USDA Buys Olympus Microscope System for $41,216, Competed Under SAP

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $41,216 ($41.2K)

Contractor: Evident Scientific MIS, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-07-01

Contract Duration: 86 days

Daily Burn Rate: $479/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: OLYMPUS BX53 MICROSCOPE & DP75 CAMERA

Place of Performance

Location: AMES, STORY County, IOWA, 50010

State: Iowa Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $41,216.18 to EVIDENT SCIENTIFIC MIS, INC. for work described as: OLYMPUS BX53 MICROSCOPE & DP75 CAMERA Key points: 1. Spending on analytical laboratory instruments is essential for scientific research and regulatory functions. 2. Evident Scientific is a key player in this market, facing potential competition from other manufacturers. 3. Risk includes potential obsolescence of technology and reliance on a single supplier for maintenance. 4. The sector is characterized by specialized equipment and high R&D investment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The price of $41,216.18 for the Olympus BX53 microscope and DP75 camera appears reasonable given the specialized nature of analytical laboratory instruments. Benchmarking against similar high-end microscopy systems would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a limited competition environment. While SAP aims for efficiency, it may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for essential scientific equipment, with the price determined through a limited competitive process.

Public Impact

Supports critical research and testing at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Ensures the agency has advanced tools for accurate analysis. Procurement process aims for efficiency under SAP guidelines.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP
Potential for technology obsolescence

Positive Signals

Supports critical agency mission
Utilizes specialized analytical equipment

Sector Analysis

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service operates within the scientific research and laboratory services sector. Spending on analytical instruments like microscopes is benchmarked against similar equipment purchases for research institutions and government labs.

Small Business Impact

This purchase does not appear to directly benefit small businesses, as the awardee is Evident Scientific, a likely larger entity. Future procurements could explore opportunities for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The purchase order mechanism provides a clear record of the transaction. Oversight would focus on ensuring the equipment meets specifications and is utilized effectively for its intended purpose.

Related Government Programs

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for sole-source maintenance
Technology obsolescence risk
Lack of detailed cost-benefit analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $41,216.18 to EVIDENT SCIENTIFIC MIS, INC.. OLYMPUS BX53 MICROSCOPE & DP75 CAMERA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EVIDENT SCIENTIFIC MIS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $41,216.18.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-07-01.

What is the expected lifespan and maintenance cost of this Olympus microscope system?

The expected lifespan and maintenance costs are crucial for assessing the long-term value of this acquisition. Without this information, it's difficult to determine the total cost of ownership beyond the initial purchase price. Further inquiry into service contracts and typical equipment longevity in similar laboratory settings is recommended.

Were alternative vendors or models considered during the SAP competition?

Investigating whether alternative vendors or models were considered under the SAP process is important for understanding the extent of price discovery. While SAP prioritizes efficiency, ensuring a reasonable range of options were evaluated helps confirm that the selected equipment and price represent good value for the government.

How will the performance of this microscope system be evaluated against mission objectives?

Evaluating the performance of the Olympus BX53 and DP75 system against specific mission objectives is key to ensuring its effectiveness. This includes defining metrics for accuracy, speed, and reliability in analytical tasks. Regular performance reviews will confirm the system's contribution to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's goals.

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: 12639526Q0084

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 48 WOERD AVE, WALTHAM, MA, 02453

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: $41,216

Exercised Options: $41,216

Current Obligation: $41,216

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline