NOAA's $14,000 'Big Eyes' Binocular Cradle Refurbishment Contract Awarded to Eastern Mountain Optics

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,000 ($14.0K)

Contractor: Eastern Mountain Optics, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-06-01

Contract Duration: 52 days

Daily Burn Rate: $269/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: REFURBISHMENT FOR FIVE (5) CRADLES FOR LARGE BINOCULARS (25X), COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS BIG EYES, USED IN NOAA 'S CETACEAN SURVEYS.

Place of Performance

Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92106

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $14,000 to EASTERN MOUNTAIN OPTICS, INC for work described as: REFURBISHMENT FOR FIVE (5) CRADLES FOR LARGE BINOCULARS (25X), COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS BIG EYES, USED IN NOAA 'S CETACEAN SURVEYS. Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the specialized nature of the equipment and limited contract duration. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a sole-source award, potentially limiting price discovery and increasing risk. 3. Risk indicators include the sole-source nature and the short performance period, which may not allow for thorough vetting. 4. Performance context is tied to NOAA's critical cetacean survey operations, highlighting the importance of reliable equipment. 5. Sector positioning is within the niche market of specialized optical instrument manufacturing and maintenance.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $14,000 for refurbishing five specialized binocular cradles is difficult to benchmark without comparable sole-source awards. Given the niche application for NOAA's cetacean surveys, the price may reflect specialized labor and materials. However, the lack of competition prevents a robust assessment of whether this represents optimal value for taxpayer dollars compared to a competitively bid scenario.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, falling under the 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' category. This indicates that a sole-source justification was likely used, meaning only one vendor was solicited. The lack of multiple bidders means there was no competitive pressure to drive down costs or encourage innovative solutions, potentially leading to a higher price than if multiple firms had vied for the contract.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for this refurbishment service, as there was no market test to ensure cost-effectiveness.

Public Impact

Benefits NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service by ensuring the operational readiness of critical equipment for cetacean surveys. Delivers refurbishment services for five specialized binocular cradles, essential for marine mammal observation. Geographic impact is primarily within NOAA's operational areas where these surveys are conducted, likely involving coastal and oceanic regions. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving specialized technicians for optical equipment repair.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition and potentially overlooks more cost-effective solutions.
Short performance period (52 days) may not allow for thorough quality assurance or contingency planning.
Lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpricing for specialized services.

Positive Signals

Addresses a specific, critical need for NOAA's scientific research operations.
Contract is for a relatively small dollar amount, limiting overall financial risk.
Eastern Mountain Optics, Inc. is the selected vendor, implying some level of trust or prior relationship.

Sector Analysis

The market for specialized optical instrument repair and refurbishment is niche. This contract falls within the broader sector of scientific and nautical instrument manufacturing and maintenance. While specific market size data for binocular cradle refurbishment is unavailable, the overall market for scientific instruments is substantial, with government agencies being significant purchasers of specialized equipment and related services.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to Eastern Mountain Optics, Inc. and there is no indication of a small business set-aside. The contract value is relatively low, suggesting it may not generate significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any subcontracting plans were mandated or voluntarily pursued by the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order would typically fall under the Department of Commerce's internal procurement regulations and NOAA's administrative procedures. Given the small dollar value and sole-source nature, formal oversight might be less extensive than for larger, competed contracts. Transparency is limited due to the lack of a competitive bidding process. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud or mismanagement were suspected.

Related Government Programs

NOAA Cetacean Research Program
Nautical Instrument Manufacturing
Scientific Equipment Maintenance Contracts
Specialized Optical Systems

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for overpricing
Limited performance period

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $14,000 to EASTERN MOUNTAIN OPTICS, INC. REFURBISHMENT FOR FIVE (5) CRADLES FOR LARGE BINOCULARS (25X), COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS BIG EYES, USED IN NOAA 'S CETACEAN SURVEYS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EASTERN MOUNTAIN OPTICS, 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 $14,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-06-01.

What is the track record of Eastern Mountain Optics, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly for similar specialized equipment?

Information regarding Eastern Mountain Optics, Inc.'s specific track record with federal contracts, especially for refurbishing specialized optical equipment like binocular cradles, is not detailed in the provided data. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases (e.g., FPDS) would be necessary to ascertain their history, past performance ratings, and any previous awards for similar services. Understanding their experience with government contracts, including any issues or successes, is crucial for assessing the reliability and potential risks associated with this award. Without this historical data, it's difficult to definitively gauge their capability and past performance in fulfilling government requirements.

How does the $14,000 cost for refurbishing five cradles compare to market rates for similar services?

Benchmarking the $14,000 cost for refurbishing five specialized binocular cradles against market rates is challenging due to the niche nature of the equipment and the sole-source award. Standard optical repair services might offer some comparative data, but the 'Big Eyes' (25x magnification) used in NOAA's cetacean surveys likely require specialized knowledge and parts not commonly found. If this were a competitive bid, the market would establish a price. As a sole-source award, the price is set by the contractor and accepted by the agency. Without comparable bids or publicly available pricing for similar specialized refurbishments, it's difficult to definitively state if $14,000 represents a fair market price or if it is inflated due to the lack of competition.

What are the specific risks associated with a sole-source award for critical scientific equipment maintenance?

Sole-source awards for critical scientific equipment maintenance carry several inherent risks. Firstly, the absence of competition means the government cannot be assured it is receiving the best possible price, potentially leading to overspending. Secondly, it limits the opportunity to explore innovative solutions or alternative service providers who might offer superior quality or faster turnaround times. Thirdly, it can create vendor lock-in, making the agency reliant on a single supplier, which can be problematic if that supplier experiences financial difficulties, quality control issues, or decides to significantly increase prices in the future. For NOAA's cetacean surveys, equipment downtime is costly, and a sole-source provider might not be incentivized to maintain the highest service levels.

How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of NOAA's cetacean survey program?

This contract directly contributes to the effectiveness of NOAA's cetacean survey program by ensuring the operational readiness of essential equipment. The 'Big Eyes' binoculars are critical tools for marine mammal observation during these surveys, which provide vital data for conservation efforts, population assessments, and understanding marine ecosystems. By refurbishing the cradles that support these binoculars, NOAA maintains the integrity and functionality of the observation systems. This prevents potential disruptions to survey schedules and ensures the accuracy and reliability of the data collected, which underpins important scientific research and policy decisions related to marine life.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar equipment maintenance or refurbishment by NOAA or other federal agencies?

The provided data does not include historical spending patterns for similar equipment maintenance or refurbishment by NOAA or other federal agencies. To assess this, one would need to analyze past contracts for the maintenance, repair, or refurbishment of specialized optical equipment, particularly binoculars or sighting systems used in scientific or defense applications. Examining trends in contract values, competition levels, and awardees over time would provide context for the current $14,000 award. Without this historical data, it is difficult to determine if this contract represents a typical expenditure or an anomaly.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2425 SHELTER ISLAND DR, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92106

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,000

Exercised Options: $14,000

Current Obligation: $14,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline