HHS awards $3.5M for analytical instruments to support cancer research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $35,392 ($35.4K)
Contractor: Cytek Biosciences, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 2026-08-15
End Date: 2027-08-14
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $97/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS), THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH), NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE (NCI), CENTER FOR CANCER RESEARCH (CCR), LYMPHOID MALIGNANCIES BRANCH (LYMB) FOCUSES ON TO ELUCIDATE THE MECHANISMS BY WHICH LYMPHOM
Place of Performance
Location: FREMONT, ALAMEDA County, CALIFORNIA, 94538
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Health and Human Services obligated $35,392 to CYTEK BIOSCIENCES, INC. for work described as: THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS), THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH), NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE (NCI), CENTER FOR CANCER RESEARCH (CCR), LYMPHOID MALIGNANCIES BRANCH (LYMB) FOCUSES ON TO ELUCIDATE THE MECHANISMS BY WHICH LYMPHOM Key points: 1. Spending supports critical cancer research at NIH's National Cancer Institute. 2. Sole supplier identified, raising potential competition concerns. 3. Contract value is moderate for specialized laboratory equipment. 4. Focus on lymphoid malignancies branch indicates targeted research area.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $3.5M for analytical laboratory instruments appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment and the research focus. Benchmarking against similar, highly specialized instruments is difficult without more detailed specifications.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating a lack of competition. This method may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs than if multiple vendors had competed.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a critical research area, but the lack of competition warrants scrutiny to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Advancement of cancer research, specifically lymphoid malignancies. Potential for new discoveries and treatments stemming from NCI's work. Investment in cutting-edge laboratory technology for scientific endeavors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 97 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Potential for price inflation due to lack of bidding.
- Contract duration of 364 days is standard but could be extended.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical National Cancer Institute research.
- Procurement of specialized analytical instruments.
- Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This spending falls within the 'Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing' sector, which is crucial for scientific research and development across various government agencies. Benchmarks for similar specialized instruments can vary widely based on technical specifications and research application.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. There is no information provided on whether small businesses were considered or subcontracted.
Oversight & Accountability
The award is a purchase order from the Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Oversight would typically involve contract management by NIH officials to ensure delivery and adherence to terms.
Related Government Programs
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
- National Institutes of Health Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of documented competition
- Potential for overpricing
- Limited small business participation
Tags
analytical-laboratory-instrument-manufac, department-of-health-and-human-services, ca, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Health and Human Services awarded $35,392 to CYTEK BIOSCIENCES, INC.. THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS), THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH), NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE (NCI), CENTER FOR CANCER RESEARCH (CCR), LYMPHOID MALIGNANCIES BRANCH (LYMB) FOCUSES ON TO ELUCIDATE THE MECHANISMS BY WHICH LYMPHOM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CYTEK BIOSCIENCES, 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 $35,392.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-08-15. End: 2027-08-14.
What is the specific justification for the sole-source award, and were alternative solutions explored?
The justification for a sole-source award needs to be thoroughly documented by the agency. It typically involves demonstrating that only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services. Exploring alternative solutions, even if ultimately deemed unsuitable, is a key part of ensuring fair and open competition principles are considered.
How does the unit cost of these analytical instruments compare to similar instruments used in other federal agencies or research institutions?
A direct comparison of unit cost is challenging without specific model numbers and configurations. However, a review of publicly available contract data for similar analytical instruments across federal agencies and academic institutions could provide a benchmark. If this instrument is significantly more expensive, further investigation into its unique capabilities or the sole-source justification would be warranted.
What is the long-term impact of relying on sole-source procurement for critical research equipment?
Long-term reliance on sole-source procurement can stifle innovation and lead to escalating costs as competition is absent. It may also create vendor lock-in, making it difficult to switch to potentially better or more cost-effective technologies in the future. Agencies should periodically reassess the market to identify opportunities for competitive procurement.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: 75N98026Q00134
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 47215 LAKEVIEW BLVD, FREMONT, CA, 94538
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $35,392
Exercised Options: $35,392
Current Obligation: $35,392
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-08-15
Current End Date: 2027-08-14
Potential End Date: 2027-08-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
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