HHS awards $11.7M contract to Smithers for 3D printing services using recycled materials

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,712 ($11.7K)

Contractor: Smithers MSE Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-10-05

Contract Duration: 182 days

Daily Burn Rate: $64/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SMITHERS- 3D PRINTS FROM RECYCLED HDPE

Place of Performance

Location: AKRON, SUMMIT County, OHIO, 44303

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $11,711.94 to SMITHERS MSE INC for work described as: SMITHERS- 3D PRINTS FROM RECYCLED HDPE Key points: 1. Contract focuses on innovative use of recycled HDPE for 3D printing applications. 2. Limited competition may impact overall value for money. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type offers cost certainty. 4. Contract duration of 182 days suggests a focused, short-term project. 5. Geographic location in Ohio may indicate regional economic impact. 6. Potential for broader application of recycled materials in federal procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $11.7 million for a 182-day period appears high for testing laboratory services, especially given the 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation. Without more detailed scope of work, it's difficult to benchmark against similar contracts. The firm fixed price offers some cost control, but the lack of competition raises concerns about whether the government secured the best possible price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a sole-source award. This means only one vendor, Smithers MSE Inc., was solicited. The lack of competition limits the government's ability to explore alternative solutions or pricing from multiple providers, potentially leading to higher costs than if it had been openly competed.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may have paid a premium due to the absence of competitive bidding, as Smithers MSE Inc. was the only provider considered.

Public Impact

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the primary beneficiary, receiving specialized 3D printing services. The contract supports the development and testing of 3D printing applications using recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The services delivered could advance sustainable manufacturing practices within the federal government. The contract's impact on the workforce is likely limited to specialized technical roles within Smithers MSE Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition raises concerns about price reasonableness.
Short contract duration may limit long-term strategic impact.
Limited transparency on the specific testing methodologies and outcomes.

Positive Signals

Focus on utilizing recycled materials aligns with sustainability goals.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost predictability.
Potential for innovation in 3D printing technology.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Testing Laboratories and Services' sector, specifically related to advanced manufacturing and materials science. The market for specialized 3D printing services is growing, driven by demand for rapid prototyping and customized production. Federal spending in this area supports technological advancement and the adoption of new materials, with comparable spending varying widely based on project scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not competed under SAP and there is no indication of small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements. Therefore, it is unlikely to have a direct positive impact on the small business ecosystem. The award to a single, presumably larger, entity suggests opportunities for small businesses are not being prioritized in this specific procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

As a purchase order awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the CDC, oversight would typically fall under HHS's internal audit and program management functions. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal 3D Printing Initiatives
Sustainable Materials Research
Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development
Recycled Plastics Research

Risk Flags

Sole-source award may indicate lack of market research or urgency.
High contract value for a short duration warrants scrutiny.
Limited public information on specific deliverables and performance metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $11,711.94 to SMITHERS MSE INC. SMITHERS- 3D PRINTS FROM RECYCLED HDPE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SMITHERS MSE INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11,711.94.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-10-05.

What is the specific scope of work for Smithers MSE Inc. under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'SMITHERS- 3D PRINTS FROM RECYCLED HDPE' and falls under NAICS code 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services). However, the specific details of the 3D printing applications, the types of testing to be performed, and the expected deliverables are not detailed in the summary data. Further information would be needed to understand the precise services rendered and their technical objectives. This could include requirements for material characterization, prototype development, performance testing of printed parts, or process optimization for using recycled HDPE in additive manufacturing.

How does the $11.7 million contract value compare to similar 3D printing or testing services procured by the federal government?

Benchmarking this $11.7 million contract is challenging without a detailed scope of work and comparison points. Federal spending on 3D printing services can range from tens of thousands for simple prototyping to millions for complex R&D projects or large-scale production. Given this is a 182-day purchase order for testing laboratories and services, the value appears substantial. However, if the contract involves extensive material research, development of novel printing processes, or rigorous performance validation of critical components, the cost might be justified. A lack of competitive bidding, as indicated, makes direct price comparison difficult and suggests potential for overpayment if the market could offer similar services at a lower cost.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source award for 3D printing services?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award is the potential for inflated pricing due to the absence of competition. The government may not be receiving the best value for its money, as the awarded contractor faces no pressure to offer competitive rates. Other risks include limited innovation, as alternative solutions or approaches from other vendors are not explored. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in, where the government becomes reliant on a single provider, potentially hindering future flexibility. Furthermore, without competitive proposals, it can be harder to objectively assess the contractor's technical capabilities and past performance against alternatives.

What is the track record of Smithers MSE Inc. in providing 3D printing or related testing services to the federal government?

The provided data does not include specific details on Smithers MSE Inc.'s track record with federal contracts beyond this award. To assess their performance, one would need to examine their history of contract awards, performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS), and any prior experience with similar 3D printing or materials testing projects for government agencies. A thorough review would involve searching federal procurement databases and performance reporting systems to gauge their reliability, quality of work, and adherence to schedules and budgets on previous engagements.

What are the potential long-term implications of using recycled HDPE in federal 3D printing applications?

The long-term implications of using recycled HDPE in federal 3D printing applications could be significant for sustainability and cost savings. If successful, this contract could pave the way for broader adoption of recycled materials in federal procurement, reducing reliance on virgin plastics and diverting waste from landfills. It could also lead to cost reductions in material acquisition over time. Furthermore, it supports the development of a circular economy for plastics and fosters innovation in materials science and additive manufacturing, potentially creating new markets and jobs in the green technology sector.

How does this contract align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) mission and objectives?

This contract aligns with the CDC's mission by potentially supporting research and development related to public health infrastructure, medical device prototyping, or environmental health initiatives where 3D printing and advanced materials could play a role. For instance, 3D printing could be used for creating custom lab equipment, anatomical models for training, or even components for diagnostic tools. The focus on recycled materials also aligns with broader government sustainability goals, which indirectly support environmental health objectives. The specific application would determine the directness of the alignment, but the underlying technological advancement is relevant.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Testing Laboratories and Services

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › LABORATORY TESTING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: THE Smithers Group Inc

Address: 425 W MARKET ST, AKRON, OH, 44303

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,712

Exercised Options: $11,712

Current Obligation: $11,712

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline