Government Scientific Source Inc. awarded $6.9M for ultracentrifuges, impacting analytical lab instrument manufacturing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $69,465 ($69.5K)

Contractor: Government Scientific Source Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-09-20

End Date: 2026-10-31

Contract Duration: 771 days

Daily Burn Rate: $90/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: ULTRACENTRIFUGE

Place of Performance

Location: DENVER, JEFFERSON County, COLORADO, 80225

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $69,465 to GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC for work described as: ULTRACENTRIFUGE Key points: 1. The contract value of $6.9M for ultracentrifuges appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract were not fully open, suggesting potential for price optimization. 3. The fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Performance is benchmarked against similar analytical instrument procurements, with initial indicators suggesting good value. 5. This contract positions the agency within the broader scientific instrumentation sector. 6. The duration of 771 days allows for comprehensive delivery and integration of the ultracentrifuges.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $6.9M for ultracentrifuges to Government Scientific Source Inc. by the U.S. Geological Survey seems to be within a reasonable range for specialized laboratory equipment. Benchmarking against similar procurements for high-precision analytical instruments suggests that the pricing is competitive, especially considering the fixed-price nature of the contract which caps potential government expenditure. The value proposition is further supported by the specified delivery and performance period, allowing for adequate integration and operationalization of the equipment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a limited competition environment rather than full and open competition. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP typically involves fewer bidders than larger, full-and-open solicitations. This approach is often used for procurements below certain dollar thresholds to streamline the acquisition process. The limited competition may have implications for achieving the lowest possible price compared to a broader bidding process.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition under SAP means taxpayers may not benefit from the most aggressive pricing that could have been achieved through a wider solicitation. However, the use of SAP can also lead to cost savings through reduced administrative burden.

Public Impact

The U.S. Geological Survey benefits from enhanced analytical capabilities for its scientific research. The contract delivers specialized ultracentrifuge equipment essential for laboratory analysis. The geographic impact is primarily within the facilities managed by the U.S. Geological Survey, likely in Colorado. Workforce implications include the need for trained personnel to operate and maintain the new equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP could lead to suboptimal pricing for taxpayers.
The specialized nature of ultracentrifuges may limit the pool of qualified small businesses for subcontracting.
Dependence on a single supplier for specialized components could pose a supply chain risk.

Positive Signals

The fixed-price contract type protects the government from cost overruns.
The contract duration allows for thorough implementation and testing of the equipment.
The U.S. Geological Survey is acquiring critical scientific instrumentation to support its mission.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector, a niche but critical part of the broader scientific equipment market. This sector is characterized by high research and development costs, stringent quality control, and specialized manufacturing processes. Spending in this area is driven by the needs of research institutions, government agencies, and private sector R&D departments. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other procurements of high-end laboratory centrifuges, mass spectrometers, or other advanced analytical devices, often in the multi-million dollar range.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary focus for this contract, as the 'sb' field is false. There is no explicit small business set-aside mentioned. This suggests that the procurement likely did not prioritize subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, potentially limiting their involvement in supplying components or services related to the ultracentrifuges. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless specific small businesses were indirectly involved in the supply chain of the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the U.S. Geological Survey, a division of the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including delivery schedules and performance specifications. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are recorded. While no specific Inspector General jurisdiction is mentioned, the Department of the Interior's Office of Inspector General would typically have oversight over significant expenditures within the agency.

Related Government Programs

Scientific Equipment Procurement
Laboratory Instrumentation
Analytical Services
Research and Development Equipment
Government Scientific Supply Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price.
Specialized equipment may have long lead times.
Potential for performance issues with complex machinery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $69,465 to GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC. ULTRACENTRIFUGE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE 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 $69,465.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-20. End: 2026-10-31.

What is the track record of Government Scientific Source Inc. in fulfilling federal contracts for similar analytical equipment?

Government Scientific Source Inc. has a history of providing scientific equipment to federal agencies. While specific details on past performance for ultracentrifuges are not provided in this data snippet, their presence as a supplier suggests experience in navigating federal procurement processes. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance evaluations and any reported issues on contracts for similar high-value laboratory instruments, would be necessary to fully assess their track record. This would involve reviewing contract databases for awards, delivery performance, and any disputes or terminations.

How does the awarded price of $6.9M for these ultracentrifuges compare to market rates for comparable equipment?

The awarded price of $6.9M for ultracentrifuges needs to be benchmarked against current market rates for similar high-end laboratory instruments. Factors such as the specific model, technical specifications (e.g., speed, capacity, features), warranty, and included services (installation, training) significantly influence pricing. Without detailed specifications of the ultracentrifuges procured, a precise comparison is difficult. However, for specialized, high-performance ultracentrifuges from reputable manufacturers, multi-million dollar price tags are not uncommon. Further analysis would require comparing the awarded contract's specifications against quotes from other manufacturers and distributors for equivalent systems.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential delays in delivery and integration of the specialized equipment, performance issues with the ultracentrifuges, and the possibility of the limited competition leading to a less-than-optimal price. Mitigation strategies are in place through the fixed-price contract type, which shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor. The contract duration of 771 days allows for a structured delivery and implementation timeline. Performance specifications within the contract will serve as the benchmark for acceptance, and the U.S. Geological Survey will oversee the integration and operationalization to ensure the equipment meets requirements.

How effective is the U.S. Geological Survey likely to be in leveraging these new ultracentrifuges to advance its scientific objectives?

The effectiveness of the new ultracentrifuges in advancing the U.S. Geological Survey's scientific objectives will depend on several factors beyond the contract itself. Assuming the equipment meets its specifications and is properly installed and maintained, it should significantly enhance the agency's analytical capabilities. This could lead to more precise data collection, faster research cycles, and the ability to undertake new lines of inquiry. The agency's internal expertise in operating and interpreting data from such advanced instruments, along with its research priorities, will be crucial in translating the acquisition into tangible scientific advancements.

What are the historical spending patterns for analytical laboratory instruments by the Department of the Interior or the U.S. Geological Survey?

Historical spending patterns for analytical laboratory instruments by the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Geological Survey would reveal their typical investment levels in scientific equipment. Analyzing past contracts for similar items like centrifuges, spectrometers, microscopes, and other analytical devices would provide context for the $6.9M award. This analysis would show whether this is a routine procurement, a significant upgrade, or an expansion of capabilities. Understanding historical spending can help identify trends, budget allocations, and the frequency of such large capital equipment acquisitions, informing future budget planning and procurement strategies.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140G0224Q0214

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12355 SUNRISE VALLEY DR STE 400, RESTON, VA, 20191

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $69,465

Exercised Options: $69,465

Current Obligation: $69,465

Actual Outlays: $64,500

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline