HHS awards $1.26M for scientific supplies to Harvard Bioscience Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,599 ($12.6K)
Contractor: Harvard Bioscience Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2020-06-22
End Date: 2020-07-22
Contract Duration: 30 days
Daily Burn Rate: $420/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: FOR SCIENTIFIC SUPPLIES
Place of Performance
Location: HOLLISTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01746
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $12,599 to HARVARD BIOSCIENCE INC for work described as: FOR SCIENTIFIC SUPPLIES Key points: 1. Spending on scientific supplies is essential for research and development. 2. Harvard Bioscience Inc. is a key player in the analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing sector. 3. The contract was not competed, raising potential concerns about price discovery. 4. The sector is characterized by specialized equipment and a need for reliable suppliers.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The award amount of $1.26M for a 30-day period for scientific supplies appears high without further context on the specific items procured. Benchmarking against similar contracts for analytical laboratory instruments is difficult without detailed itemization.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not competed under SAP, indicating a limited competition approach. This method may not ensure the best possible price for the government, as alternative suppliers were not solicited.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of full and open competition could lead to taxpayers paying a premium for these scientific supplies.
Public Impact
Supports critical research activities within the National Institutes of Health. Ensures availability of necessary laboratory instruments for scientific endeavors. Potential for increased costs due to limited competition impacts research budgets.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition
- Short contract duration
- Lack of detailed justification for limited competition
Positive Signals
- Supports critical scientific research
- Procurement of specialized scientific supplies
Sector Analysis
The analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing sector is highly specialized, often involving complex equipment. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on the type and quantity of instruments required for research.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business set-asides were considered.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made via a purchase order, which is a common procurement instrument. Oversight would focus on ensuring the supplies met specifications and the price was reasonable given the limited competition.
Related Government Programs
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition may result in inflated prices.
- Lack of transparency in the procurement process.
- Potential for suboptimal value for taxpayer money.
- Short contract duration raises questions about long-term needs.
Tags
analytical-laboratory-instrument-manufac, department-of-health-and-human-services, ma, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $12,599 to HARVARD BIOSCIENCE INC. FOR SCIENTIFIC SUPPLIES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HARVARD BIOSCIENCE INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $12,599.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-06-22. End: 2020-07-22.
What specific scientific supplies were procured under this contract, and why was full and open competition not pursued?
The data indicates the procurement was for 'SCIENTIFIC SUPPLIES' with a NAICS code of 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing). The contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP,' suggesting a limited competition approach. A detailed justification for not pursuing full and open competition would be necessary to understand the rationale, such as urgency, sole-source availability, or specific technical requirements.
What is the justification for the $1.26M award for a 30-day period, and how does it compare to market rates for similar instruments?
The $1.26M award for a 30-day period for scientific supplies is substantial. Without a detailed breakdown of the specific instruments and quantities, it is difficult to benchmark against market rates. The limited competition raises concerns that the price may not reflect the best value achievable through a more competitive process.
What is the long-term impact of relying on limited competition for essential scientific supplies on NIH's research effectiveness?
Consistent reliance on limited competition for essential scientific supplies can lead to higher costs over time, potentially reducing the overall volume or scope of research that can be funded. It may also limit access to innovative solutions or better-priced alternatives from a wider range of suppliers, indirectly impacting research effectiveness.
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: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 84 OCTOBER HILL RD, HOLLISTON, MA, 01746
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $12,599
Exercised Options: $12,599
Current Obligation: $12,599
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-06-22
Current End Date: 2020-07-22
Potential End Date: 2020-07-22 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-01
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