Interior Department awards $15M for water multiprobe instruments, citing sole-source justification

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,999 ($15.0K)

Contractor: Solinst Eureka LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-06-01

Contract Duration: 61 days

Daily Burn Rate: $246/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: WATER MULTIPROBE

Place of Performance

Location: AUSTIN, TRAVIS County, TEXAS, 78728

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $14,999.43 to SOLINST EUREKA LLC for work described as: WATER MULTIPROBE Key points: 1. The contract's value of $14.99M appears high for a purchase order of this duration, warranting scrutiny. 2. Sole-source procurement limits competitive pressure, potentially leading to inflated pricing and reduced innovation. 3. The short performance period (61 days) suggests a need for rapid deployment or a specific, time-sensitive project. 4. The product category, 'Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables,' is broad and may encompass more cost-effective alternatives. 5. The contractor, SOLINST EUREKA LLC, is the sole provider, raising questions about market availability and alternative solutions. 6. The firm fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty but does not inherently guarantee value for money without competitive benchmarking.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The $14.99M award for water multiprobe instruments, with a short 61-day performance period, raises concerns about value for money. Without competitive bidding, it is difficult to benchmark the pricing against market rates or similar contracts. The sole-source nature suggests a lack of alternative suppliers or a specific, urgent need that precluded a broader search. Further analysis would be needed to determine if this price is justified for the delivered instruments and services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed under the simplified acquisition procedures (SAP) and is listed as 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP'. The data indicates a sole-source award, meaning only one vendor, SOLINST EUREKA LLC, was solicited. This approach bypasses the standard competitive process, which typically involves soliciting bids from multiple qualified vendors. The lack of competition limits the government's ability to secure the best possible price and terms.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards mean taxpayers may not be getting the best possible price, as competition is a key driver for cost savings. This procurement method can also limit opportunities for other businesses to compete for government contracts.

Public Impact

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) benefits from this contract by acquiring essential water multiprobe instruments. These instruments are crucial for monitoring water quality and environmental conditions, supporting scientific research and resource management. The geographic impact is likely focused on areas where USGS conducts water resource monitoring, potentially across Texas and other regions. The contract supports the scientific and technical workforce involved in environmental monitoring and data collection.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price discovery and potential cost savings for taxpayers.
Lack of competition may indicate a lack of market research or an over-reliance on a single supplier.
Short performance period could indicate rushed procurement or potential for contract modifications and cost overruns.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
The specific nature of the 'water multiprobe' suggests a specialized need that SOLINST EUREKA LLC may uniquely fulfill.
Awarding to a specific vendor might expedite delivery for a critical, time-sensitive project.

Sector Analysis

The market for scientific instruments, particularly those used for environmental monitoring, is diverse. This contract falls within the 'Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing' sector. While specific market size data for 'water multiprobe' instruments is not readily available, the broader environmental monitoring equipment market is substantial, driven by regulatory requirements and scientific research. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the sole-source nature of this award.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract involved small business set-asides or subcontracting opportunities. The sole-source nature of the award to SOLINST EUREKA LLC suggests that small businesses were likely not considered as primary awardees, potentially limiting their direct participation in this specific procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) within the Department of the Interior. As a purchase order, it is subject to internal agency review and procurement regulations. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source justification. The Inspector General's office for the Department of the Interior may conduct audits or investigations if concerns regarding waste, fraud, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Monitoring Equipment
Water Quality Sensors
Scientific Instruments
Department of the Interior Procurement
U.S. Geological Survey Operations

Risk Flags

Sole-source justification requires rigorous review.
Potential for inflated pricing due to lack of competition.
Limited transparency in the procurement process.
Short performance period may indicate rushed acquisition or potential for scope creep.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $14,999.43 to SOLINST EUREKA LLC. WATER MULTIPROBE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SOLINST EUREKA LLC.

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 $14,999.43.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-06-01.

What is the track record of SOLINST EUREKA LLC in providing similar water multiprobe instruments to the federal government?

Information regarding SOLINST EUREKA LLC's specific track record with the federal government for 'water multiprobe' instruments is not detailed in the provided data. As this is a sole-source award, it implies either a unique capability or a lack of prior federal contracts for this specific item. Further research into federal procurement databases (e.g., FPDS) would be necessary to ascertain their history, past performance, and any potential issues or successes in delivering similar equipment to government agencies. Without this context, it's difficult to assess their reliability and experience beyond the immediate award.

How does the $14.99M price compare to market rates for similar water multiprobe instruments?

Direct comparison of the $14.99M price to market rates is challenging due to the sole-source nature of this award and the lack of specific product details. Typically, competitive bidding allows for price discovery and benchmarking against multiple offers. Without competitive data, it is difficult to ascertain if this price represents fair market value. Industry benchmarks for advanced water quality monitoring systems can vary significantly based on features, accuracy, and brand. A thorough market analysis, including quotes from other potential suppliers (even if not formally solicited), would be required to validate the pricing.

What are the specific risks associated with a sole-source procurement for critical scientific instruments?

Sole-source procurements carry inherent risks, primarily related to cost and availability. Without competition, the government may pay a premium, as the vendor faces no pressure to offer the lowest price. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in, where the government becomes dependent on a single supplier, potentially limiting future options or negotiating power. Furthermore, the lack of competitive evaluation means potential quality or performance issues might be overlooked. For critical scientific instruments, this could impact the reliability of data collection and research outcomes.

What is the expected effectiveness of these water multiprobe instruments in supporting the USGS's mission?

Water multiprobe instruments are essential tools for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in fulfilling its mission to monitor the health of the nation's water resources. These devices typically measure multiple parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and specific ion concentrations. The data collected is vital for understanding water quality trends, identifying pollution sources, assessing ecological health, and informing water management decisions. The effectiveness of these specific instruments will depend on their technical specifications, accuracy, reliability, and suitability for the intended deployment environments, which are not detailed in the provided data.

What is the historical spending pattern for water multiprobe instruments by the Department of the Interior?

Historical spending data for 'water multiprobe' instruments by the Department of the Interior (DOI) is not provided. Analyzing past procurement trends, including the number of awards, average contract values, and whether procurements were competed or sole-sourced, would offer valuable context. Significant increases in spending or a shift towards sole-source awards could indicate changes in program needs, market dynamics, or procurement strategies. Without this historical perspective, it is difficult to assess whether this $14.99M award is an anomaly or part of a larger, established spending pattern for such equipment within the DOI.

What is the justification provided for the sole-source award, and does it meet federal procurement regulations?

The provided data states the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' and implies a sole-source award. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 6 outlines conditions under which full and open competition is not required, such as when only one responsible source is available or when the agency is authorized by statute. The specific justification for this sole-source award is not detailed here. Agencies must document the rationale thoroughly, demonstrating why competition is not feasible or not in the government's best interest. A review of the agency's justification documentation would be necessary to confirm compliance with FAR 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: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: TE Connectivity Ltd.

Address: 2113 WELLS BRANCH PKWY STE 4400, AUSTIN, TX, 78728

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,999

Exercised Options: $14,999

Current Obligation: $14,999

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline