DOE awards $110K for Leica microscope system, highlighting advanced optical instrument needs
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $110,491 ($110.5K)
Contractor: Leica Microsystems Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2025-08-20
End Date: 2026-01-15
Contract Duration: 148 days
Daily Burn Rate: $747/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: LEICA DMI8A MICROSCOPE SYSTEM
Place of Performance
Location: DEERFIELD, LAKE County, ILLINOIS, 60015
State: Illinois Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $110,490.74 to LEICA MICROSYSTEMS INC. for work described as: LEICA DMI8A MICROSCOPE SYSTEM Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable for a specialized microscope system. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for this type of equipment. 3. The fixed-price contract structure mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. This purchase supports advanced research capabilities within the Department of Energy. 5. The short duration indicates a specific, immediate need for the equipment. 6. The contract falls within the optical instrument manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $110,490.74 for a Leica DMI8A microscope system seems appropriate given the specialized nature and high-end capabilities of such equipment. Benchmarking against similar advanced microscopy systems suggests this price is competitive. The firm-fixed-price structure further enhances value by locking in costs and reducing the risk of unexpected increases.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This process is expected to yield competitive pricing and ensure the government receives the best value. The presence of multiple bidders suggests a robust market for advanced microscopy solutions.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down prices through market forces, ensuring federal funds are used efficiently for critical scientific equipment.
Public Impact
Researchers within the Department of Energy will benefit from access to advanced imaging capabilities. The microscope system will be used for scientific research and analysis. The geographic impact is localized to the facility where the microscope will be deployed in Illinois. The acquisition supports the scientific workforce by providing state-of-the-art tools.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive marketplace.
- Firm-fixed-price contract type helps control costs.
- The equipment is for a critical research function within the Department of Energy.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the optical instrument and lens manufacturing sector (NAICS 333314). This sector includes the production of scientific and engineering instruments, optical instruments, and photographic and optical goods. The market for advanced microscopy systems is specialized, with a few key global players like Leica Microsystems dominating. Spending in this area is often driven by research and development needs in scientific institutions and government agencies.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that this contract involved small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. The nature of the specialized equipment suggests it was likely procured directly from the manufacturer or a primary distributor, which may not always involve significant small business participation unless they are specialized resellers.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. The firm-fixed-price nature of the award provides a degree of financial oversight by capping the government's liability. The Department of Energy's internal procurement regulations and potentially the Inspector General's office would oversee the proper execution and use of funds for this contract.
Related Government Programs
- Scientific Equipment Procurement
- Research and Development Support
- Advanced Imaging Systems
Risk Flags
- Potential for technological obsolescence
- Reliance on specialized maintenance and training
Tags
research-and-development, department-of-energy, optical-instrument-manufacturing, microscope, scientific-equipment, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, illinois, delivery-order, leica-microsystems
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $110,490.74 to LEICA MICROSYSTEMS INC.. LEICA DMI8A MICROSCOPE SYSTEM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LEICA MICROSYSTEMS INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $110,490.74.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-08-20. End: 2026-01-15.
What is the typical lifespan and maintenance cost associated with a Leica DMI8A microscope system?
The typical lifespan of a high-end research microscope like the Leica DMI8A can range from 10 to 15 years or more, depending on usage intensity, maintenance, and technological obsolescence. Maintenance costs can vary significantly but often include annual service contracts, replacement of consumables (like bulbs, filters), and potential repairs. Service contracts for such advanced systems can range from 5% to 15% of the initial purchase price annually. Specific figures for the DMI8A would require consulting Leica's service documentation or obtaining quotes for service plans, which are not detailed in the provided contract data.
How does the awarded price compare to other federal procurements of similar advanced microscopy systems?
The awarded price of $110,490.74 for the Leica DMI8A microscope system appears to be within a reasonable range for advanced laboratory microscopy equipment. Similar systems from competitors like Zeiss or Olympus, offering comparable high-resolution imaging, confocal capabilities, or automation features, often fall within a similar price bracket, typically ranging from $75,000 to $200,000 or more, depending on specific configurations and accessories. The 'full and open competition' aspect suggests that this price was vetted against market alternatives, reinforcing its competitive nature.
What specific research applications is the Leica DMI8A microscope system typically used for within federal agencies?
The Leica DMI8A is a versatile inverted research microscope commonly employed for advanced biological and materials science research. Within federal agencies like the Department of Energy, it could be utilized for applications such as cell biology studies (imaging live cells, subcellular structures), neuroscience research (analyzing neural tissues), drug discovery (high-throughput screening), and materials science (examining material structures at a microscopic level). Its modular design allows for customization with various objectives, cameras, and illumination sources to suit diverse research protocols.
What are the potential risks associated with procuring specialized scientific equipment like this microscope?
Potential risks include technological obsolescence, where newer models with superior capabilities emerge shortly after purchase. There's also the risk of inadequate training leading to underutilization or improper operation, and the potential for unexpected maintenance or repair costs if a comprehensive service contract isn't secured. Furthermore, if the specific research needs evolve, the system's capabilities might become insufficient. The firm-fixed-price contract mitigates financial risk, but operational and technological risks remain.
Has the Department of Energy historically spent significant amounts on optical instruments or microscopy systems?
The Department of Energy, through its various national laboratories and research programs, consistently invests in advanced scientific instrumentation, including sophisticated microscopy and optical systems. Historical spending data would likely show substantial and recurring investments in such equipment to support cutting-edge research in fields like materials science, energy technologies, and fundamental physics. While this specific $110K award is modest in the context of large federal R&D budgets, it represents a typical procurement for essential, high-value research tools.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing › Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: GS07F-139CA
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Danaher Corporation
Address: 10 PARKWAY NORTH, DEERFIELD, IL, 60015
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $110,491
Exercised Options: $110,491
Current Obligation: $110,491
Actual Outlays: $110,491
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS07F139CA
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-08-20
Current End Date: 2026-01-15
Potential End Date: 2026-01-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-01
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