MOYA BRAND LLC awarded $334,900 for NWS rain gauge tubes, with competition under SAP

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,490 ($33.5K)

Contractor: Moya Brand LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 175 days

Daily Burn Rate: $191/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: RAIN GAUGE INNER MEASURING TUBES FOR THE NWS COOP IN GRANDVIEW, MO.

Place of Performance

Location: SPRINGFIELD, GREENE County, MISSOURI, 65807

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $33,490 to MOYA BRAND LLC for work described as: RAIN GAUGE INNER MEASURING TUBES FOR THE NWS COOP IN GRANDVIEW, MO. Key points: 1. Contract awarded via Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 2. The contract duration of 175 days indicates a short-term need for these specific components. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 4. The award to MOYA BRAND LLC, a single entity, requires scrutiny of pricing and performance. 5. Geographic focus on Missouri for this specific delivery. 6. The procurement falls under 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $334,900 for rain gauge measuring tubes appears to be a specific, potentially niche requirement. Without direct comparable contract data for identical items, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the fixed-price nature of the award provides some cost certainty. The number of bids received (2) under SAP suggests a moderate level of interest, which could influence pricing. Further analysis would require benchmarking against similar meteorological equipment or manufacturing costs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a less formal solicitation process than full and open competition. With two bids received, the competition level is limited. While SAP aims to streamline procurement for smaller dollar amounts, it may not always yield the most competitive pricing compared to broader solicitations. The limited number of bidders suggests that the market for these specific components might be specialized or that the procurement threshold for SAP restricted broader participation.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition under SAP means taxpayers may not have benefited from the lowest possible price achievable through a wider bidding process. However, the use of SAP can also lead to faster delivery and reduced administrative costs, which can be a taxpayer benefit.

Public Impact

The National Weather Service (NWS) will benefit from receiving essential components for its Cooperative Observer Program (COOP). The contract ensures the supply of inner measuring tubes for rain gauges, critical for accurate precipitation data collection. The geographic impact is focused on Grandview, Missouri, where the NWS COOP operations are located. This contract supports the manufacturing sector by providing business to MOYA BRAND LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP could result in a higher per-unit cost than if widely competed.
Reliance on a single awardee for a critical component requires monitoring of delivery and quality.
The specific nature of the 'inner measuring tubes' might indicate a lack of readily available substitutes, potentially limiting negotiation leverage.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract type protects against cost increases during the performance period.
Simplified Acquisition Procedures can lead to faster contract award and delivery.
The contract has a defined end date, providing clarity on the duration of the requirement.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' sector, a segment of the broader manufacturing industry. This sector produces a wide array of instruments used for measurement, monitoring, and control across various applications, including scientific research and weather observation. The market size for specialized meteorological equipment can vary, but it is often characterized by a smaller number of specialized manufacturers. This contract represents a specific procurement within that niche, supporting the NWS's operational needs.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements. MOYA BRAND LLC's status as a small or large business is not specified in the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal for this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). As a Purchase Order awarded under SAP, it is likely subject to internal agency procurement policies and financial controls. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

National Weather Service Cooperative Observer Program (COOP)
NOAA Meteorological Equipment Procurement
Federal Purchase Orders for Scientific Instruments

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Potential for Price Inflation due to SAP
Reliance on Single Awardee for Critical Component

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $33,490 to MOYA BRAND LLC. RAIN GAUGE INNER MEASURING TUBES FOR THE NWS COOP IN GRANDVIEW, MO.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MOYA BRAND LLC.

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 $33,490.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of MOYA BRAND LLC in fulfilling government contracts, particularly for meteorological equipment?

Information regarding MOYA BRAND LLC's specific track record with government contracts, especially for meteorological equipment, is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough analysis would require searching federal procurement databases (like FPDS-NG) for past awards to this contractor. Key metrics to examine would include on-time delivery rates, contract modifications, past performance reviews, and any history of disputes or terminations. Understanding their experience with similar items and agencies would provide crucial insight into their reliability and capability for this specific rain gauge tube requirement.

How does the $334,900 contract value compare to similar procurements for rain gauge components?

Direct comparison of the $334,900 contract value for 'RAIN GAUGE INNER MEASURING TUBES' is difficult without access to specific, granular pricing data for identical or highly similar items. Procurement databases often list total award amounts rather than detailed unit costs. To benchmark effectively, one would need to identify other contracts for NWS COOP program components or similar meteorological measuring devices, analyze their total values, quantities, and contract types, and then attempt to derive comparable unit costs. The fact that this was competed under SAP suggests it might be below thresholds where extensive public pricing data is readily available.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks include potential delivery delays, quality issues with the measuring tubes, and the possibility of the price being higher due to limited competition. Mitigation strategies are embedded in the contract structure: the fixed-price type protects against cost escalation. The defined performance period (ending September 30, 2026) sets clear expectations. The government's oversight through NOAA and the Department of Commerce is another layer of risk management. However, the limited competition under SAP remains a potential risk factor for achieving optimal value, which is mitigated somewhat by the government's ability to monitor performance and potentially exercise options or re-compete if issues arise.

How effective is the Simplified Acquisition Procedure (SAP) in ensuring value for money for this type of specialized equipment?

The effectiveness of SAP in ensuring value for money for specialized equipment like rain gauge tubes is debatable and context-dependent. SAP is designed for efficiency and speed for procurements under certain dollar thresholds (currently $250,000, though this contract is above that, suggesting it might fall under specific exceptions or older thresholds). While it reduces administrative burden, the limited competition often associated with SAP can lead to less aggressive pricing compared to full and open competition. For highly specialized items where the market is small, SAP might be appropriate if it reaches the relevant vendors. However, for items with broader applicability, it might not yield the best taxpayer value. The receipt of two bids here suggests a niche market where SAP might be a reasonable approach, but it warrants scrutiny.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar NWS COOP equipment procurements?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for similar NWS COOP equipment would involve querying federal procurement data for contracts related to the Cooperative Observer Program and meteorological instruments over several fiscal years. This would reveal trends in contract values, awardees, competition levels, and pricing for components like rain gauges. Understanding if this $334,900 award is consistent with, higher, or lower than previous spending for comparable items would provide essential context for assessing current value. It would also highlight any shifts in the market or agency needs over time.

What are the implications of the contract duration (175 days) on the NWS's operational continuity?

A contract duration of 175 days for the supply of inner measuring tubes suggests a short-term, potentially urgent need or a specific project phase. This duration implies that the NWS likely has existing stock or alternative arrangements to cover periods outside this contract. The key implication is that operational continuity relies on the timely fulfillment of this specific order within the defined timeframe. If MOYA BRAND LLC fails to deliver within these 175 days, it could disrupt the NWS's data collection efforts in the Grandview, MO area, necessitating emergency procurement or impacting data quality until replacements are secured.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1305M226Q0057

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3650 S WALNUT HILL DR, SPRINGFIELD, MO, 65807

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,490

Exercised Options: $33,490

Current Obligation: $33,490

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline