EPA awards $664K for advanced mass spectrometer system to Government Scientific Source Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $664,138 ($664.1K)

Contractor: Government Scientific Source Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2025-01-10

End Date: 2027-01-09

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $911/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CAPITAL EQUIPMENT - VOCUS 2R CHEMICAL IONIZATION - TIME OF FLIGHT MASS SPECTROMETER (CI-TOF MS) SYSTEM.

Place of Performance

Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27711

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $664,138.09 to GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC for work described as: CAPITAL EQUIPMENT - VOCUS 2R CHEMICAL IONIZATION - TIME OF FLIGHT MASS SPECTROMETER (CI-TOF MS) SYSTEM. Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for a specialized analytical laboratory instrument, indicating a need for advanced scientific equipment. 3. The duration of the contract is 729 days, suggesting a medium-term need for the equipment and associated services. 4. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictability for the agency. 5. The awardee, Government Scientific Source Inc., is a supplier of scientific equipment, implying relevant market expertise.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $664,138.09 for a CI-TOF MS system appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. Without specific benchmark data for this exact model or comparable systems from other vendors, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the fixed-price contract type suggests an effort to establish a clear cost ceiling. Further analysis would involve comparing pricing with similar systems procured by other federal agencies or research institutions.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The number of bidders is not specified, but this procurement method generally fosters price discovery and encourages competitive pricing. The agency likely sought the best value by allowing a broad range of potential suppliers to participate.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider selection of qualified vendors, potentially resulting in cost savings.

Public Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will benefit from this contract by acquiring advanced analytical capabilities. The contract will deliver a CAPITAL EQUIPMENT - VOCUS 2R CHEMICAL IONIZATION - TIME OF FLIGHT MASS SPECTROMETER (CI-TOF MS) SYSTEM. The geographic impact is likely focused on EPA laboratories in North Carolina, where the delivery is specified. This acquisition supports the EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment through scientific analysis.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for high maintenance costs associated with specialized scientific equipment.
Dependence on a single supplier for critical components or specialized servicing could arise.
The rapid advancement of technology in analytical instruments may lead to obsolescence concerns.

Positive Signals

Acquisition of state-of-the-art technology enhances scientific research and regulatory enforcement capabilities.
The fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the agency.
Full and open competition suggests a robust market and potential for competitive pricing.

Sector Analysis

The market for analytical laboratory instruments, particularly advanced mass spectrometry systems, is a specialized segment within the broader scientific equipment industry. This sector is characterized by high research and development costs, stringent quality control, and a demand for precision and reliability. The Environmental Protection Agency's procurement of a CI-TOF MS system aligns with the growing need for sophisticated analytical tools in environmental monitoring, research, and regulatory compliance across various government agencies and private sector industries.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is unlikely. However, the prime contractor, Government Scientific Source Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors, depending on their own supply chain and subcontracting plans. Further investigation into the prime contractor's subcontracting history would be needed to assess the broader impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded within the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of the specified equipment by the agreed-upon date. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, allowing for scrutiny of the procurement process and awardee. The EPA's Office of Inspector General may conduct audits or investigations if concerns regarding waste, fraud, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Monitoring Equipment Procurement
Scientific Instrumentation for Research
Laboratory Analysis Services
EPA Capital Equipment Purchases

Risk Flags

Potential for high operational and maintenance costs
Risk of technological obsolescence
Dependence on single supplier for specialized support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $664,138.09 to GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SOURCE INC. CAPITAL EQUIPMENT - VOCUS 2R CHEMICAL IONIZATION - TIME OF FLIGHT MASS SPECTROMETER (CI-TOF MS) SYSTEM.

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 $664,138.09.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-01-10. End: 2027-01-09.

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

Government Scientific Source Inc. has a history of providing scientific equipment to federal agencies. While specific details on past performance for CI-TOF MS systems are not immediately available in this summary, their designation as a supplier suggests experience in this market. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance evaluations and any reported issues on federal procurement databases, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and capability in delivering complex scientific instrumentation. Examining awards for similar high-value, specialized equipment would be particularly relevant.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar CI-TOF MS systems?

The awarded price of $664,138.09 for the VOCUS 2R CI-TOF MS system requires comparison with market data for similar instruments. Without access to a comprehensive database of recent sales or quotes for comparable systems from different manufacturers (e.g., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Agilent, Shimadzu), a precise benchmark is difficult. Factors such as system configuration, included software, warranty, and service agreements significantly influence pricing. It is recommended to consult industry reports, competitor pricing, or conduct a market research analysis to ascertain if this price represents good value for money relative to available alternatives and their features.

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

Key risks include potential technical obsolescence of the mass spectrometer given the rapid pace of technological advancement in analytical instrumentation. Another risk could be the availability and cost of specialized maintenance and consumables, potentially leading to higher-than-anticipated operational expenses. Furthermore, reliance on a single supplier for critical parts or service could create vulnerabilities. Mitigation strategies likely include robust warranty terms negotiated within the contract, clear service level agreements, and potentially establishing relationships with multiple service providers if feasible. The EPA's procurement process should have also assessed the contractor's technical capabilities and financial stability.

How effective is this type of analytical equipment in supporting the EPA's mission?

Time-of-flight mass spectrometers (TOF MS), particularly those with chemical ionization capabilities, are highly effective tools for identifying and quantifying a wide range of chemical compounds with high sensitivity and resolution. This technology is crucial for the EPA's mission, enabling precise analysis of environmental samples (air, water, soil) for pollutants, contaminants, and other substances of concern. The VOCUS 2R CI-TOF MS system will likely enhance the EPA's ability to conduct research, monitor environmental quality, enforce regulations, and respond to environmental emergencies, thereby directly supporting its mandate to protect human health and the environment.

What are the historical spending patterns for analytical laboratory instruments by the EPA?

Historical spending data for analytical laboratory instruments by the EPA would reveal trends in the types of equipment procured, average contract values, and the frequency of such acquisitions. Analyzing past contracts for mass spectrometers, chromatography systems, and other analytical tools would provide context for the current $664,138.09 award. This could indicate whether the EPA is increasing, decreasing, or maintaining its investment in advanced analytical capabilities. Understanding historical spending also helps in benchmarking current procurements against previous ones and identifying any significant shifts in procurement strategy or technology adoption.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: RFQ1726342

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, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $675,464

Exercised Options: $664,138

Current Obligation: $664,138

Actual Outlays: $652,813

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F5934R

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline