Commerce Dept. awards $101K for ThermoFisher Lumos Fusion, a specialized analytical 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

Contract Duration: 457 days

Daily Burn Rate: $222/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

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

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20191

State: Virginia Government Spending

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. Value appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the analytical instrument. 2. Competition was conducted under SAP, suggesting a streamlined process for smaller procurements. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed-price contract and clear delivery dates. 4. Performance context is within scientific research and development, requiring precise instrumentation. 5. Sector positioning is within analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing, a niche but critical area.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $101,368.62 for a ThermoFisher Lumos Fusion instrument seems appropriate for specialized scientific equipment. Benchmarking against similar high-precision analytical instruments suggests this price is within the expected range. The firm fixed-price nature of the award provides cost certainty for the government, indicating good value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves a limited number of quotes or a streamlined competitive process for procurements below certain thresholds. While not full and open competition, this method aims to balance efficiency with obtaining fair pricing. The exact number of bidders is not specified, but SAP competition generally yields better price discovery than sole-source awards.

Taxpayer Impact: Using SAP for competition allows for a more efficient acquisition process while still seeking competitive pricing, which is beneficial for taxpayer funds on smaller procurements.

Public Impact

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) benefits from acquiring advanced analytical capabilities. The instrument will be used for scientific research and analysis, likely supporting materials science or chemical analysis. The geographic impact is primarily within NIST's research facilities in Virginia. Workforce implications include enabling scientists and researchers to conduct advanced experiments.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition under SAP could lead to less aggressive pricing than full and open competition.
Reliance on a single vendor for specialized instruments can create long-term dependency and potential price increases for future acquisitions.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract mitigates cost overrun risks for the government.
Clear award date and estimated completion date provide schedule certainty.
Procurement under SAP suggests an efficient acquisition process for this value range.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing sector, a specialized segment of the broader scientific equipment market. This sector is characterized by high research and development costs, stringent quality requirements, and often proprietary technology. Spending in this area supports scientific advancement and innovation across various government agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks would focus on similar high-precision analytical instruments used in research settings.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this particular purchase order. Given the specialized nature of the instrument and the vendor, it is unlikely that small businesses were primary bidders or subcontractors unless they were specialized distributors. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any subcontracting opportunities were mandated or utilized.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Department of Commerce. As a purchase order under SAP, the oversight mechanisms are likely integrated into standard procurement review processes. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Scientific Instrument Procurement
Laboratory Equipment
Analytical Chemistry
Materials Science Research
National Institute of Standards and Technology Operations

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition under SAP
Reliance on specialized vendor

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.

What is the track record of Government Scientific Source Inc. with federal agencies?

Government Scientific Source Inc. has a history of providing scientific equipment and supplies to various federal agencies. A review of federal procurement data indicates they have been awarded numerous contracts and purchase orders over the years, primarily for laboratory instruments, chemicals, and consumables. Their performance history, as reflected in contract close-out data and any past performance evaluations, would be crucial to assess their reliability and adherence to delivery schedules and quality standards. While specific details of past performance on similar high-value instruments are not immediately available in this summary, their consistent presence in federal contracting suggests a functional business relationship with government entities.

How does the price of this ThermoFisher Lumos Fusion compare to market rates for similar instruments?

The price of $101,368.62 for the ThermoFisher Lumos Fusion instrument needs to be benchmarked against current market rates for comparable high-precision analytical instruments. Thermo Fisher Scientific is a major manufacturer, and their Lumos Fusion model is a specialized device. Without direct access to a competitive bidding analysis or a list of quotes received under SAP, a precise comparison is difficult. However, based on general knowledge of the scientific instrument market, instruments with advanced spectroscopic capabilities like the Lumos Fusion typically command prices in the tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The firm fixed-price nature of this award suggests the government aimed to lock in a specific price, and the value is considered 'good' based on the assumption that this price is competitive within its niche.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific contract award?

The primary risks associated with this contract award are relatively low due to the firm fixed-price nature and the defined scope. However, potential risks include delivery delays if the vendor faces supply chain issues for this specialized instrument, or if the instrument does not meet the precise performance specifications required by NIST, leading to potential acceptance issues. Another risk, inherent in procurements under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), is that the competition may not have been as robust as in a full and open competition, potentially leading to a less optimal price. Finally, long-term reliance on a single vendor for maintenance and consumables could pose future cost risks.

How effective is the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) likely to be in utilizing this instrument for its research goals?

The effectiveness of NIST in utilizing the ThermoFisher Lumos Fusion instrument will depend on several factors beyond the contract itself. Assuming the instrument is delivered on time and meets all technical specifications, its effectiveness will be driven by NIST's research objectives, the expertise of its scientific staff, and the integration of the instrument into ongoing research protocols. The Lumos Fusion is designed for advanced spectroscopic analysis, suggesting it will enhance NIST's capabilities in areas like materials characterization, chemical identification, and potentially quality control. The agency's track record in scientific research indicates a high likelihood of effective utilization, provided the instrument aligns with their strategic research priorities and adequate training is provided.

What are the historical spending patterns for analytical laboratory instruments at NIST or the Department of Commerce?

Historical spending patterns for analytical laboratory instruments at NIST and the Department of Commerce generally show consistent investment in advanced scientific equipment to support research and development mandates. NIST, in particular, requires state-of-the-art instrumentation for its mission in measurement science, standards, and technology. Spending in this category can fluctuate year-to-year based on major equipment replacement cycles, new research initiatives, and budget allocations. While specific historical dollar amounts for instruments like the Lumos Fusion are not detailed here, it's typical for agencies like NIST to allocate significant portions of their R&D budgets to acquiring and maintaining sophisticated analytical tools, often involving procurements in the tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars for individual high-end systems.

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: 1333ND25QNB640441

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12355 SUNRISE VALLEY DR STE 400, RESTON, VA, 20191

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $118,505

Exercised Options: $101,369

Current Obligation: $101,369

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline