EPA awards $823K for ultrapure water systems, with delivery and installation by Government Scientific Source Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $82,366 ($82.4K)

Contractor: Government Scientific Source Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-09-24

Contract Duration: 174 days

Daily Burn Rate: $473/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 20

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: 6640 LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES SINGLE PURCHASE, DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION OF FOUR (4) TYPE I ULTRAPURE WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEMS

Place of Performance

Location: ATHENS, CLARKE County, GEORGIA, 30605

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $82,365.96 to GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC for work described as: 6640 LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES SINGLE PURCHASE, DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION OF FOUR (4) TYPE I ULTRAPURE WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEMS Key points: 1. The contract value of $823,65.96 for four ultrapure water purification systems appears reasonable given the specialized nature of laboratory equipment. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract were favorable, with 20 offers received, suggesting a healthy market for these systems. 3. The fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the agency. 4. Delivery and installation within a 5-month period indicates a manageable project timeline. 5. The contract falls under the Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector, a niche but essential area for scientific research. 6. The award to Government Scientific Source Inc. suggests a competitive selection process among qualified vendors.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award of $823,65.96 for four Type I ultrapure water purification systems, including delivery and installation, suggests a per-unit cost of approximately $205,915. This price point is within a reasonable range for high-purity laboratory water systems, which can be complex and require specialized components. Benchmarking against similar government or commercial procurements for comparable systems would provide a more precise value assessment, but the initial figures do not raise immediate red flags.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a procurement valued below the threshold for full and open competition. The receipt of 20 offers suggests robust interest and a competitive environment for this specific requirement. The high number of bids indicates that multiple vendors were aware of and capable of fulfilling the agency's needs, which generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The strong competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down prices and ensured the EPA received competitive bids for the essential laboratory equipment.

Public Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will benefit from enhanced laboratory capabilities. Four Type I ultrapure water purification systems will be delivered and installed, supporting scientific research and analysis. The geographic impact is focused on the EPA facility where the systems will be installed, likely within Georgia given the 'GA' status code. The acquisition supports scientific personnel by providing them with reliable, high-quality water for experiments.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for long-term maintenance costs not fully detailed in the award notice.
Dependence on a single supplier for specialized equipment could pose future supply chain risks.

Positive Signals

The contract is for a firm fixed price, which caps the government's financial exposure.
The delivery and installation timeline is clearly defined, reducing project uncertainty.
Multiple competitive offers were received, indicating a healthy market and good price discovery.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector, which is a specialized segment of the broader scientific and technical instruments industry. This sector is characterized by high-value, precision equipment essential for research, development, and quality control across various fields, including environmental science. The market for ultrapure water systems is driven by the stringent requirements of laboratories for contaminant-free water, crucial for accurate experimental results. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without detailed system specifications, but government agencies frequently procure such equipment to maintain advanced research capabilities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the 'sb' field is false. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award notice. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses in their supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a Purchase Order, a common instrument for acquiring goods and services. Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Environmental Protection Agency responsible for laboratory operations. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Laboratory Equipment Procurement
Scientific Instrument Acquisition
Environmental Research Support
Ultrapure Water Systems

Risk Flags

Potential for long-term maintenance costs.
Dependence on specific technology/vendor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $82,365.96 to GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC. 6640 LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES SINGLE PURCHASE, DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION OF FOUR (4) TYPE I ULTRAPURE WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEMS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $82,365.96.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-09-24.

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

Government Scientific Source Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts, primarily for scientific and laboratory equipment. A review of federal procurement data would reveal the volume and types of contracts awarded to this vendor by various agencies. Analyzing past performance, including on-time delivery, adherence to specifications, and customer satisfaction, would provide insight into their reliability. While this specific award is for ultrapure water systems, their broader experience in supplying similar scientific apparatus is a key indicator of their capability. Further investigation into past contract awards and any associated performance reviews or disputes would offer a more comprehensive understanding of their track record.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar ultrapure water purification systems?

The awarded price of approximately $205,915 per system (total $823,65.96 for four) for Type I ultrapure water purification systems needs to be benchmarked against current market rates. Factors influencing price include system capacity, purity levels achieved, brand reputation, included features (e.g., remote monitoring, specific filtration stages), and warranty/service packages. Government Scientific Source Inc. likely provided a competitive quote, especially given the 20 offers received. However, a direct comparison with quotes from other major manufacturers for systems with equivalent specifications is necessary for a definitive value assessment. Without specific technical requirements, a precise comparison is challenging, but the price appears within a plausible range for high-end laboratory equipment.

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

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential delays in delivery and installation, equipment malfunction, and the long-term cost of maintenance and consumables. Mitigation strategies are evident in the contract terms: the firm fixed-price structure caps financial risk for the EPA. The defined delivery and installation period (by September 24, 2026) provides a clear timeline. The receipt of 20 competitive offers suggests a robust market, reducing the risk of vendor non-performance or quality issues. However, the EPA should ensure comprehensive warranty terms and consider service contracts to manage post-installation risks and ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the systems.

How effective are ultrapure water systems in supporting the EPA's environmental research and analysis mission?

Ultrapure water systems are critical for the EPA's mission, particularly in environmental research and analysis. Many analytical techniques, such as chromatography (HPLC, GC-MS) and trace metal analysis, require water with extremely low levels of contaminants (ions, organics, particles, microorganisms) to avoid interfering with sensitive measurements. Type I ultrapure water, typically characterized by resistivity of 18.2 MΩ·cm, is essential for these applications. By providing reliable access to such water, these systems directly enhance the accuracy, sensitivity, and reproducibility of EPA's scientific studies, ensuring the integrity of environmental data used for policy-making and regulatory enforcement.

What is the historical spending pattern for laboratory equipment, specifically water purification systems, by the EPA?

Analyzing EPA's historical spending on laboratory equipment, including water purification systems, would provide context for this $823,65.96 award. Data from sources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) could reveal trends in contract values, types of systems procured (e.g., Type I, II, III), and the primary vendors utilized over the past several fiscal years. Understanding whether this procurement represents a routine replacement cycle, an expansion of capacity, or an upgrade to newer technology would be informative. Significant deviations from historical spending levels might warrant further investigation into the drivers behind the change.

What are the implications of the 'Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing' NAICS code for this procurement?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 334516, 'Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing,' signifies that the primary business activity of the awarded contractor, or the nature of the product being procured, falls within this specific manufacturing sector. This classification is important for several reasons: it helps categorize government spending, informs industry analysis, and can be used to identify potential small business set-aside opportunities (though not applicable here). For the EPA, it confirms they are acquiring specialized, high-precision instruments designed for laboratory analysis, rather than general-purpose equipment. This suggests the systems likely meet rigorous technical specifications for purity and performance critical to scientific research.

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: 68HE0426Q0007

Offers Received: 20

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: $82,366

Exercised Options: $82,366

Current Obligation: $82,366

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline