DOI's USGS Awards $30.3M for Industrial Process Instruments, Full Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $30,317 ($30.3K)
Contractor: Kisters North America, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2026-04-02
End Date: 2026-05-01
Contract Duration: 29 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: FY26 REQ# 15798 SPECIAL ORDER # S26033
Place of Performance
Location: ROSEVILLE, PLACER County, CALIFORNIA, 95661
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $30,317.27 to KISTERS NORTH AMERICA, INC. for work described as: FY26 REQ# 15798 SPECIAL ORDER # S26033 Key points: 1. Significant award of $30.3M for specialized instruments. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting market availability. 3. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price, providing cost certainty. 4. Short duration (29 days) may indicate a specific, urgent need.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award value of $30.3M for instruments is substantial. Benchmarking against similar contracts for industrial process variable instruments is difficult without more specific product details, but the firm fixed price suggests a defined scope.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The use of full and open competition indicates that multiple vendors were likely able to bid, promoting price discovery and potentially leading to a more competitive price. The award was a delivery order under a larger contract.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used efficiently through a competitive bidding process, aiming for the best value in acquiring necessary scientific instruments.
Public Impact
Supports critical scientific research and monitoring by the U.S. Geological Survey. Ensures availability of advanced instrumentation for data collection and analysis. Potential for technological advancement in measurement and control systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Short contract duration may limit long-term planning or integration.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing sector, specifically for measuring, displaying, and controlling industrial process variables. Spending in this sector supports various government functions, including scientific research and infrastructure monitoring.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this specific award (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if this is a trend within this procurement category or agency.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made under a delivery order, implying oversight exists within the parent contract. The use of full and open competition suggests adherence to procurement regulations.
Related Government Programs
- Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- U.S. Geological Survey Programs
Risk Flags
- Short contract duration.
- No small business participation identified.
- Limited detail on specific instrument type.
- Potential for vendor lock-in if part of a larger system.
Tags
instruments-and-related-products-manufac, department-of-the-interior, ca, delivery-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $30,317.27 to KISTERS NORTH AMERICA, INC.. FY26 REQ# 15798 SPECIAL ORDER # S26033
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is KISTERS NORTH AMERICA, 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 $30,317.27.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-05-01.
What is the specific type of industrial process variable instrument being procured, and how does its cost compare to similar advanced scientific instruments?
The specific instrument type is not detailed in the provided data, falling under NAICS 334513. To assess value, a comparison with similar advanced scientific instruments used for measuring, displaying, and controlling industrial process variables would be necessary. This would involve researching market prices for comparable equipment, considering factors like precision, features, and manufacturer reputation.
Given the short 29-day duration, what is the urgency or specific need driving this rapid procurement of $30.3M in instruments?
The short duration suggests a time-sensitive requirement, possibly for a specific research project, emergency response, or a critical operational need that must be met quickly. Understanding the underlying urgency is key to assessing if the expedited timeline impacts overall value or introduces unforeseen risks.
How does the USGS ensure the long-term effectiveness and usability of these instruments, especially if they are for specialized scientific applications?
Effectiveness is likely ensured through detailed technical specifications in the solicitation, requiring vendors to meet stringent performance standards. Post-award, the USGS would typically conduct acceptance testing and may have maintenance or calibration protocols. The firm fixed price contract incentivizes the vendor to deliver functional equipment meeting all requirements.
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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1520 EUREKA RD STE 102, ROSEVILLE, CA, 95661
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $30,317
Exercised Options: $30,317
Current Obligation: $30,317
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 140G0121D0018
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-02
Current End Date: 2026-05-01
Potential End Date: 2026-05-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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