USDA's Agricultural Research Service Spends $138K on Vanquish Neo System from Thermo Electron

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $137,995 ($138.0K)

Contractor: Thermo Electron North America LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-05-26

Contract Duration: 48 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PURCHASE VANQUISH NEO SYSTEM

Place of Performance

Location: WEST PALM BEACH, PALM BEACH County, FLORIDA, 33407

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $137,995.43 to THERMO ELECTRON NORTH AMERICA LLC for work described as: PURCHASE VANQUISH NEO SYSTEM Key points: 1. The purchase of the Vanquish Neo System for $137,995.43 by the USDA's Agricultural Research Service is for analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing. 2. Thermo Electron North America LLC is the sole awardee for this delivery order. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 4. The system is expected to be delivered by May 26, 2026.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The price of $137,995.43 for the Vanquish Neo System appears reasonable given its specialized nature as an analytical laboratory instrument. Benchmarking against similar high-end laboratory equipment suggests this price point is within expected ranges for advanced analytical systems.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and ensures the government receives fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that aims to secure the best possible price for essential scientific equipment.

Public Impact

Enhances scientific research capabilities within the Agricultural Research Service. Supports advanced analytical testing for agricultural research. Potential for improved data accuracy and research outcomes.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Full and open competition utilized.
Clear delivery timeline established.
Specialized equipment for research purposes.

Sector Analysis

The purchase falls under the 'Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing' sector, which is critical for scientific research and development across various government agencies. Spending in this sector often reflects investments in advanced technology to support mission objectives.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication in the provided data whether small businesses were involved in this specific contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a transparent procurement process. Oversight would involve monitoring delivery and performance against the contract requirements.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential vendor lock-in for future support and consumables.
Reliance on a single supplier for a critical piece of equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $137,995.43 to THERMO ELECTRON NORTH AMERICA LLC. PURCHASE VANQUISH NEO SYSTEM

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 $137,995.43.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-05-26.

What specific analytical capabilities does the Vanquish Neo System offer that are crucial for the Agricultural Research Service's mission?

The Vanquish Neo System is a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system known for its sensitivity, speed, and versatility. It is likely used for complex sample analysis, such as identifying and quantifying compounds in agricultural products, detecting contaminants, or studying plant and soil science at a molecular level, directly supporting ARS's research goals.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single vendor for this specialized analytical instrument?

While awarded under full and open competition, the delivery order is with a single vendor. Risks include potential future price increases, limited service and support options if the vendor changes its offerings, and dependency on their supply chain for maintenance and consumables. However, the initial competitive award mitigates some of these risks.

How will the effectiveness of the Vanquish Neo System be measured to ensure it meets the Agricultural Research Service's research objectives?

Effectiveness will likely be measured by the system's ability to meet specified performance metrics (e.g., sensitivity, resolution, uptime), its contribution to achieving research milestones outlined in project plans, and feedback from researchers on its utility and reliability. Post-delivery validation and ongoing performance monitoring are key.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

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: $137,995

Exercised Options: $137,995

Current Obligation: $137,995

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSWA21D0055

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline