Thermofisher Lumos Fusion Purchase Order for Scientific Instrument

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $101,369 ($101.4K)

Contractor: Government Scientific Source Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2025-09-18

End Date: 2026-12-19

Sector: R&D

Official Description: OU63-25-NEW-063 (APPROVED 5/9/25) ZIPCHIP TI FOR THERMOFISHER LUMOS FUSION LUMOS

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $101,368.62 to GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC for work described as: OU63-25-NEW-063 (APPROVED 5/9/25) ZIPCHIP TI FOR THERMOFISHER LUMOS FUSION LUMOS Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced scientific instrumentation. 2. Competition appears limited, with a single vendor identified. 3. Potential for cost overruns or performance issues exists. 4. Procurement method warrants further scrutiny for value.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount is over $100,000 for a scientific instrument. While the specific value proposition isn't detailed, the cost for advanced equipment can be substantial. Further analysis is needed to confirm if this represents a good use of funds.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This appears to be a sole-source procurement, as only one vendor, GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC, is listed. This limits competitive pricing and negotiation opportunities.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds may not have achieved the best possible price due to the lack of competition.

Public Impact

Enables advanced research capabilities at NIST. Supports scientific discovery and innovation. Potential for improved data accuracy and experimental throughput.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competitive bidding raises concerns about price reasonableness.
Sole-source awards can sometimes indicate a lack of market research or urgency.
Performance risks associated with specialized scientific equipment.

Positive Signals

Acquisition of critical scientific technology.
Supports the mission of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Long-term use expected for research and development.

Sector Analysis

This purchase falls within the scientific and research sector, specifically for advanced analytical instrumentation. Such equipment is crucial for government agencies like NIST to conduct cutting-edge research and maintain scientific standards.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this was not a small business set-aside. The procurement was awarded to a single vendor, suggesting no specific provisions were made for small business participation in this instance.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a Purchase Order, which is a common method for acquiring goods and services. Oversight would typically involve ensuring the equipment meets specifications and is delivered on time and within budget.

Related Government Programs

Scientific Instruments
Thermofisher Lumos Fusion
NIST Procurement

Risk Flags

Sole-source justification
Price reasonableness
Performance risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $101,368.62 to GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC. OU63-25-NEW-063 (APPROVED 5/9/25) ZIPCHIP TI FOR THERMOFISHER LUMOS FUSION LUMOS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Institute of Standards and Technology).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $101,368.62.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-18. End: 2026-12-19.

Analysis insight 1

The specific capabilities of the Lumos Fusion instrument and its necessity for NIST's research objectives require further clarification.

Analysis insight 2

An analysis of the vendor's pricing compared to market rates for similar equipment would be beneficial.

Analysis insight 3

Understanding the justification for a sole-source award is critical for assessing procurement efficiency.