FAA awards $55K for 6 Keysight power meter bundles under existing contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $55,133 ($55.1K)

Contractor: Keysight Technologies Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 90 days

Daily Burn Rate: $613/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: PROCURE SIX (6) KEYSIGHT E4416A-E23 POWER METER BUNDLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONTRACT ATTACHMENT J-1 OPTIONAL PERIOD 4 PRICING STRUCTURE.

Place of Performance

Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, EL PASO County, COLORADO, 80907

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $55,132.74 to KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES INC for work described as: PROCURE SIX (6) KEYSIGHT E4416A-E23 POWER METER BUNDLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONTRACT ATTACHMENT J-1 OPTIONAL PERIOD 4 PRICING STRUCTURE. Key points: 1. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is procuring 6 Keysight E4415A-E23 power meter bundles. 2. The contract was not competed, raising potential concerns about price discovery. 3. The total award is $55,132.74 for a 90-day delivery period. 4. The procurement falls under the Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The price of $55,132.74 for 6 bundles appears high without a competitive benchmark. The listed benchmark of $613 per unit suggests a significant markup.

Cost Per Unit: $9,188.79

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This procurement was not competed, indicating a sole-source or limited competition award. This lack of competition may have led to a higher price than could be achieved through a competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for this purchase, and the lack of competition raises questions about whether the best possible price was obtained.

Public Impact

Essential equipment for electrical testing and measurement will be acquired by the FAA. The procurement ensures operational readiness for specific FAA functions. Lack of competition could mean higher costs for taxpayers. The specific use of these power meters is critical for aviation safety and maintenance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpricing due to sole-source award

Positive Signals

Procurement of essential testing equipment
Clear delivery timeline

Sector Analysis

This procurement falls within the 'Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals' sector. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining infrastructure and ensuring accurate scientific and industrial measurements. Benchmarks for similar specialized equipment can vary widely based on technical specifications and volume.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific procurement. The award went to Keysight Technologies Inc., a large corporation, suggesting this was not an opportunity for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made as a delivery order under an existing contract, suggesting some level of prior oversight. However, the lack of competition for this specific order warrants further scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and value for taxpayer money.

Related Government Programs

Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
High per-unit cost compared to benchmark
Potential for inflated pricing
Sole-source award justification unclear

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $55,132.74 to KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES INC. PROCURE SIX (6) KEYSIGHT E4416A-E23 POWER METER BUNDLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONTRACT ATTACHMENT J-1 OPTIONAL PERIOD 4 PRICING STRUCTURE.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $55,132.74.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the justification for not competing this requirement, given the potential for significant cost savings?

The justification for not competing this requirement is not provided in the data. Typically, sole-source awards are made when only one vendor can meet the specific technical requirements, or in cases of urgent need. Without further information, it's difficult to assess if these conditions were met, and the potential cost savings from competition are lost.

How does the awarded price compare to the benchmark of $613 per unit, and what is the variance?

The awarded price is $55,132.74 for 6 bundles, equating to approximately $9,188.79 per bundle. This is significantly higher than the provided benchmark of $613 per unit. The variance is substantial, suggesting either the benchmark is not directly comparable, or the awarded price is considerably inflated due to the lack of competition.

What is the specific technical capability of these Keysight E4416A-E23 power meter bundles, and why are they essential for the FAA?

The Keysight E4416A-E23 power meter bundles are specialized instruments used for measuring electrical power. Their essentiality to the FAA likely stems from their role in calibrating, testing, and maintaining aviation electronics, communication systems, and navigation equipment. Ensuring the accuracy of these measurements is critical for flight safety and operational integrity.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Keysight Technologies, Inc.

Address: 1900 GARDEN OF THE GODS RD, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, 80907

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: $55,133

Exercised Options: $55,133

Current Obligation: $55,133

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693KA822D00010

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline