Bureau of Land Management awards $121.7K for H2S gas monitoring equipment to Industrial Scientific Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $121,655 ($121.7K)

Contractor: Industrial Scientific Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2023-06-01

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,216 days

Daily Burn Rate: $100/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT'S COLORADO STATE OFFICE'S (BLM-COSO) HAS A REQUIREMENT TO PROCURE FOR THE INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT (I&E) PROGRAM. THE PROCUREMENT WILL CONSIST OF THE PURCHASE OF H2S GAS MONITORING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WITH A

Place of Performance

Location: DENVER, JEFFERSON County, COLORADO, 80225

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $121,655.48 to INDUSTRIAL SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION for work described as: THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT'S COLORADO STATE OFFICE'S (BLM-COSO) HAS A REQUIREMENT TO PROCURE FOR THE INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT (I&E) PROGRAM. THE PROCUREMENT WILL CONSIST OF THE PURCHASE OF H2S GAS MONITORING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WITH A Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential H2S gas monitoring equipment to support the Inspection and Enforcement Program. 2. The procurement was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on smaller value contracts. 3. The contract is a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) type, providing cost certainty for the government. 4. Industrial Scientific Corporation, the awardee, is a known provider in the industrial safety equipment market. 5. The contract duration spans over three years, indicating a sustained need for this equipment. 6. The geographic focus is Colorado, aligning with the Bureau of Land Management's state office operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $121.7K for H2S gas monitoring equipment over three years appears reasonable for specialized safety equipment. Benchmarking against similar procurements for industrial gas detection systems would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, given the specific nature of H2S monitoring for enforcement purposes, the price is likely competitive within its niche.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a less formal bidding process than full and open competition. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP often results in fewer offers compared to larger procurements. This competition level may offer some price discovery but could be less robust than a broader solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competition under SAP aims to balance efficiency for smaller procurements with achieving fair market prices. While not as extensive as full and open competition, it still seeks to avoid sole-source awards and leverage market forces.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Bureau of Land Management's Inspection and Enforcement Program personnel in Colorado. The services delivered include the provision of critical H2S gas monitoring equipment, essential for safety and regulatory compliance. The geographic impact is concentrated in Colorado, where the BLM-COSO operates. Workforce implications include ensuring the safety of field personnel conducting inspections and enforcement activities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to SAP procedures.
Reliance on a single vendor for specialized monitoring equipment could pose supply chain risks if not managed proactively.

Positive Signals

Award to a known supplier in the industrial safety sector.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides budget predictability.
Contract duration aligns with the sustained operational needs of the I&E program.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the industrial safety and monitoring equipment sector. This sector is characterized by specialized manufacturers and suppliers focused on environmental and occupational safety. The market size for such equipment is substantial, driven by regulatory requirements across various industries, including energy and land management. This contract represents a small but critical component of the BLM's operational spending in ensuring compliance and safety.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside criterion for this procurement (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is minimal. However, the prime contractor, Industrial Scientific Corporation, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, though this is not specified in the award details.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Bureau of Land Management's contracting officers and program managers. The Department of the Interior's Office of Inspector General may also conduct audits or investigations related to contract performance and financial integrity. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS.

Related Government Programs

Bureau of Land Management Inspection and Enforcement Program
Industrial Safety Equipment Procurement
Environmental Monitoring Contracts
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) related procurements

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition
Reliance on specialized equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $121,655.48 to INDUSTRIAL SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION. THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT'S COLORADO STATE OFFICE'S (BLM-COSO) HAS A REQUIREMENT TO PROCURE FOR THE INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT (I&E) PROGRAM. THE PROCUREMENT WILL CONSIST OF THE PURCHASE OF H2S GAS MONITORING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WITH A

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INDUSTRIAL SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Land Management).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $121,655.48.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-06-01. End: 2026-09-29.

What is the track record of Industrial Scientific Corporation with the federal government, particularly for similar equipment?

Industrial Scientific Corporation has a history of federal contracts, primarily supplying gas detection and monitoring equipment. While specific details for this exact H2S monitoring equipment are not provided in the summary data, their general presence in the federal market suggests experience. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases would reveal the volume and nature of their past awards, including performance ratings and any past issues. Their specialization in this niche indicates a strong understanding of the product requirements and potential federal agency needs for safety and compliance.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for H2S gas monitoring equipment?

The total contract value of $121,655.48 over approximately 3.1 years (from June 1, 2023, to September 29, 2026) equates to roughly $39,243 per year. This figure needs to be contextualized by the quantity and specific capabilities of the H2S monitoring equipment procured. H2S monitors can range significantly in price based on features like sensor type, data logging, alarm functions, and ruggedness for field use. Without knowing the exact number of units and their specifications, a precise market comparison is difficult. However, for a sustained program requiring reliable H2S detection, this annual expenditure appears within a reasonable range for specialized industrial safety equipment.

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

Key risks include potential equipment malfunction or failure, impacting the BLM's inspection and enforcement capabilities and personnel safety. Supply chain disruptions for replacement parts or sensors could also pose a risk. Mitigation strategies likely involve the contractor's warranty and maintenance provisions, adherence to strict performance specifications, and the BLM's own protocols for equipment testing and calibration. The Firm Fixed Price nature of the contract also mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. Furthermore, the limited competition aspect, while potentially efficient, could slightly increase the risk of suboptimal pricing or less robust service if not carefully managed.

How effective is H2S gas monitoring equipment in supporting the BLM's Inspection and Enforcement Program?

H2S (hydrogen sulfide) is a highly toxic and flammable gas often found in environments related to oil and gas extraction, wastewater treatment, and agricultural operations, all of which can fall under BLM jurisdiction. Effective H2S monitoring equipment is crucial for identifying hazardous atmospheric conditions, protecting the health and safety of BLM personnel conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. The equipment enables timely intervention, preventing potential accidents, exposures, and environmental damage. Its effectiveness is directly tied to the reliability, accuracy, and appropriate deployment of the monitoring devices.

What is the historical spending pattern for H2S gas monitoring equipment by the Bureau of Land Management?

The provided data only details this specific contract award. To understand historical spending patterns, one would need to analyze procurement data for the BLM and potentially other Department of the Interior agencies over several fiscal years. This would involve searching for contracts with similar Product Service Codes (PSCs) or keywords related to H2S monitoring, gas detection, and safety equipment. Analyzing trends in spending, awardees, and contract types would reveal whether this $121.7K award is typical, an increase, or a decrease compared to previous years' investments in similar capabilities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › INSPECTION SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140L1723R0013

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 LIFE WAY, PITTSBURGH, PA, 15205

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: $121,655

Exercised Options: $121,655

Current Obligation: $121,655

Actual Outlays: $95,043

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline