Department of the Interior awards $50K for gas analyzer and anemometer, with delivery expected within a month

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $50,163 ($50.2K)

Contractor: Campbell Scientific Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 29 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.7K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IRGASON GAS ANALYZER AND 3D ANEMOMETER

Place of Performance

Location: LOGAN, CACHE County, UTAH, 84321

State: Utah Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $50,162.86 to CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC INC for work described as: IRGASON GAS ANALYZER AND 3D ANEMOMETER Key points: 1. The contract value of $50,162.86 appears reasonable for specialized scientific instruments. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are unclear due to the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation. 3. The short performance period suggests a focused, potentially urgent need for the equipment. 4. This purchase aligns with the U.S. Geological Survey's mission to monitor environmental conditions. 5. The contractor, Campbell Scientific Inc., is a known provider of environmental monitoring equipment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $50,162.86 for an IRGASON Gas Analyzer and 3D Anemometer seems appropriate given the specialized nature of the equipment. Without specific benchmark data for this exact model or comparable systems, a direct price-to-performance ratio is difficult to establish. However, the value appears to be in line with typical procurements for advanced scientific instrumentation used in environmental monitoring and research.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves competition among a smaller pool of vendors or for smaller dollar amounts. The exact number of bidders is not specified, but this method suggests a less extensive competition than full and open procedures. This could potentially lead to less aggressive pricing compared to a broader competition.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competing under SAP may result in slightly higher costs than a full and open competition, but it also allows for more agile procurement of necessary equipment.

Public Impact

The U.S. Geological Survey benefits from acquiring advanced tools for data collection. This equipment will likely be used for environmental monitoring and research activities. The geographic impact is focused on Utah, where the instruments will be deployed. The acquisition supports scientific workforce capabilities in environmental analysis.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed competition information could mask potential overpricing.
Short delivery order duration might indicate rushed procurement, potentially impacting thoroughness.

Positive Signals

Procurement of specialized scientific equipment supports critical research missions.
The contractor is an established entity in the field of environmental instrumentation.
The fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing sector, specifically for measuring, displaying, and controlling industrial process variables. This is a niche but critical area supporting scientific research and environmental monitoring. Spending in this sector is driven by government agencies' needs for precise data collection tools for climate, geological, and atmospheric studies.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Given the specialized nature of the equipment and the likely vendor pool, it's probable that larger, specialized manufacturers were involved.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the U.S. Geological Survey and the Department of the Interior's internal procurement and financial oversight mechanisms. Transparency is limited by the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation, which often involves less public documentation than larger contract awards. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud or mismanagement.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Monitoring Equipment
Scientific Instruments
Atmospheric Measurement Devices
Geological Survey Equipment

Risk Flags

Limited Competition Indication
Short Performance Period

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $50,162.86 to CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC INC. IRGASON GAS ANALYZER AND 3D ANEMOMETER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Geological Survey).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $50,162.86.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the typical lifespan and maintenance cost associated with the IRGASON Gas Analyzer and 3D Anemometer?

The typical lifespan and maintenance costs for the IRGASON Gas Analyzer and 3D Anemometer are not explicitly detailed in the provided contract data. However, scientific-grade instruments like these are generally designed for durability and long-term use, often spanning several years to over a decade with proper maintenance. Maintenance typically involves periodic calibration, sensor replacement, and software updates. Specific costs would depend on the manufacturer's service agreements, the frequency of use, and environmental operating conditions. Users often budget for annual or biennial servicing and potential component replacements to ensure continued accuracy and reliability of the data collected.

How does the price of this specific IRGASON model compare to other similar gas analyzers and anemometers on the market?

Direct price comparison for this specific IRGASON model against the entire market is challenging without access to a comprehensive database of current pricing for all comparable instruments. However, Campbell Scientific is known for producing high-quality, robust environmental monitoring equipment, which often comes at a premium compared to less specialized or lower-fidelity devices. The $50,162.86 award suggests a significant investment, indicative of advanced features, accuracy, and durability. To benchmark effectively, one would need to compare specifications (e.g., measurement ranges, accuracy, data logging capabilities, environmental ruggedness) and current pricing from other reputable manufacturers like Vaisala, Gill Instruments, or Metek.

What are the specific environmental parameters this IRGASON Gas Analyzer and 3D Anemometer are designed to measure?

The IRGASON Gas Analyzer and 3D Anemometer system is designed to measure a suite of atmospheric and environmental parameters crucial for meteorological and air quality studies. The IRGASON component typically measures key greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), along with water vapor (H2O), using open-path laser spectroscopy. The 3D Anemometer component measures wind speed and direction in three dimensions, providing detailed information about air movement. Together, these instruments enable researchers to quantify gas fluxes, monitor atmospheric composition, and understand atmospheric dynamics, which are vital for climate change research, air pollution studies, and ecological monitoring.

What is the track record of Campbell Scientific Inc. in supplying similar equipment to government agencies?

Campbell Scientific Inc. has a well-established track record of supplying environmental monitoring instrumentation, including gas analyzers and anemometers, to various government agencies, including federal, state, and local entities. They are recognized for their durable and reliable equipment used in diverse applications such as weather stations, air quality monitoring networks, and ecological research sites. Their products are frequently utilized by agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and various university research programs funded by government grants. This consistent engagement suggests a strong understanding of government procurement processes and requirements, as well as a history of delivering functional and accurate scientific instruments.

What are the potential risks associated with using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for this type of equipment?

Using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for equipment like the IRGASON Gas Analyzer and 3D Anemometer carries potential risks, primarily related to competition and price discovery. SAP is designed for efficiency and speed for purchases under the federal micro-purchase and small purchase thresholds. While this contract is above the micro-purchase threshold, it still falls under SAP. The risk is that the limited number of vendors solicited or the less formal solicitation process might not yield the most competitive pricing. This could lead to the government paying more than necessary compared to a full and open competition. Additionally, the reduced documentation typically associated with SAP might make it harder to retrospectively assess the fairness of the price or the thoroughness of the competition. There's also a risk of inadvertently overlooking innovative solutions or better-value offerings from vendors not typically on the agency's radar for SAP procurements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 815 W 1800 N, LOGAN, UT, 84321

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $50,163

Exercised Options: $50,163

Current Obligation: $50,163

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140G0124D0008

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline