuity of operations for the Agricultural Research Service. Limited public visibility due to the small contract value and sole-source nature.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Sole-source award

Positive Signals

Supports critical research
Long-term service agreement

Sector Analysis

The Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector provides essential tools for scientific research. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation, but competitive procurement is key to cost efficiency.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to Life Technologies Corporation, a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service is responsible for this contract. Oversight should ensure the service meets the needs of the research without undue cost.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for inflated pricing
No small business participation noted

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $23,927.4 to LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION. DNA ANALYZER 3730XL SERVICE CONTRACT-4/15/2026-4/14/2027

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $23,927.4.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-29. End: 2026-09-28.

What is the justification for the sole-source award, and how was the price determined to be fair and reasonable without competition?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves specific circumstances, such as the uniqueness of the product or service, or the unavailability of alternatives. The contracting officer must still make a determination that the price is fair and reasonable, often through market research, historical pricing, or comparison to similar services if available. Without this information, it's difficult to fully assess the value.

What are the risks associated with a sole-source contract for specialized equipment maintenance?

Sole-source contracts carry inherent risks, including potentially higher costs due to the absence of competitive pressure. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in, where the government becomes dependent on a single provider, potentially limiting flexibility and future negotiation power. Furthermore, without competition, there might be less incentive for the vendor to innovate or provide exceptional service.

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

This contract ensures the operational readiness of a critical piece of equipment, the DNA Analyzer 3730XL, which is vital for various research projects within the Agricultural Research Service. By maintaining this instrument, the contract directly supports the agency's ability to conduct its research effectively and achieve its scientific objectives related to agriculture.

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: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Address: 5781 VAN ALLEN WAY, CARLSBAD, CA, 92008

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,927

Exercised Options: $23,927

Current Obligation: $23,927

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1232SA21D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline