DoD Awards $14.7M Contract for Air Particle Detectors to Spectral Labs Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,742,195 ($14.7M)
Contractor: Spectral Labs Incorporated
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-09-30
End Date: 2026-03-31
Contract Duration: 2,374 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: IM-272A AIR PARTICLE DETECTOR
Place of Performance
Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92127
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $14.7 million to SPECTRAL LABS INCORPORATED for work described as: IM-272A AIR PARTICLE DETECTOR Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Spectral Labs Inc. for IM-272A Air Particle Detector. 2. Total contract value is $14,742,195.17. 3. Competition method was 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES'. 4. Contract duration is 2374 days, ending March 31, 2026. 5. The procuring agency is the Department of the Navy.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $14.7M for air particle detectors appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized equipment, though a direct comparison is difficult without specific technical requirements and market benchmarks for this particular model.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating an attempt to ensure fair pricing. However, the exclusion of sources suggests specific capabilities were required, potentially limiting the competitive pool and influencing price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are impacted by the $14.7M expenditure, with the expectation of receiving value for money through competitive procurement processes.
Public Impact
Ensures the Department of the Navy has critical air particle detection capabilities. Supports national defense readiness through advanced monitoring equipment. Potential for technological advancements in air quality monitoring. Economic impact through contract with Spectral Labs Inc.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 62 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition due to source exclusion
- Long contract duration may lead to price escalation risks
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized
- Firm fixed price contract type mitigates cost overrun risk
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on technological advancements and defense requirements. Benchmarks are difficult without more specific product details.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' method suggests a documented justification for the procurement approach, which would be reviewed during oversight.
Related Government Programs
- Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion
- Long contract duration increases risk of obsolescence or price changes
- Lack of small business participation
- Need for ongoing performance monitoring to ensure effectiveness
Tags
other-measuring-and-controlling-device-m, department-of-defense, ca, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $14.7 million to SPECTRAL LABS INCORPORATED. IM-272A AIR PARTICLE DETECTOR
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SPECTRAL LABS INCORPORATED.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $14.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-09-30. End: 2026-03-31.
What specific technical capabilities led to the exclusion of certain sources, and how did this impact the final price?
The exclusion of sources likely stemmed from highly specialized technical requirements for the IM-272A Air Particle Detector, such as specific sensitivity, detection range, or environmental resilience. This specialization may have narrowed the competitive field, potentially leading to a higher price than if a broader range of manufacturers could have competed. Further analysis would require access to the source selection documentation.
What is the projected cost-effectiveness of the IM-272A detector over its lifecycle compared to alternative solutions?
Assessing cost-effectiveness requires comparing the total cost of ownership, including maintenance, calibration, and potential upgrades, against the detector's performance and lifespan. Without data on alternative solutions or detailed lifecycle cost projections for the IM-272A, it's difficult to determine its cost-effectiveness. The firm fixed price nature of the contract helps control initial acquisition costs.
How will the performance and reliability of the IM-272A detector be monitored throughout the contract duration to ensure mission effectiveness?
Performance and reliability will be monitored through contract deliverables, acceptance testing, and potentially periodic reviews by the Department of the Navy. The firm fixed price contract incentivizes the contractor to deliver a functional product. However, ongoing monitoring and quality assurance by the government are crucial to ensure the detectors meet operational needs throughout their service life.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: N0016719R0020
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 15920 BERNARDO CTR DR, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92127
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $14,742,195
Exercised Options: $14,742,195
Current Obligation: $14,742,195
Actual Outlays: $749,927
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-09-30
Current End Date: 2026-03-31
Potential End Date: 2026-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-10-22
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