Commerce Department awards $252K for probe station, highlighting analytical instrument needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $251,993 ($252.0K)

Contractor: Semiprobe, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-06-29

Contract Duration: 88 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.9K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 12

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: OU03-FY26-214-NEW COMMERCIAL SEMI-AUTOMATIC PROBE STATION

Place of Performance

Location: GAITHERSBURG, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20899

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $251,993.25 to SEMIPROBE, INC. for work described as: OU03-FY26-214-NEW COMMERCIAL SEMI-AUTOMATIC PROBE STATION Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially efficient procurement process. 3. Risk indicators are low due to a firm fixed-price contract and short duration. 4. Performance context is within the scope of analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing. 5. Sector positioning aligns with scientific research and development support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $251,993.25 for a semi-automatic probe station appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized analytical laboratory equipment. Benchmarking against similar procurements for advanced scientific instruments suggests that pricing is competitive, especially considering the firm fixed-price nature of the award which transfers risk to the contractor. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is known for acquiring high-quality scientific apparatus, and this expenditure aligns with that expectation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a full and open competition for procurements below a certain threshold. With 12 bidders participating, the level of competition was robust, suggesting that multiple vendors were aware of and interested in the requirement. This broad participation is a positive sign for price discovery and ensures that the government is likely to receive competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: The strong competition among 12 bidders indicates that taxpayer dollars were likely used efficiently, as multiple companies vied to offer the best price and value for the probe station.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The service delivered is the provision of a new commercial semi-automatic probe station. The geographic impact is concentrated in Maryland, where NIST facilities are located. Workforce implications include enabling scientists and technicians to conduct advanced material analysis.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for obsolescence if technology advances rapidly.
Dependence on a single supplier for specialized maintenance or parts.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits cost overruns.
Short contract duration minimizes long-term financial commitment.
Competition among 12 bidders suggests a healthy market for this equipment.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector, a niche but critical area supporting scientific research and development across various industries. The market for such specialized equipment is characterized by high technical specifications and a limited number of manufacturers capable of producing them. Spending in this sector is often driven by the need for precision and advanced capabilities in fields like materials science, semiconductor testing, and nanotechnology.

Small Business Impact

While this contract was competed under SAP and had 12 bidders, there is no explicit indication of a small business set-aside. The nature of specialized analytical instruments often favors larger, established manufacturers. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were precluded from bidding or if subcontracting opportunities exist for smaller firms.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a Purchase Order, which is a standard procurement instrument. Oversight is typically managed by the contracting officer and the program office within NIST. Transparency is maintained through federal procurement databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Research Equipment
Analytical Laboratory Instruments
Semiconductor Testing Equipment
Materials Science Research Support

Risk Flags

Potential for specialized equipment obsolescence.
Dependence on contractor for specific technical expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $251,993.25 to SEMIPROBE, INC.. OU03-FY26-214-NEW COMMERCIAL SEMI-AUTOMATIC PROBE STATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SEMIPROBE, 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 $251,993.25.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-06-29.

What is the track record of SEMIPROBE, INC. with federal contracts?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that SEMIPROBE, INC. has received multiple federal contracts, primarily for specialized laboratory equipment. While this specific award is for a significant amount, their history suggests a pattern of supplying scientific instruments to government agencies. Further investigation into past performance reviews, delivery timeliness, and any disputes or contract modifications would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their track record. The current award is a Purchase Order, a common instrument for acquiring goods and services, and its firm fixed-price nature suggests a clear agreement on cost.

How does the value of this contract compare to similar procurements for probe stations?

The value of this contract, approximately $252,000, appears to be in line with procurements for advanced semi-automatic probe stations. These instruments are highly specialized and critical for precise measurements in fields like semiconductor analysis and materials science. Benchmarking against publicly available data for similar equipment suggests that this price reflects the technical sophistication and capabilities offered. Factors such as specific features, automation levels, and included accessories can cause variations, but the overall value seems competitive given the market for such analytical tools.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract are relatively low due to its nature. The contract is firm fixed-price, which shifts the financial risk of cost overruns to the contractor, SEMIPROBE, INC. The duration is short (approximately two months for delivery), minimizing long-term performance risks. Potential risks could include the contractor's ability to deliver the specific technical specifications required by NIST, or the possibility of the equipment becoming obsolete quickly if technological advancements outpace its capabilities. However, the competitive bidding process likely mitigated some of these risks by selecting a vendor capable of meeting the requirements.

How effective is the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in procuring scientific equipment?

NIST has a strong reputation for procuring high-quality scientific equipment essential for its research and standards-setting mission. Their procurement processes are generally robust, aiming for both technical suitability and value for money. This contract, competed under SAP with 12 bidders, exemplifies a process designed to achieve competitive pricing for specialized instruments. NIST's consistent need for advanced analytical tools suggests an effective mechanism for identifying requirements and sourcing appropriate technology, contributing to its role in advancing science and industry.

What are the historical spending patterns for analytical laboratory instruments at NIST?

Historical spending patterns for analytical laboratory instruments at NIST typically show consistent investment in advanced equipment to support its diverse research programs. NIST frequently procures items such as spectrometers, microscopes, testing machines, and, as in this case, probe stations. Spending levels can fluctuate based on specific research initiatives, equipment lifecycle replacements, and budget allocations. The total annual spending on such instruments can run into millions of dollars, reflecting the critical role these tools play in maintaining NIST's scientific leadership and capabilities.

What is the significance of the 'Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing' NAICS code (334516)?

The NAICS code 334516, 'Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing,' signifies the industry sector responsible for designing, developing, and producing scientific and technical instruments used for measurement, analysis, and testing. This includes a wide range of equipment from basic laboratory apparatus to highly sophisticated devices used in research, quality control, and medical diagnostics. Companies within this sector are typically characterized by strong R&D capabilities, precision manufacturing, and adherence to stringent technical standards. Federal spending in this category supports scientific advancement, technological innovation, and critical infrastructure.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC EQPT COMPNTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1333ND26QNB030047

Offers Received: 12

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 276 E ALLEN ST STE 4, WINOOSKI, VT, 05404

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $251,993

Exercised Options: $251,993

Current Obligation: $251,993

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline