NOAA Spends $168K on Subsurface Ocean Temperature Sensors from Sea-Bird Electronics

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $168,725 ($168.7K)

Contractor: Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-06-15

Contract Duration: 74 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NDBC SBS SUBSURFACE OCEAN TEMPERATURE SENSORS

Place of Performance

Location: BELLEVUE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98005

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $168,724.92 to SEA-BIRD ELECTRONICS, INC for work described as: NDBC SBS SUBSURFACE OCEAN TEMPERATURE SENSORS Key points: 1. High unit cost for specialized sensors. 2. Sole-source procurement limits price competition. 3. Potential for higher costs due to lack of competition. 4. Spending falls within the 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The per-unit cost appears high compared to similar scientific sensor contracts. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to ascertain if this price reflects fair market value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in the government paying a premium for these essential oceanographic sensors.

Public Impact

Supports critical climate and oceanographic research. Ensures data continuity for long-term environmental monitoring. Facilitates understanding of ocean temperature changes impacting weather patterns.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source procurement
High unit cost potential
Limited competition

Positive Signals

Essential scientific equipment
Supports NOAA's mission

Sector Analysis

This spending is within the 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' sector, which includes specialized scientific instruments. Benchmarks for similar niche devices can vary widely.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific procurement, as it was a sole-source award to Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a component of the Department of Commerce. Oversight would focus on delivery and performance.

Related Government Programs

Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing
Department of Commerce Contracting
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Potential for inflated pricing
Lack of competitive benchmarking
Dependence on a single vendor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $168,724.92 to SEA-BIRD ELECTRONICS, INC. NDBC SBS SUBSURFACE OCEAN TEMPERATURE SENSORS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SEA-BIRD ELECTRONICS, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $168,724.92.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-06-15.

What is the specific technical capability that necessitates a sole-source award for these sensors?

A sole-source award typically implies that only one vendor possesses the unique technology, intellectual property, or specialized manufacturing capability required for the product. For these subsurface ocean temperature sensors, it could be proprietary sensor technology, specific calibration processes, or integration requirements with existing NOAA systems that only Sea-Bird Electronics can meet.

What is the risk associated with relying on a single supplier for critical oceanographic equipment?

The primary risk is a lack of competitive pricing, potentially leading to inflated costs over time. Additionally, reliance on a sole supplier creates vulnerability to supply chain disruptions, price hikes, or changes in the supplier's business strategy. This can impact NOAA's ability to procure necessary equipment consistently and affordably.

How does the effectiveness of these sensors contribute to NOAA's mission objectives?

These sensors are crucial for NOAA's mission of understanding and predicting changes in the Earth's environment. Accurate subsurface ocean temperature data is vital for climate modeling, weather forecasting, marine ecosystem management, and tracking the impacts of climate change. The effectiveness of these sensors directly translates to the quality and reliability of NOAA's scientific output.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Other Measuring and Controlling Device 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: Danaher Corporation

Address: 13431 NE 20TH ST, BELLEVUE, WA, 98005

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: $168,725

Exercised Options: $168,725

Current Obligation: $168,725

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1305M225D0032

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline