Commerce Department awards $8,800 purchase order for CO2 system installation to Allen Scientific Glass Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,800 ($8.8K)

Contractor: Allen Scientific Glass Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2026-11-30

Contract Duration: 237 days

Daily Burn Rate: $37/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ON-SITE INSTALLATION OF CO2 SYSTEN.

Place of Performance

Location: GAITHERSBURG, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20899

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $8,800 to ALLEN SCIENTIFIC GLASS INC for work described as: ON-SITE INSTALLATION OF CO2 SYSTEN. Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the fixed-price nature of the purchase order for specialized equipment installation. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a sole-source award, potentially limiting price discovery and value optimization. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the small contract value and short performance period. 4. Performance context suggests a specific need for on-site installation of a CO2 system. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the broader 'Other Pressed and Blown Glass and Glassware Manufacturing' industry, though the service is installation-focused.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $8,800 for on-site installation of a CO2 system is relatively small. Without comparable contract data for similar installations, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government. The award to a company specializing in scientific glass suggests a potential fit for the technical requirements of the system.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when only one vendor can provide the required goods or services, or in cases of urgent need. The lack of competition means the government did not benefit from potential price reductions or innovative solutions that might arise from a competitive bidding process.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, a sole-source award means there is a higher risk of paying a non-competitive price. Without competitive pressure, the contractor may not have had an incentive to offer the lowest possible price.

Public Impact

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is the direct beneficiary of this service, likely for a research or laboratory environment. The service delivered is the on-site installation of a CO2 system, crucial for specific scientific or environmental control applications. The geographic impact is localized to Maryland, where the installation will take place. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving a small team from Allen Scientific Glass Inc. for the installation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing benefits for taxpayers.
Lack of detailed technical specifications in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the complexity and true cost drivers.
Short performance window could imply urgency, but the reason for sole-source is not detailed.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Award to a specialized vendor (scientific glass) suggests alignment with potential technical needs.
Small contract value limits overall financial risk.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the manufacturing sector, specifically related to glass products, but the service is installation. The market for specialized scientific equipment installation can be niche. Benchmarking spending for similar CO2 system installations is difficult without more specific details on the system's complexity and intended use. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) often procures specialized equipment and services for its research facilities.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does the provided data indicate any subcontracting requirements. As a sole-source award to Allen Scientific Glass Inc., its direct impact on the broader small business ecosystem is limited to the prime contractor's own operations.

Oversight & Accountability

As a purchase order, oversight is typically managed through the contracting officer's representative (COR) at NIST. Accountability is ensured through the firm fixed-price agreement, requiring successful installation as per the terms. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature and the small value, which may not trigger extensive public reporting requirements beyond basic contract award notices.

Related Government Programs

Scientific Equipment Procurement
Laboratory Infrastructure
Environmental Control Systems
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Operations

Risk Flags

Sole-source award requires justification.
Limited competition may impact price.
Lack of detailed technical scope.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $8,800 to ALLEN SCIENTIFIC GLASS INC. ON-SITE INSTALLATION OF CO2 SYSTEN.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALLEN SCIENTIFIC GLASS 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 $8,800.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-11-30.

What is the specific type and complexity of the CO2 system being installed, and how does this influence the cost?

The provided data does not specify the exact type or complexity of the CO2 system. The description 'ON-SITE INSTALLATION OF CO2 SYSTEN' is very general. The cost of $8,800 would depend heavily on factors such as the system's capacity, precision requirements (e.g., for sensitive experiments), integration with existing infrastructure, and any necessary modifications to the facility. A simple gas cylinder setup and connection would be far less costly than a complex, automated, or high-purity system requiring extensive piping, ventilation, and safety interlocks. Without these details, it's difficult to definitively benchmark the value.

Why was this contract awarded on a sole-source basis, and were other vendors considered?

The data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED' and is a 'SOLE SOURCE'. Typically, sole-source justifications are based on factors like unique capabilities of the contractor, urgent and compelling needs where competition is not feasible, or when the item is only available from a single source. For this specific contract, the reason for the sole-source award is not detailed in the provided data. It's possible Allen Scientific Glass Inc. possesses unique expertise in installing this particular type of CO2 system, or perhaps they are the only vendor capable of performing the installation within the required timeframe and location. Further investigation into the contract file would be needed to ascertain the official justification.

What is the track record of Allen Scientific Glass Inc. with federal contracts, particularly for installation services?

The provided data does not include information on Allen Scientific Glass Inc.'s past performance or track record with federal contracts. To assess their reliability and experience, one would need to consult federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS-NG for historical contract awards, performance reviews, and any reported issues. Given this is a sole-source award for a relatively small amount, it might be a first-time engagement or a continuation of a relationship based on specific expertise not readily available elsewhere.

How does the $8,800 cost compare to industry benchmarks for similar CO2 system installations?

Benchmarking the $8,800 cost is challenging without more specific details about the CO2 system and the scope of work. The 'Other Pressed and Blown Glass and Glassware Manufacturing' NAICS code suggests the company's primary industry, but the service is installation. Installation costs can vary widely based on system complexity, site preparation needs, integration requirements, and labor rates. For a basic setup, $8,800 might be reasonable, but for a highly specialized or large-scale system, it could be low. A comparison would require identifying similar NIST projects or other government installations of comparable CO2 systems.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for this type of service?

The primary risk of a sole-source award is the potential for a non-competitive price, meaning the government might pay more than it would in a competitive environment. Other risks include limited innovation, as the contractor may not feel pressure to offer novel solutions, and potential complacency. Furthermore, if the sole-source justification is weak or based on incorrect assumptions about market availability, it could indicate poor planning or execution by the procuring agency. For this specific contract, the small value and short duration mitigate some of the larger financial risks, but the principle of fair pricing remains a concern.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Glass and Glass Product Manufacturing › Other Pressed and Blown Glass and Glassware Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: METAL BARS, SHEETS, SHAPES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3000 AIRPORT DR, ERIE, CO, 80516

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,800

Exercised Options: $8,800

Current Obligation: $8,800

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline