DOT awards $33K for XRF analyzer, highlighting a sole-source purchase for specialized equipment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,003 ($33.0K)

Contractor: Spectro Analytical Instruments, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-05-25

Contract Duration: 49 days

Daily Burn Rate: $674/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SPECTRO XSORT XHH04 (AJW-L960-26-003). THIS PROCUREMENT COVERS THE TURNKEY DELIVERY, CALIBRATION, INSTALLATION, AND OPERATOR TRAINING OF ONE (1) SPECTRO XSORT XHH04 HANDHELD X-RAY FLUORESCENCE (XRF) ANALYZER, INCLUDING ALLOY CALIBRATION MODULES WITH

Place of Performance

Location: WILMINGTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01887

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $33,003 to SPECTRO ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC. for work described as: SPECTRO XSORT XHH04 (AJW-L960-26-003). THIS PROCUREMENT COVERS THE TURNKEY DELIVERY, CALIBRATION, INSTALLATION, AND OPERATOR TRAINING OF ONE (1) SPECTRO XSORT XHH04 HANDHELD X-RAY FLUORESCENCE (XRF) ANALYZER, INCLUDING ALLOY CALIBRATION MODULES WITH Key points: 1. The contract value is relatively low, suggesting a focus on a single, specialized piece of equipment rather than a large-scale program. 2. The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny to ensure fair market value was obtained. 3. The short performance period indicates a rapid deployment need for the analyzer. 4. The equipment type (XRF analyzer) suggests applications in material analysis, potentially for safety or quality control within the FAA. 5. The contractor, SPECTRO ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC., is likely a specialized provider in this niche market.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $33,003 for a single XRF analyzer appears reasonable for specialized analytical equipment. However, without competitive bids, it's difficult to definitively benchmark the value against market alternatives. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government. Further analysis would require comparing this specific model's pricing with similar offerings from other manufacturers.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor was solicited. This approach is typically used when a unique product or service is required, or when only one vendor can provide it. The lack of competition means there was no opportunity for price discovery through bidding, potentially leading to a higher price than if multiple vendors had competed.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may have paid a premium due to the absence of competitive pressure. The justification for sole-source procurement should be thoroughly reviewed to ensure it was indeed necessary.

Public Impact

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the direct beneficiary, acquiring a tool for material analysis. The analyzer will be used for tasks such as calibration, installation, and operator training, indicating a need for immediate operational capability. The geographic impact is limited to the location where the analyzer will be deployed by the FAA. Workforce implications include the need for trained operators to utilize the XRF analyzer effectively.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition and potentially increases cost to the government.
Lack of transparency in the procurement process due to sole-source justification.
Dependence on a single vendor for a critical piece of equipment.

Positive Signals

Acquisition of specialized equipment to meet a specific operational need.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Short performance period suggests timely delivery and implementation.

Sector Analysis

The market for X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzers is a specialized segment within the broader analytical instrumentation industry. These devices are crucial for non-destructive elemental analysis across various sectors, including aerospace, manufacturing, environmental monitoring, and security. The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) procurement of such a device aligns with industry trends where precise material identification is critical for safety and quality assurance. Benchmarking this contract would involve comparing the price and features of the SPECTRO XSORT XHH04 against similar handheld XRF analyzers from competitors like Olympus, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Niton (now part of Thermo Fisher).

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides or subcontracting opportunities, as it was awarded sole-source to a specific manufacturer. The focus is on acquiring a specialized product rather than fostering broader small business participation in this particular procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase would primarily fall under the Federal Aviation Administration's internal procurement and financial management controls. As a sole-source award, the justification for this procurement method would be subject to review by FAA contracting officers and potentially higher-level oversight bodies to ensure compliance with federal acquisition regulations. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature, but contract award data is publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Federal Aviation Administration Procurement
Department of Transportation Purchases
Analytical and Scientific Equipment Procurement
Material Analysis Instruments

Risk Flags

Sole-source justification requires careful review.
Potential for higher cost due to lack of competition.
Limited transparency in the procurement process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $33,003 to SPECTRO ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.. SPECTRO XSORT XHH04 (AJW-L960-26-003). THIS PROCUREMENT COVERS THE TURNKEY DELIVERY, CALIBRATION, INSTALLATION, AND OPERATOR TRAINING OF ONE (1) SPECTRO XSORT XHH04 HANDHELD X-RAY FLUORESCENCE (XRF) ANALYZER, INCLUDING ALLOY CALIBRATION MODULES WITH

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SPECTRO ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $33,003.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-05-25.

What is the specific operational need driving the purchase of the SPECTRO XSORT XHH04 analyzer by the FAA?

The specific operational need is for the 'turnkey delivery, calibration, installation, and operator training of one (1) SPECTRO XSORT XHH04 Handheld X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analyzer, including alloy calibration modules'. XRF analyzers are used for non-destructive elemental analysis, which is critical in industries like aerospace for verifying material composition, ensuring quality control, and identifying potential contaminants or counterfeit parts. For the FAA, this could relate to aircraft maintenance, material inspection, or research and development activities where precise material identification is paramount for safety and regulatory compliance. The inclusion of calibration and training indicates a requirement for immediate operational readiness upon delivery.

How does the $33,003 price compare to similar handheld XRF analyzers in the market?

Benchmarking the $33,003 price for the SPECTRO XSORT XHH04 is challenging without direct competitive bids. However, based on general market knowledge, handheld XRF analyzers can range significantly in price depending on their capabilities, brand, and included features. Basic models might start around $15,000-$20,000, while advanced units with specialized software, extensive calibration libraries, and robust construction can easily exceed $30,000-$40,000. The SPECTRO XSORT XHH04, being a specific model with included calibration modules and training, likely falls within the mid-to-high range for such devices. A true value assessment would require comparing its specifications and features against comparable models from other leading manufacturers like Olympus, Thermo Fisher Scientific, or Niton.

What are the risks associated with a sole-source procurement for specialized equipment like this XRF analyzer?

The primary risk of a sole-source procurement is the potential for paying a higher price than would be achieved through competition. Without competing bids, the government lacks leverage to negotiate the best possible price. There's also a risk that the chosen vendor may not offer the most innovative or cost-effective solution available in the market. Furthermore, sole-source awards can sometimes raise concerns about fairness and transparency in the procurement process, potentially leading to scrutiny from oversight bodies or the public if the justification for sole-sourcing is not robust. Dependence on a single supplier for critical equipment can also pose a risk if that supplier faces business challenges or discontinues the product.

What is the typical track record of SPECTRO ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC. in government contracting?

Information regarding SPECTRO ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.'s specific track record in government contracting, particularly with the Department of Transportation or FAA, is not detailed in the provided data. However, as a manufacturer of analytical instruments, their presence in government contracts would likely be related to supplying scientific and testing equipment. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) would be necessary to ascertain the frequency, value, and types of contracts they have historically secured with various government agencies. This would help assess their experience and performance in serving the public sector.

How does this contract fit into the broader spending patterns for analytical instruments within the Department of Transportation?

This $33,003 contract represents a small fraction of the Department of Transportation's (DOT) overall spending. The DOT, encompassing agencies like the FAA, invests significantly in infrastructure, research, and operational equipment. Procurements for analytical instruments, such as XRF analyzers, are typically project-specific or tied to particular research, safety, or quality assurance initiatives. While this single award is minor, it reflects a recurring need within agencies like the FAA for specialized testing and analysis tools. Broader spending patterns would involve analyzing historical data for similar equipment procurements across the DOT to identify trends in volume, value, and types of instruments acquired.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: ALARM, SIGNAL, SECURITY DETECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 6973GH-26-Q-00057

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 50 FORDHAM RD, WILMINGTON, MA, 01887

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,003

Exercised Options: $33,003

Current Obligation: $33,003

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline